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| This has been one crazy year for us! We got off to a bit of a rough start and I had a difficult time getting myself together after that rough start. I am sure it won't be the last crazy year we have. Without a doubt, the content that we studied this year for 2nd and 4th grade was outstanding! We LOVED Martin's curriculum guide this year and all the amazing books we read together as we did an overview of world history. We studied American History with Aaron and he really enjoyed it! He also discovered how much he loves to read. He has read several of the Chronicles of Narnia books this year and is slowly working his way through all of them. (I read the first 3 out loud to both Martin and Aaron and got them hooked!) We've only just dabbled in Kindergarten with Jonathan. He can read pretty well considering that we haven't done anything consistently all year. He is so ready to be able to read like his big brothers! Rosalie and Jonathan became best friends this year. I spend several hours each morning pouring over the books with my older two and that has caused my younger two to bond. They will fight like normal siblings, but they have truly developed a friendship that makes my heart happy. Martin will finish the 4th grade this Friday. Aaron will finish 2nd grade on Tuesday. We plan to take the month of July off and then start K, 3rd, and 5th grade in August. I have struggled a great deal this year in my homeschooling journey. I've had many moments over the past year that were filled with tears and despair. My heart's desire is to have my children at home with me and to share in all aspects of their learning, growing, and developing. However, I struggle deeply with feeling inadequate at being able to do so. The older Martin gets, the harder it has become to teach certain lessons. I doubt my abilities to continue on this path without driving myself and everyone around me crazy. Then I take a deep breath and calmly meditate on the words of Scripture that can be found in Philippians chapter 4:6-9
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things arepure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Praise God for another school year, lots of learning, lots of bonding, and a much needed month long break! |
Holland Happenings
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Final Week of the 2011-2012 School Year
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I'm always so blessed to read of your homeschooling journey, and really appreciate your honesty. How true that we do not need to be anxious, but can trust in God!! Hurray for a successful year! :)
ReplyDeleteJessica
I am also encouraged by your posts and honest homeschooling experiences. It is blessing to be on this journey with other Moms! Thanks, Jessica!
DeleteCongratulations on finishing up another year!!! Enjoy your summer break! You deserve it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tara! I look forward to hearing about all of your adventures in Kindergarten!
DeleteYou persevered and ended on such a great note! Have lots of fun recuperating this summer!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda! I appreciate your encouraging reply!
DeleteHurray for the last week! I know it was a hard start for you, but with God's help you did it!!
ReplyDeleteDo reflect on those passages. You are able to teach your children even as they get older.
Did you know that my mom, who homeschooled my brothers and me, was a high school dropout because she got married at 17? She did get her GED,though. If she can do it, I know that you can!! :)
ENJOY this break from school!
I will definitely enjoy it ... while also preparing for our next school year! I know that there is no diploma or degree that could make me any more equipped to teach my children at home. I definitely have moments of weakness throughout each school year which bring me down and make me feel as though I cannot do it for even one more day - but by God's grace I am able to move past those moments and focus on the big picture. I desire to train up children who love the Lord with all their hearts, soul, and mind and love others as themselves. I love having them with me day in and day out. I am also thankful for friends who are walking this road with me!
DeleteLarissa,
ReplyDeleteWe finished last week and it has been a much needed breath of fresh air. I think at the stage we are in: adding more students and content to our burden each year, the schooling takes more and more out of us. The committment level is ever rising and daunting. Thus, the break is that much sweeter!
I keep coming back to this one thought: God gave us our children to teach day in and day out because He gave us the specific capabilities, shortcomings, and tendencies that will perfectly suit OUR children (assuming we seek His assistance and will). And with His grace, we will equip them all for adult lives that honor Him!
Blessings on some relaxing summer sun!
Heather
Thanks for the sweet reply, Heather. His grace is sufficient!
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