Wrapping Up The Year::2010-2011

I have to say, it is daunting to think about wrapping up an entire year.

We began the year with:

1. Trying to focus more on "little kid stuff" for James (7yo at the beginning of the year). It is always a battle to make sure the youngest (in a family of "older kids") does not get lost in the shuffle. I tried to think back to what his brothers were doing just a few short years ago. I do not want James to get cheated.

In an effort to keep this commitment, I joined the Picture Book Challenge. As it turns out, all 3 boys are enjoying most of the books we read. James also enjoyed the weekly Lego Challenge- we slacked off on that, but if it is up and running next school year, we will join back in. We have also spent a lot of time at our local petting zoo, and tried to leave plenty of "free time" for play.

James loves the baby Capybaras

2. Erin started "school" (as in school not with me). A local church hosts a Friday program for homeschoolers. This program allows high school students to take Spanish, writing, biology and more. It was a good experience for Erin, and one that I was pleased with as well. I have looked at many programs in the past, and this is the first one that I felt truly fit with our homeschooling philosophy.

3. I started a geography class with a group of friends and family. This was a great experience for me. I have always wanted to give this a try and I can say I did it! We won't continue with geography next year, but I hope to incorporate other learning activities in with our Spanish co op that I host at my house once a week (I don't teach the Spanish class).

4. Made the commitment to do "weekly wrap-ups". These can be dry sometimes, but they help me. Some weeks seem like a waste- I can't imagine how we got to the end of the week and accomplished so little. A wrap-up makes me sit down and think about we what we did accomplish. Or, if we did not actually accomplish anything, what events or activities took place that we enjoyed and learned through. This led me to keep a learning journal as well. It is a bit sporadic, but I try and keep a notebook on the desk and jot down what we do during the day- not in detail.

Along the way:

1. We have had a few fabulous field trips.

That would be Mark petting a shark!

2. Made/drew some fun art projects.

3. Tried to stick to some semblance of a routine.


4. Attempted to keep a good attitude.

The year ended with:

Some ups and downs. A dear, dear friend and fellow homeschool mom passed away in May. There really are no words to explain how that has effected all who knew her. Then there was my daughter, Erin, graduating! I am still slightly in shock over this, but we are happy for her that she is ready to take on the world. If you are interested in reading a major mommy brag about her, you can visit here. And, James (8 now!) made his first communion. I have a lump in my throat just writing this... that is the thing with homeschooling. It does not happen in a vacuum. Our lives are our homeschool.

                                        

Now I am left to ponder next year. I don't worry as much about curriculum as I do about focus. By that I mean, what is the overall goal for next year? Do we want to get more involved in our community, make changes in how we prioritize our time, have our household run more efficiently... our children be kinder people? Once we decide on a focus, then we decide how we might make that happen.

I am linking this wrap-up to Jen's at Forever, For Always, No Matter What.  Drop by and visit Jen's lovely blog!

Also joining in at No Ordinary Blog Hop for June.

And, at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers.