We’re in a holding pattern in our homeschool lately, just doing our thing, looking toward the end of this school year and already anticipating next school year. We’ll be starting some of our next-year stuff this summer, as I’d really like to work gradually into more of a year-round schedule. More on that as I figure it out.
There are still, as always, things I’d like to be doing but we’re not. It’s not that we don’t have time, but we lack some of the good habits we need. I’m hoping with the fresh start of a fresh year, I’ll be able to get everyone set on better schedules and habits. A lot of thought and prayer right now about exactly HOW to accomplish that.
Technology is handy: Kathryn uses the YouVersion Bible app on my iPhone to look up verses for her daily Bible study.
Lindsey has been applying for jobs at a few nearby places, and we’re hoping she’ll hear something good back soon. She needs to start making (and learning to save) money, and we’re requiring a part-time job as part of her increasing responsibilities. She’d also like to have a car one of these days, and there are not currently any fairy car-godmothers around, so a job would be handy for that sort of thing — even though we’ll be the ones driving her hither and thither for a while. For the record, even if there was a fairy godmother around, we believe earning at least a large portion of the money for a car is the best way to make sure she appreciates it!
I’ve haven’t yet shared more of the why’s and our plans for Lindsey coming back home for school after she finishes out this year of public school, mostly because I didn’t want things to change again after I wrote about them, but it’s looking like this is what we’ll be doing. So, more on that soon. I’m busy wrapping my brain around it all right now.
Holocaust Remembrance Day — or Yom HaShoah — was on Thursday, so it began the evening before, as Jewish holidays do. We attended a remembrance service at a messianic synagogue Wednesday night. Mostly this consisted of various readings from survivors of the holocaust. What those people went through (mostly Jews, but not all) is truly beyond comprehension. Let us not forget how easily evil can spring up and grow; all it takes is for people to stand idle by, refusing to speak about it, hoping it will go away.
Kathryn made this tile in the kid-friendlier version of the Holocaust service.
This week, Kathryn made a duct tape wallet for her step-brother’s birthday present. She’s also been working hard on finishing up a nifty knitted scarf because next week is her last day of enrichment classes for the year, and she needs the teacher’s help on the final steps for the scarf. We still want to learn to knit without looms, and I’m hoping to have time (and brain power) to do that over the summer.
Lacy is cute. There’s no other reason for this photo. She spends most of her day lounging in the bed because she is a lazy spoiled bum of a dog. But the greyhound in her makes her a rather regal-looking bum — and she is the smartest home educated dog I know.
I’m linking up this week with Kris’ Weekly Wrap Up and Sue’s “A Homeschool Mother’s Journal.”
Wife, mama, homeschooler, dog-wrangler. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and personal trainer. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
We are getting anxious for the end of the school year around here as well. Though there are so many homeschool and church activities in the next two weeks it just may be a blur…Sounds like you are sorting out and figuring out important things. You are a great example of doing that – reflections at the end of the year and on the starts of a new one – a holding pattern describes that well. Love that wonder dog and using technology for homeschool! (hooray on the duct tape wallet too – what a great idea for a gift!)
Your dog is cute :). I’m glad I’m not the only one knee deep in planning for next year, best of luck figuring it all out!
Jamie, I wish I’d known about Holocaust Remembrance Day. After seeing the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and recently watching the movie “Defiance” with Himself (not child-friendly), I’ve been more mindful of that horror.
After our week of testing, I’m looking forward to getting back to our regularly-scheduled homeschool and counting the days (silently, of course!) til summer. We’re going to have some readings that carry on and I’ve also decided to continue with some sort of math and nature study; but it will be a break nonetheless. We’re all ready!
Oh, I forgot! I just joined Twitter (I’m slow that way) and am following you!
Hi Jamie, looks like a great week! What Bible study is Kathryn doing? I’ve been wanting my sons to start something like that . . . they will be in 4th and 2nd grades next year. 🙂
Erin,
It’s a study from Lamp & Quill. She does this one completely independently. They have several different levels to choose from. Not sure yet if we’ll continue with it next year, but we have liked it.
I really like your approach to this. Sometimes when I read through weekly updates I end up feeling bad about what we didn’t accomplish, but I like how you lay it out, highlight a few things and talk about life as well as homeschool 🙂
Thanks, Teresa! Even on the weeks we didn’t do that much, it still feels like too much to type out in a post. And too repetitive from week to week. Frankly, I get kinda bored reading those kinds of posts so I try to keep it a little less boring. 😉
Stopping by from HMJ… your dog is very regal-looking indeed. 😎 I love that kids can look up Scripture on their iPhones now. So handy!
Sounds like it was a good week. We’re anticipating the end of the school year too, and also planning to try year-round school next year. Good luck trying to switch over.
Yes, Christy, we’ll see how it goes!!
We too are eagerly anticipating summer and next year’s school work. I just mentioned this on my blog yesterday, but why does the next year’s work always seem more exciting than what you are finishing out the year with right now? I admire your dedication to making sure your daughter gets to everything at her father’s synagougue!! What a great mom… I really enjoy reading your blog and following your family!
Hi. I just starting following you recently. I am wondering what you use for a Bible curriculum ? i teach 4th grade in a small Christian school and am wondering if it is something I could use with my students. Thanks. Have a blessed weekend.
Brenda,
It would probably work for a small group/class, too. This study is from Lamp & Quill and Kathryn does it independently. They have several different levels to choose from. Not sure yet if we’ll continue with it next year, but we have liked it.
We are getting anxious for the end of the year but usually lasts only a month and we start getting our curriculum and want to dig in again 🙂
adorable puppy!
Mrs. A,
Funny how that works, isn’t it? But one of the fun parts of homeschooling, I think! 🙂
It is! I love new beginnings! And it is that love of new beginnings that keeps me from getting stuck in a rut. I’ve learned to change if it’s not working:) The beauty of homechooling! what am I to do when they get to old?