Livin' Life

I miss my blog. And I have soooo much to say. But, alas, no time to say it.

Yesterday, though, I read the following passage in one of my favorite books, Understood Betsy. I love the book so much that this is my fourth time reading it. This time to EG. And the neat part is, I was reading this book to NG when she was 7. Right before EG was born. And the even neater thing is, I loved the main character soooo much that I named my baby girl after her.

Anyway, here is the passage:

This time Elizabeth Ann didn't answer, because she herself didn't know what the matter was. But I do, and I'll tell you. The matter was that never before had she known what she was doing in school. She had always thought she was there to pass from one grade to another, and she was ever so startled to get a glimpse of the fact that she was there to learn how to read and write and cipher and generally use her mind, so she could take care of herself when she came to be grown up.

So, the passage struck me in a very profound way yesterday. I have been struggling with the continued idea of homeschooling. It is hard and time consuming with little encouragement. But, that passage sums up why I probably chose to homeschool again this year. I don't want my kids to just learn for learning sake or to recite facts or to pass tests or even to progress to the next level. I want my kids to learn so they can use their minds! So that they can love learning. So that they can completely and thoroughly take care of themselves when the become grown ups! It isn't about a grade or a test score or even a recitation of mere facts. It is a process that we use to become engaging, competent and interesting and contributing human beings to society. Schooling is a process that appeals to the heart, soul, mind and body of a child. The passage was much needed encouragement from one of my most favorite books!

So, that is why I included these pictures too. School isn't just about learning for us right now. We practice loving and serving along with learning. We fill our minds but our hearts too. With the sweetness of what life is for us. Today.

So, today, we homeschool . . .

Smartie Pants

So, I finally have had time to go into my email for FLVS. It is the virtual school that NG is using to learn Latin. She really wanted to learn Latin and we have tried a thing or two at the house but it just wasn't working. So, we thought we would give our state virtual school a shot.

I was terrified. She actually gets a grade that is permanent. As a homeschool mom, I always "worry" that my kids are measuring up. Most of the time I really don't care. BUT, when there is an actual grade involved, given by someone other than me, it is a little daunting. Especially for the very first time.

The computer is a mystery to me so I knew I would not be any help whatsoever. And I was right. When I talked with the teacher for our very first conference she asked if I had any questions. I very honestly told her "I did not" because I was CLUELESS. NG would ask me occasional questions and I was able to give a little guidance. But she literally was on her own for everything and I let the teacher know because I didn't want it to count against her. The teacher assured me, based on what she saw, that NG was doing fine. Just fine. In fact, she mentioned that she wished all her students did so well.

Well, I got her finally grade the other day and it was an A. Not just an A but a 95% in Latin. Her first time with a "class" so to speak. She is a great student. She reads books everyday that are college level. She is honest and tells me she doesn't always like them, but she gets them. She doesn't shirk her work. And honestly, with teaching 4, she could totally get away with not doing stuff.

Anyway, I am proud of her. She is a fabulous student and I love teaching her and being very involved in her journey. She will definitely be a student for life. While eating ice cream the other night she was reading through a fictional History book she has read already. Can't argue with that.

Now for semester number two. We will see if she can keep it up . . .