Second Semester Startup

It is weird reading all the posts on Facebook about kids going back to school tomorrow. Or friends getting ready to go back to work. Parents getting ready for the morning rush.

And I, sitting here on my couch, am wondering what time my first grader will rise tomorrow? Do I have anything properly planned? Should I do it now, or in the morning while she calmly eats her breakfast? Do I need to sharpen her pencils now or later? Will we do school in the morning or afternoon? Will we even get dressed tomorrow?

Oh yes, homeschool definitely has it's benefits! :)

I do have a bit of "buyer's remorse" in all this, Christmas break doesn't end with my child leaving for the day.

But as I look at our adventure in homeschooling this year, I am growing in confidence in my parenting. Don't get me wrong, five out of seven days a week I feel defeated and like a screw up. LOL But that Monday and Tuesday, I sure feel like a winner!!

Homeschooling my daughter means I get to spend more time with her. Listen to her. Encourage her. Be a part of her educational process more intimately. And experience all over again those moments she gets it. I get to see her light bulb light up. I get to see the look of accomplishment on her face.

Do I ever wish she was in a traditional school setting? Of course, but only so much as that she could have a break from me. I know I'm not always pleasant.

Does holiday break end here? Mmmmm not really! We are always on a holiday break it seems. We do things on our own time, how we see fit. We don't worry about a specific time schedule, although, a schedule always works itself out because of convenience.

Tomorrow we have math, social studies (Penguin study), language arts, and reading. She also has xcountry skiing (PE).

Here's to the start of second semester .. for ALL kids! :)

EDIT: I realize that Penguins might not seem like "Social Studies" more like Life Science .. but we are actually studying the Arctic: Geography, cultures, life there, and animals. :) Penguins are part of Antarctica life. :)