school days

We had some beautiful ones before the hospitalization, one of the loveliest back to school seasons of all.  I am grateful for that smooth start because it did get bumpy after. Our 'before" mornings were spent in the schoolroom which opens onto the patio and yard so the little girls could float between the two spaces.  Tess is a strong K4 this year however and very much enjoys her 'work' with us, particularly adding and adding and adding some more.  Brendan is reading and working through a strong mental math program.  

I moved between the bigger and smaller people as needed.  The boys bring  their assignments so I can do a quick lookover before they begin.  Then I return to the littles next lesson.  When they are finished I stopped and checked the boys' work and set them to the next thing. All in all it was a strong start.  

They have carried on during our harder weeks.  I watched a documentary in the hospital about kindergartens testing an ipad integration program.  We had been using educational app's during the older children's practices to great gain already.  I downloaded several more Montessori and other app's after the show and these have blessed tremendously, being portable and mess-free.  (can be done on the couch with mommy)

 Much as we wish to provide our children with a seamless, bump free existence, I have always felt it to be a more practical life skill to learn how to roll with the punches.  Life is more likely to bring those and we have to learn to adjust and thrive anyway, especially as Christians.  It seems once you desire to be more Christ-like He obliges by teaching you how to suffer just like He did. So we flex, we press on, some times one way, some times another, and we meet our goals. It is the blessing of learning together.

In the middle of all this another cool thing happened.  I was contacted by Barilla Pasta's Italian website wishing to feature our site and link to our family learning.  Some of these images can also be seen there. 

I hope your school year is moving along nicely despite whatever bumps you may have at your house. We all get something after all. : ) 

Comments

[Barbara]

I'm glad to see you back in the saddle. Darling pictures as usual. Hoping that your second transition is as easy as your first.

We are still having a tough transition. Noah started all-boy prep school after grades 1-8 at home. I very much underestimated the changes. Fortunately my days are easy with just Faith at home. The evenings, however, are very long as I help Noah with his needs.

Offering up my woes for you as you recover. ;-)

[Sarah]

I've been praying like mad for you here, Kim. So glad you are home and on the mend, slow as that may be.

Lovely photos, as usual. I'm seeing the great benefits of homeschooling in a way that can indeed carry on if Mama is down for the count. Relying on mom-heavy methods doesn't work so well long-term, does it? It sounds like your kids did a fabulous job of keepin-on-keepin-on while you were hospitalized. I'm sure they are thrilled to have you home.

[Barb]

Great news, you are feeling well enough to blog AND post it :) That is good progress for sure. And for bumps in the road? yup. We sure do all get them. And personally I think it benefits the kids to see a crisis handled well and have to step in and help for the good of the family unit. Life lessons, appropriate priorities, and all that stuff. Prayers for continued healing for you being offered.

[Tracey]

Kim- I just knew the kids would carry on while you were hospitalized. You have worked so hard to establish learning expectations that keep things moving in the right direction. Your photos are lovely. I know you all put a lot of hard work into education. It finally struck me recently that homeschooling is hard work. I know I have spent way too many days looking for an easy way and attempting to focus on blissful learning. But the hard truth of the matter is that an education should be work. And, as our children's teachers we have hard work to do as well. Primarily, we need to challenge and prepare our children- instead if setting up the expectation that life is easy and all fun and games. As you know, your wisdom on homeschooling is much needed and appreciated.

Praying for you and yours.

[Kristina]

You have had my prayers since Rebecca requested them on her blog. What Joy to discover a new post from you!

[Kim @Starry Sky Ranch]

Cultivation of any kind requires effort I think. What is that quote - the only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.

[Lisa]

Had to do this same kind of homeschooling rolling with the punches through the years with many bedrest pregnancies -- and found the same thing, I think. Unplanned hitches in the git-along are both humbling and empowering. You find out just what you can do -- and what you don't need to do. And you learn that surrender to God is the one thing that makes things run smoothly. In hindsight, we've seen, too, that all the years with very spotty schooling at times made absolutely no difference in the educational wholeness of the children -- except that, in addition to the academics and reading prowess, they also gained other essential skills -- maybe more essential than the three Rs: how to cookand clean, how to organize themselves, how to nurture others, how to roll with the punches. Many blessings, Kim. You guys rock. (And you continue to be in our prayers for a quick and complete recovery!)

[Donna Marie]

What new Montessori things are you up to? And how old is Tess? She can't be getting older...didn't you just make her birth announcement recently?? I am so glad you are feeling better!! {{{HUGS}}} to you and yours!!

[Sybille]

I wish you a beautiful and peaceful school year!

[Annelisa]

Dear Kim, So good to see you are home (and up to blogging about it), be assured of our continued thoughts and prayers as you recover. Glad to see all is "rumblin' and rollin' along" with priceless siblings as support the kids can get through anything! lovely pics as always and those "darling little girls" are growing SO quickly!! Just wondering what Montessori apps you have/ like to use with the little ones?

Annelisa