Homeschool Beginnings (Then and Now . . .)

Suffice it to say, I am a little behind on blogging, but since this is the only record of our lives these days (oh how sad!) I am going to back it up and write a few posts that should have been written months (technically years ago now) . . .

Since we've just begun our second semester of homeschooling studies, what better time than to write about the "First Day of School" back in August?!?  (Don't answer that question all you sarcastic smarty pants out there!)

Every year I eagerly anticipate the beginning of homeschooling only a little less than I anticipate the end of it.  For me, the best part of homeschooling is what happens between the end of one year and the beginning of the next--that is the ordering and organizing of materials.  (Sorry, remember I am writing this post in the middle of the homeschool year!)  However, this year I was especially excited to begin our studies as I felt completely prepared for the first. time. ever.

I wanted the first day to be something special and inspiring in order to set the tone for the weeks to come.  So, we had a "kitchen table pep rally"  complete with giant pom poms and streamers hanging from the ceiling.  Nathanael was our motivational speaker who shared some words on our theme verse Proverbs 8:10-11 which we have  kept visible throughout the year:

"Choose my instructions instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies and nothing you desire can compare"

Nathanael and I shared special letters we had written to each boy sharing some thoughts and prayers about their unique gifts.  I gave them new binders with our "school motto" (We learn not for school but for life) printed on the cover page and a pencil case filled with brand new school supplies and a couple special treats.  We ate a special breakfast and spent time talking about our hopes, dreams, and goals for this school year and then began the work of accomplishing them.

This year has been a wonderful year of learning and being together at home--even with all the usual challenges of trying to teach one's own children.  As always, I think I learn much more than the children, but that is one of the perks of being on this journey together.  I'm looking forward to the second part of this year living life and learning together.

At the end of our first week, we celebrated with homemade doughnuts on Saturday morning . . . a perfect way to end the week for both teacher and students.

"Afro Circus . . ."