Three Weeks "Under our Belt"

Well, we can now say that we've done at least three weeks worth of home schooling. And the verdict is... that we like it, so far! It's proving to be very flexible, such wonderful bonding time and a great opportunity to help Penny at her level and challenge her in the areas she needs some help in, but in increments. The idea of throwing her into mainstream classes, when she wasn't ready, was like taking a child who hasn't learned all of the steps involved in swimming and throwing them into the deep end and saying, "Try your best!" It was not working for her. So, now we're starting out slowly and helping her to gain confidence in the things that she does know and gradually building on them. So far, one of my favorite websites include the Pathways website, great free curriculum planning for busy, working moms. I also love the aaa.math.com site as well as abcteach.com I'm LOVING all of the resources at our library. I love the Magic Tree House books with their supplemental non-fiction books on historical topics. She's already been able to go on one field trip with our neighbor lady and her kids.
She visited the Recycle Center at the "Garbage Garage". And the last two days we've modified the home schooling plans, as she's been fighting a stomach bug. Again, love the flexibility! Penny's been able to meet with other kids at church for youth group on Wednesday night and they've been practicing for their musical every Sunday afternoon for three hours. This Sunday she went over to her friend's Chinese church to join their Chinese New Year's celebration. But, unfortunately, she couldn't enjoy much of the food, as her stomach was starting to bother her. We're doing a lot of reading and writing for our home schooling, as that's an area where Penny has plenty of room for growth. And we're using a Science curriculum that I feel comfortable with teaching, especially because it's from a Creationist perspective. Even in her Math we're having her write some about what she's been learning in a journal. I think she's already starting to gain a little more independence and confidence in her own ability. I know that creative writing is hard for her. But, I'm so proud of her progress, already. Jay and I have already attended our first ever home schooler's association meeting. There someone told me that we'd be amazed by how quickly we'd see growth and progress while home schooling. I believe I can already see that, even though it's been less than a month. We'll let you know how things are going next month.