Reminders For A New (School) Year

With one week of summer vacation left, I'm beginning to prepare for our return to school and a more normal routine.

I'm truly attempting to go to bed early.

And thinking about getting up early (that can wait a few more days though...)

I mostly have all our books collected and things printed for the coming year.

I just need to knuckle down and get September's menu plan made, a history timeline posted and come up with a feasible plan for chores.

It's all a bittersweet feeling.

I'm absolutely looking forward to the coming school year.

I'm somewhat dreading the transition and the inevitable issues that come with it.

However, this year I'm aware of this which will hopefully make all the difference.

My motto for the first weeks of school: This too shall pass.

But also, I've just really loved this summer.

Sometimes I have a really hard time just chilling out and allowing for a change of pace.

This year I had no such problem and I can honestly say I'm going to miss our lazy days of summer.

photo by Mya L.

Anyhow, as I gather our resources, plan our days, and sharpen the pencils, I think it's good to remind myself why we're doing this.

In fact, it was Piper who prompted me to really think about the reasons we are homeschooling.

On a trip to the grocery store together, she asked me why she was homeschooled.

It was nice to be able to give her real answers even though I'm sure she doesn't quite understand the importance of them yet.

Although our reasons are many, these are the main ones that I relayed to her 

( I did explain them in a way that was understandable to a five year old but I won't do that to you. ;) )

1. The freedom to talk and learn about what we believe throughout the day and to be taught everything from a Christian worldview.

2. To provide an education that is tailored to each child as an individual and that offers a multitude of experiences and opportunities that can create a lifetime love of learning.

3. We believe family should be central to a child's life and home should be a safe place to grow and learn. We want to be their greatest influence and for them to be able to build strong bonds with us and each other.

This is why I do what I do.

As I get ready for the year ahead and say goodbye to summer, it is motivating to remember the reasons.

These choices are not always easy, but I really believe they are worth it!