As always, way to much time in between posts. I keep making new promises to myself, kinda like the New Years ones, but I actually have the intention of keeping these...kinda like the New Years ones....hmmmm, kinda cliche. Anyhow, I am attempting to school Grayson and we have made it through two weeks with some regularity and I have to say that he has climbed on board. (This is not to say that we haven't been learning each day throughout the school year) Its not that he wasn't on board before, but it wasn't happening how I had imagined. I have discovered something wonderful...consistency, that's not to say that we won't fall off the boat, but I am hopeful and prayerful that we will continue on this trend. We are getting into some sort of school routine. For the most part, it takes place in the morning for about an hour to an hour and a half. We have a time of morning devotional (he has recently started to look up the verses with some help which is so cool...he is navigating through the Word) We do some reading, he reads to me, I read to him, we have a grand old time with it. We hang out and attempt some mathematics, which I am quickly discovering is his strong suite. I truly believe that he is thinking in numbers...kinda like Keanu Reeves in the Matrix...what other child is so interested in mile markers and exit signs along the freeway. Please let me know if yours is, I would be thrilled to have coffee with you. We then spend some time crafting the art of writing. At this time he is making letters and really having a wonderful time discovering just how many ways he can make the letter "m" I am finding that it really does take some practice, but I am also figuring out that the practice can take place over a long period of time. Like number writing for example...He loves math, as I have said, but crafting the numbers with a pencil takes practice and I could sense the frustration mounting daily as he would begin to practice a row of threes. By the time the row was complete, he had no interest in completing the addition problems (which he knew the answers to) because his hand had had it. His mind was able, but his hand was weak. So we only write a couple of threes now and move onto the addition problems with excitement. The reality is, he is going to write threes for the rest of his life...with practice over a longer period of time, he will get good at it. We also go on adventures throughout the week, He has just completed his first set of swimming lessons. It is nice to see his legs straight in the water instead of bicycling for dear life. His teacher was incredible and I believe that he is looking forward to the next batch of lessons to begin in January. He has also started ice skating with a home school group. The first week led to many falls, but by week two, I am happy to report that his bottom met the ice half as many times. We are also going to begin a theater type group in January. They will be exploring African traditions, stories, and a few other things.
So, for the time being, homeschooling is going well. I never know what each day holds for us, but I have to say it has been an incredible gift to be able to spend this quality time with my son. He is so animated, gifted, energetic, and hungry (for food and knowledge) He is learning even when I am not teaching and continuously asking questions. He retells stories that we have read in his own words, he has his own ideas about what would be good in ice cream, and he wonders how things work...all things. He is joy to be with.
As for other things, we are gearing up to travel to Ohio for the holidays. It is a much anticipated trip as Randy is really excited to have some time off to wind down and just relax from the rigors of the school year. He is still chugging away at his thesis (draft number 11 is in the works) I am planning to bake several batches of cookies tomorrow for the neighbors and all of those folks that help us from day to day. I think I am attempting to live the Little House on the Prairie life style in a busy world, but I am OK with that.
Take care friends.