Though we just started school, meaning actual book work, last week, we had about a month's worth of school in already. 4-H science related projects, project book work, posters, research and Fair work really comprise a lot of our summer. It's definitely a perk of homeschooling that that and their other interests can be integrated into and built upon in their whole education.
The Blossoms squeezed in a trip to Grammie's house right before we started school. They returned and we hit the ground running. They seemed to slide right back into the school routine, like throwing on their favorite pair of comfy crocs. I was relieved, to say the least. Perhaps we've hit a groove over the last few years in understanding how to juggle the demands of multiple grade levels. However, our first week was quickly hijacked when all four girlies came down with a nasty cold. Many times I assign work to girlies on the couch; it's yet another perk of homeschooling. You may be too sick to "go to school," but in this school, you can still do a lot of school when you're not feeling 100%.
Not so last week!
We opted for rest and they recovered quickly. We were then able to enjoy the holiday weekend with the usual micro farm work, a family get-together, purchasing rabbit supplies at a show, getting a little reorganization done in the house, grilling and heading to the Lake for a swim. Now we're settling back into the rhythm again.
It's been exciting to see Blossom4 embracing her official Kindergartner role. We seem to have picked right back up where we left off in May. I truly enjoy being an integral part of their learning journey. The victories are so much more meaningful when you sloughed through the muck with them.
When I reflect on the bumpier moments of our school days, I realize that much of the harder times are character issues surfacing. Sure, most of us would rather not have crying or whining over a school subject, but it's really not much different than the crying or whining you might hear from your kid when you tell them to clean their room or stop sitting on their sister's head. It's a character issue either way. When it comes down to it, I'm thankful I get to be the one to tackle it with them and I'm hopeful that we're forging strong character day by day.
