An attempt to declare the Glory of God for what He has chosen to do with our lives. A legacy to leave to my children in the telling of it.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Home School


Yeesh. Homeschool. Who's idea was this anyway? For the twelfth year I am again attempting to formulate the perfect schedule to both foster my children's creativity and further their academic growth while at the same time not driving each other crazy or causing total meltdowns several times a week. It's a tough balance.

And for the third time in a row I'm trying to make that schedule again without one of my sons' list of required courses on it. His name is still on there every week, including the adorning stars and capital letters: **Trent- HEAVEN** I'm sure that none of my curriculum shines the teeniest light to what he's learning now.

A first for me this year is attempting to compile a high school manuscript. Given that I've spent most of the last three years crying rather than accurately recording curriculum means lots of digging into boxes and totes looking for names and publishers and dates. Then there's the scoring issue. As a typical homeschooler we work on a mastery basis rather than constant testing. If somebodies not getting something we switch gears and learn the concept a new way, if they understand it they pass. No A's or F's, just pass or fail. But I doubt the one's who will care about high school transcripts will appreciate that method.

And then where do you record the news that your daughter's brother died in the middle of her high school career, therefor algebra was never completed in grade nine since grief ruled all? And do you list grief somewhere? Social studies? Life skills? An elective? Graded? Pass/fail? 1/2 credit, whole credit?

This whole losing a child thing gets so complicated.

5 comments:

Dicky Bird said...

I believe in the "school of life." Nothing teaches us better than living it. I'm sure your children learned lots of lessons over the past 3 years that no text book or program could teach them - you know the lessons that really matter - the ones Jesus cares about. Thank the Lord knowing algebra isn't required - as I'm sure many, myself included wouldn't make it.

Donna OShaughnessy said...

I say you have all indeed "passed" Your grief shared right alongside your faith shared, has "Taught" so many of us about God's promises. I've been a student of yours for the last three years and I'm very happy your school is still in session.

Anne said...

I am just reading this now, Terri. Dicky Bird is so right on. I am sure God didn't ask Trent how he was doing in school before He opened His arms and welcomed him Home. Your children are so blessed to have you as their mom teaching them what really matters in life.

Love ya,
Annie

Camille said...

Yes, complicated indeed....truly complicated. But, be encouraged...the Lord is Who you aim to please in your homeschool, and He will give what is needed for the journeys He has you and your children on. Hang in there and know that He is guiding you each step of the way. Blessings to you!
Camille

A Primitive Homestead said...

I commend you for all the teaching skills you have taught and your children have mastered. I know that it takes a lot of effort to homeschool children. I took Cody out of public school for a year and schooled him at home while working a 40 hour wool week out side our home. I would have loved to continue and also school my daughter but finances would not allow me to give up my job. Later I was not able to work anymore and Cody and my daughter were soonto graduate. She graduated and Cody was killed weeks after 11th grade. I could not bare to send my youngest back to school near two months after losing his brother. One week before school was to start I notified the school I could not send him back. The school was starting their second year of charter school. Every lesson was online with the school and teachers a Emil away for school supplies for lesson experiments and I was not able to help with pre algebra so one class a day at the school. We did this 6 months then he went back to public school. I by this time was over taken by the daily tole of grieving for my Cody. Through your grieving Trent you have schooled your other children and in my opinion done a wonderful job and continue.