This post contains an affiliate link to Christianbook.com
It’s hard to believe it’s been so long since I wrote a post. I have a few half-written in my draft folder, and don’t seem so pertinent anymore! But, as always, I want to keep writing about this journey we are on, and what better way to write about the term that has just been.
Where We Are At
This year began our eighth year homeschooling. Incredible. In New Zealand, this means our eldest is in Year 8 – the second year of intermediate school, and last year before high school. He is young for his age though, and only turned 12 in March, so I hold these grades loosely. Our daughter Rosalie is turning 11 soon, and is in Year 6, which is the last year of primary school (before intermediate).
How the Year Began
We began very, very slowly! We had such a lovely, lovely summer holiday time that none of us wanted it to end. So even after schools had started here, we were still in summer mode and enjoying that freedom. By the end of February, we were ready to get going again, so we loosely began routines and picked up things we had been doing at the end of last year.
My health, however, was a struggle during the term and it really only felt that we had got going in the last few weeks. This was okay, and part of God’s plan for us, but it meant that I kept the kids going for one week of the school holidays (much to Josiah’s chagrin!).
Curriculum Changes
We started okay with the things we had been doing last year, but it didn’t feel like we were doing enough each day – especially with Josiah nearing high school. Though we were still having time together, they each had their own workbooks for different subjects, and it just didn’t feel like the family style learning that I love.
So, near the end of the term, I moved us back to Gather ‘Round Homeschool. We have always thrived with their unit studies and the way in which I structure them with read alouds and videos. We have been using GRH since the beginning of 2020, and God really used it to cement learning and growth and togetherness in our homeschool when we were really struggling.
The Africa unit was the first unit we ever did when the children were 5 and 6, and we started it again. It has been an absolutely joy and has brought back such a good rhythm to our mornings. We are now spending 2-2.5 hours every day, as well as math.
At the beginning of the year, I switched both children to Teaching Textbooks and it has been the best decision. I am just not capable of teaching or helping with math, and this way it is all done for me. I am able to keep track of what the children are doing (as in, grades for each lesson) and see the progress as they go along. I highly recommend using this curriculum!
Activities
This year Rosalie started Girls Brigade and it has been just the very best thing for her. She is such a social girl and loves the variety of games and activities that GB offers. It’s a beautiful company, and while the weather was warm they did lots of outdoor activities like kayaking, skateboarding, and biking.
Josiah did another term of tennis and did so well that he was selected to join the winter training sessions to prepare him for summer competitions. We were so surprised and very proud! (I feel bad because I have never actually gone and watched him! The club is right across the road and at dinner time, so it was always too awkward to watch!)
They have both been loving homeschool sports every Wednesday. And Josiah has Youth Group at church, too.
Mother’s Journal
Last year I really had to process that we were half way through our homeschooling journey. It hit me quite hard because it’s not just homeschooling I am half way through, but mothering itself. Of course, I will always be a mother – but the season where I am needed, where it is my daily vocation to love and serve them – it’s half over. It caused a lot of soul searching about the decades to come. God is good though, and He has been working in my heart about it all.
One way He helped me was to motivate me to finish this journey well. To be faithful, consistent, and present. To take each day and live our life together with joy and intention. I have our plans for this year printed out, and I have a document open to record thoughts for Josiah’s first year of high school and Rosalie’s first year of intermediate. I also got Carrie’s book Homeschool High School to help me think about the years ahead and where I hope we are going.
A Heart for Homeschooling 
Leave a comment