In past years, we have been fortunate to find some wonderful teachers at good schools, but this year our favorite charter school cut their middle school program. We always have a dilemma during 9th grade (the limbo year, after the charter school terminates and before high school offerings kick in); this year homeschooling started early for Emma, who is in eighth grade. Does she miss her friends? She does need more associations with other girls, but some of her need is met with her older sisters, who are 16 and 20, and their friends.
Why bring Peter and Thomas along? Peter is a sixth-grader and there are offerings for him at the school, but we have noted some needs and have often felt we could help him better at home. We removed him from his class partway through the school year, last spring. Peter has life-science interests (particularly in botany, fish, birds and reptiles) and he loves to cook. Right now he is making squash bread from scratch.Thomas is a rambunctious and enthusiastic third-grader, who would probably do well wherever he went. We kept him home this year so he would not miss out on the field trips we take! He also has mentioned some of the friends from school that he misses, but he also has a lot of opportunities for his imaginative play. Thomas is very diligent with assignments and he follows directions well. He is a joy to have around.
It has been a great year, so far! In addition to our regular studies, we have had many adventures together: we have gone hiking and explored the formations inside a cave; we have gone camping together and were invaded by raccoons, we have been swimming and regularly had the pool to ourselves; we have repeatedly visited museums and the zoo; we have even taken a week to visit Grandma in Oregon. Now we are publishing the essays we are writing for our assignments.We are enjoying the journey together -- and we invite you to come along.
Photos from sxc.hu. Used with permission.
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