Learning, Exploring and Discovering: Our Homeschool Life: 2nd Quarter 2014-2015

Second quarter always seems to go by somewhat fast. I guess because of the Thanksgiving break and ending before Christmas. We still accomplished a great deal.

Our Bible study in Daniel continued. We learned about Daniel's visions and how they showed the nation of Israel what was to come. We know that we are now in a time gap, awaiting the final kingdom - God's kingdom - to come. We will continue learning about Bible prophecy by studying Revelation next semester.

Both kids did research in language. Ellie chose to write a report on guinea pigs. The information she gathered has been put to practical use by the addition of Mindy, the guinea pig, to our home. Josh's language had him writing a state report. Even though we are not doing California history at home this year, he is in my class at Friday school where he is getting a survey of the topic. The report was a good addition to what he is learning there. I helped Josh with note-taking, but Ellie did most of hers on her own. Both kids chose to type their reports on the computer. They did an excellent job. They are both good writers, able to organize their thoughts well and present them clearly. I was very proud of their work. Ellie began reading "The Bronze Bow" by Elizabeth George Speare. It's a wonderful historical fiction book that takes place during the time of Jesus. Josh read a book on the Wright Brothers. The reminder to persevere even when things you try don't work right the first time, is a good reminder for him.

When it comes to history and science, I feel like I am learning right alongside the kids. Our study of land animals continued with Feliform Carnivores. These are the big cats, hyenas and meerkats. Marsupials included the well-known kangaroos as well as the koala, Tasmanian devil, sugar gliders opossums and Possums (Yes, there is a difference!). We concluded the quarter with Primates. And although there are many similarities between man and monkeys, it only shows that we had the same Creator because there are many differences that show we are not the same. According to Genesis 1:26, we were created in God's image to do good works (Ephesians 2:10).

We ended "behind" in history. Only meaning that we didn't get to the end of the second quarter work in the book. It doesn't mean that we won't finish by the end of the year. We still can if we keep at it diligently. This quarter we covered the Apostle's Creed, the Golden Age of India, the Mayans, Saints Valentine, Augustine of Hippo, and Patrick, the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Dark Ages.

In October we went on a field trip that went along with our study of the Middle Ages. We went to a church out in Long Beach where they put on a brass rubbing workshop. The kids learned about the uses of the rubbings and got to see many examples of them. They were then able to choose a plate and make their own. Josh made a lion. It reminded us of Aslan. Ellie made a unicorn which reminded us of Jewel in "The Last Battle", also part of the Chronicles of Narnia. In December Dennis' mom took us to see The Young Americans. The show was wonderful and we could consider it a field trip as well!

Ellie's volleyball season ended in November. Both she and Dennis did a great job. It was a blessing to have her voted Most Christlike by her team. Right away Ellie began rehearsing for the Christmas play at church and Josh began practicing for the Children's choir. I assisted with the play and Dennis helped out with the choir. Josh also sang in the Friday school Christmas Chapel and Ellie helped with the costumes. Ellie celebrated her 12th birthday and got her guinea pig, Mindy.

I guess what's been on my mind this quarter about homeschooling is patience. Several times this quarter I was told by other moms that they just knew they didn't have the patience to homeschool. I am not one to say that everyone should homeschool; but I do believe that having patience is not a prerequisite for doing so. By nature, I am not a patient person. It is something I need to work on. I may get impatient less, but I still struggle with this fruit of the Spirit in our homeschooling days. So, while you don't need to begin with patience, you do need to be willing to trust the Lord to provide you with all you need to do this job. After all, God works through our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). I would encourage mamas not to use this as an excuse for why they can't homeschool. If you are honest with yourself and know homeschooling is the right thing for your child/children, then go for it. With the Lord's help, nothing is impossible (Matthew 19:26)!

Making a brass rubbing