Each morning I wake my son up for school and he cries and begs not to go. I count the days until the end of the year.
I look forward to homeschooling in the fall,yet I know it won’t be easy. Some have been concerned about our decision because of the sacrifice it would be for me. I do understand the concerns and it will be a sacrifice. A sacrifice of my free time, of mental and emotional energy, and it will mean much more work for me. I think this has been a big part of my husbands hesitancy for us to make this decision. And it’s a legitimate concern. I know my limitations and with my ongoing struggle with depression, I know there will be tough roads ahead. But God is stronger than my weaknesses. In fact one of the many paradox’s in scripture is that when we are weak, then we become strong. (2 Cor 12:10) Our babysitter has asked to help out with our homeschooling and she will probably take over science for me which will be a big help.
We are going to practice doing homeschool this summer by doing a unit study on geology (a current interest of my son’s). I’m also hoping to taking him caving to get a first hand look at what we are studying. I don’t have an extra room to turn into a school room. I decided my best option is to turn my desk into a desk for my son to work on and if we need to spread out, we can use the kitchen table. My husband’s task is to find another place to move the fax machine-the huge monster that it is. I haven’t figured out where to hang all the posters, timelines and projects that I know we’ll have to find a hanging spot for. And I have no idea where I’m going to put all the things on my shelves and on my desk:) I’ve mentioned to my husband the other option is to turn our third bedroom into a school room. It currently functions as a guest room/office/playroom. It already has three jobs, why not add a new one? I also need to get advice from other homeschooling moms on good organizational ideas for all the papers, books, supplies, etc. Anyone have ideas to offer?
I’m planning on using My Father’s World curriculum. It’s a unit study based curriculum with a history focus. It was the closest I could find to what he is doing in his gifted class-all the work they do in class centers around their theme of the year, this year being world geography and cultures. I did find a gifted curriculum that is unity study based but decided to stick with one that is based on scripture instead. Stanford University has an interesting online program for gifted kids that I might explore with once we get into a groove. I found an art class to send him to once a week as well. My hope is to not get over involved in too many activities and keep a balance to our days.
Only six more weeks…
a great place to hang place would be on your sliding doors (i know i know)
you have HUGE slider doors and could do the ones closer to the computer and only go about half way up. if you have company you can semi shut the blinds to “hide” the work. also the slider in the multi-use room
i hang stuff on the inside of my cabinet doors as well.
i love using painters tape - so much better than sticky tack! YOU CAN DO IT!
“But God is stronger than my weaknesses. In fact one of the many paradox’s in scripture is that when we are weak, then we become strong. (2 Cor 12:10)”
What an amazing promise that God not only can work through our weaknesses, but does so that His glory shines all the brighter! And He chose the weak things over the strong… [sigh]. Praise God for choosing us and loving us and using us! Thanks for the reminder.
We are here to help you in any way possible and are always praying for you. I’m excited to see what God will do!
This is a HUGE task/committment ahead of you but one the can be done through the power of our Jesus! Oh yes! If He has convicted your heart then He won’t leave you!
I can’t wait to read about this journey!
I will also be homeschooling, but have another year to go before starting K-4. And, like you, I have fought with depression issues and hadn’t thought of it in that way before. It’s definitely something we need to keep on top of! I do look forward to starting to teach my little girl because she’s like a little sponge. Although, there are some days I’m sure we’ll both be sick of each other!
As for the issue with space and posters, when reading your blog I immediately thought of those things that walmart uses to let people view posters they want to purchase. It’s like a big book and you just turn the “pages”! Surely you could purchase one somewhere or fashion one of your own. Of course, it would depend on how many posters you’d need to hang at a time too. (And, it could come in handy to display artwork!)
MFW is a good curriculum.
I did it one year. If your tight on space but want to be mobile, what about one of those plastic rolly filing carts? You can hang as many or as few posters as you need/want. We haven’t used many in our journey (my oldest is soon to be 15). Just depends on you and your kid. You could make a notebook version of whatever it is you want a poster of if you want.
As far as depression, I deal with it as well. There will be bad days, yes, but know, too, that you can take it easy on those days. You have the flexibility.
Have fun with it! Good to see you at Ann’s.