Brief Update!

Just a quick update.  We are almost to the end of our first official homeschool year!  Woohoo! 


This has been the best experience for our family.  Seriously.  I cannot even convey in words how much God has brought our family closer together through this. 
Both of the big kids have made big educational gains, and have become more independent throughout the year.  The baby has really gotten to bond with her big siblings, and that is something that just wouldn't have happened (at least not in the same way) if they were away at school. 

Thank you to all of you who have supported us through this journey.  And actually, thank you to those of you who haven't.  By challenging my abilities to home educate you also challenged my faith and have brought me closer to God, and closer to being the person I strive to be.  Patient, calm, and persistent. 

With only a couple weeks of school left, my current dilemma is this: The pages of our workbooks are running out!

That's good news, for sure. 

But I'm now really contemplating what's been working, and what hasn't.  Some subjects I'll just order the next level up, other subjects I may be looking for a different approach. 


For instance, math has gone well for both kids. But to get a better foundation for the little guy I think we will look into Math-U-See.  My oldest is doing excellent with Teaching Textbooks, so we will just move up to level 6 there. We finally found something that really works for her learning style.  Yes!    So I'll be doing that for each subject and trying to incorporate in more for our second year.
 
I've always had a passion for education, and I'm super excited about some upcoming conferences to help better equip me as a homeschool teacher.  If you're local (IOWA), check these out:


THIS THURSDAY, April 10th, Susan Barton, Dyslexia expert is giving a talk in West Des Moines.  I cannot wait to meet her!  If you are unable to make the conference, Check out this web-site for some valuable information.  This is good for anyone, not just homeschoolers.


May 15th-17th is the 2014 Homeschool Iowa Conference.  I've wanted to go for years, but it's just never worked out.    If it's God's will, I'll be there this year!