After ending school in early May in preparation for our move from El Paso to Virginia, we were ready to get back to work on our studies.
I always plan to start our new homeschool year in early August because it affords us more flexibility throughout the year and an early end date. I typically shoot to finish school before our family birthday season begins at the end of May.
For our first day of school photos this year, I decided to use a letterboard I received in my latest Fab Fit Fun box. I used the letters to write out “first day of _th grade” with the school year and then swapped out a 9, 7 and 4 for the grade. It worked perfectly!!!
Today I’m sharing with you our photos from our first year of school and some random thoughts on homeschooling that are swirling around my brain. I’ll be back to share our curriculum choices for this year.
My oldest girls, MC and EA, are in the 9th grade this year. That means we are beginning our homeschool through high school journey. It feels as if I should be more scared by this than I am.
I have seen a lot of our homeschool friends and peers return to public school because of the pressure of homeschooling through high school. The number of homeschoolers at this age has definitely dwindled.
There are many reasons for that, for some, it is just the fact that the mere thought of educating high schoolers is scary and intimidating. For others, moms are burned out at this point and ready to move on to something else. But it’s never a matter of one simplistic reason. I’m sure there are a variety of reasons that are unique to each family that makes this decision.
For me, and for our family, I’m viewing this as simply the next step in our journey. I’ve always schooled my children at home. I ordered my first set of books for my girls when they were just three years old. The expectations I have for them and that they have set for themselves have increased each year, as they should. High school classes and requirements are just the next logical and necessary phase of our journey. It is one that we are ready for and one that I am confident they are prepared for.
Will is going into seventh grade this year, which is equally as hard to believe as my girls going into high school. He has really stepped it up in terms of the work he is doing this year. I am constantly so proud of his positive attitude in life. He is one of the most resilient kids I know. And he has the best sense of humor ever.
At breakfast yesterday morning, he commented on how lucky they all were to be doing school at home because they don’t have to deal with things like grouchy principals, yucky cafeteria food or bullies on the playground. I’m thankful that he sees the benefits of homeschool.
And my little mini-me, Jenny, is going into fourth grade this year. This girl brings so much joy into our family…she is full of light and love. She loves school and tells me often how much she loves to learn. I love sitting with her on the couch reading books and talking about her day.
We had a special breakfast to celebrate our first day of school yesterday morning and we’re planning a trip to Sweet Frog for frozen yogurt on Friday afternoon to celebrate a fantastic first week!
We are starting a new homeschool co-op in September. I’m excited about the opportunities we’re going to have there to make new friends and gain new experiences. It will be a weekly co-op where the kids will take three classes and have opportunities to take part in after school clubs as well.
Here’s to a successful year of learning and growing together!