Camp Clark started homeschooling in mid-September and LTD are having a great time learning, so far, while Ms. Mommy is learning a whole new dimension of "patience". My goodness, it makes me appreciate even more the important and challenging role of our teachers. Hats off to all educational professionals - they deserve alot more $$$. Somebody at my church who is a Sunday School teacher once told me that the influence parents have on our young children is profound and the single most important role God gave us is being their teacher. That is one of the main reasons why I took on this challenge; the second reason being $$. After researching 3-4 preschools, I was amazed by the cost of it for only 2 days/week (2-1/2 hrs each day) considering the basic cirriculums offered. I thought to myself, why spend that kind of money on things we are already doing, and then some? Instead, I consulted with other moms who homeschool that I respect and admire wholeheartedy and they referred me to some excellent online resources that help me with our weekly cirriculum. It has been very positive and truly lots of fun for all of us. Daddy even steps in and offers his math expertise from time to time, although he can get a little "above" their heads at times. (example: you are 3.8 years old vs. 3-1/2 or almost 4). Huh?
Our focus for the school year is on phonics and the alphabet (letter of the week), music and singing, story time, counting, colors and shapes, arts and crafts, field trips and time outside with nature, the calendar and days of the week, the US of America and the world (via maps and the globe), telling time, and most importantly, all about God. The above photos show them being mini-Picassos painting at the easel and getting ready at their desks for some tracing/cutting activities.
I have gained a huge sense of accomplishment and pride when I ring the school bell and see them come running up the stairs to their "classroom" with wide grins from ear to ear. It just melts my heart!!
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