Throughout our time on the road and in Colorado and Texas I was constantly pointing out different things, asking questions and talking about all the neat things that we were able to see and experience. Though I am a relative newbie to the ranks, that is just life as a homeschooler! Now, I must admit that I would most likely be that way anyway, but I think those tendencies are intensified in this homeschooling family!
We have been learning about cooperation and studying the 50 States this semester and what a grand opportunity it was to drive across part of the country and see those those wonderful things that we have been studying! It was great!
Throughout the week, however, my sister-in-law, Bree, was cracking up. Let me share with you an example of what she found so humorous. We had just studied Hawaii and Alaska before we left on our journey. While in Colorado Springs we ate at a Hawaiian restaurant. So cool! We got to see and feel what a surfboard was like and talk about why they were made that way, eat the native cuisine and look at all kinds of pictures from Hawaii that were all over the restaurant. Yes!! I looked over at Bree and said, "That's homeschool!"
Apparently, I was saying that a lot because it quickly became the tag line of the week. We would go somewhere or do something and at some point during the excursion it had to be said, "That's homeschool!"
Is that all there is to homeschool? Certainly not! Those things are just a huge bonus. It is where things are reinforced and come together. It is teaching them throughout every day. What a blessing to know exactly what my children have been studying and be able to follow up with them in tangible ways that they can really understand what we have been talking about!
Earlier today as I sat in a pile of little people diligently working on school and loving it, I had to admit that I stopped and relished the moment for a bit. How incredible to see all of them with huge smiles on their faces digging in and learning something new. Homeschooling definitely can be a lot of work, but the rewards are indescribable.
Today at lunch, Jason asked each of the kids to name one thing about Mommy that they were thankful for. Each one of them (individually) said that they were thankful that I helped them/worked with them on "their school". What an encouragement!
Being able to see my kids apply what they are learning is always another big encouragement to me. Earlier today Joshua was finishing up learning about words that begin with the letter "r". When he got out of the bathtub this evening, he ran into the den and said, "Mama! Look! The letter r!" Obviously, that letter made a big impact on him if he was able to see it formed by his hair after he had dried off :) That's homeschool!
