“In a word, the function of eloquence in teaching is not to make people like what was once offensive, or to make them do what they were loth to do, but to make clear what was hidden from them”
St. Augustine
Every year, around this time, I look back and think “we survived”. Another homeschool year down.
By God’s grace, we have completed 4th and 1st grade. There were many lessons learned, for both the boys and I. And I am so grateful for another year that I am privileged to teach and train my boys. Here are a few things I learned this year,
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I learned that teaching two students and occupying a toddler and baby are best done with prepared activities. The Busy Bags I collected from our swap last year were a big help in keeping my toddler occupied. -
I learned to be realistic about how much we were able to do. I would have loved to teach Spanish, typing, Latin, drawing, etc. but I was aware of how little and precious my time was. We spent time with the key subjects and doing them well instead of trying to squeeze in as much in as possible.
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I learned that it is helpful to combine as many of the subjects as possible. We worked on Bible memory and study, history and our Classical Conversations memory work together. That freed up more of my individual teaching time.
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I learned to let go of the idea that my house would be perfectly in order, that my meals would be perfectly planned or that I would have perfectly planned school days. I succumb to what each new day presented and trusted that God would supply my strength and needs for that day. This one was HARD for me. I love an ordered house, tasty meals on the table and a well run school day. That’s not always reality! In fact, that is rarely the norm. There were sick kids (and mom), needs from friends that we wanted to meet, unexpected field trips or play dates and so on. That was my greatest challenge this year, schooling in the midst of life, not putting it on hold because of school. I pray God will help me with this task even more so next year.
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Perhaps most of all, I learned what Paul meant when he said “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 It was a rough year in general, abnormally so. I felt weak and tired, most of the time. As I look back and celebrate all we’ve learned and accomplished this year, I know it was because Christ’s grace and strength kept me. It is my hope that He will do the same next year as we look forward to 5th grade, 2nd grade and preschool (with a toddler in the mix)!
Now if you’ll excuse me, we’re off to have some fun for the summer!
