So our little vacation is over. Technically we've been home for a few days, but I didn't want to give up our 'vacation mode' just yet. But today, we're back in full swing. I have to say that I'm glad to be back. We had a nice time away. The kids got to do a lot of fun things and we visited with family and friends.
Now for the unpacking, reordering and getting things together for some structured learning starting again in August. I've gotten our 'classroom' cleaned and straightened up (I'll have to post photos) which has been a long time coming, for me anyway. I have a few more things I'd like to put in order so that our learning time will move smoothly for the kids and clean-up will be a breeze.
I am also working on our chore chart. Each of the children have regular jobs but I'm thinking that I'd like to have something up for all of to see. My sister in law has a really cute one that she's done for her dd with pictures for her to read. I'm thinking that I'll use this format as well.
I have Jaya making a list of all the things she's interested in learning, she has quite a list already. We will then sit down next week go through her list and choose three things to focus on in August. She already is doing piano and reading/phonics so I don't want to start too many new things with her as her frustration level will elevate and things won't be productive. Kari is still in a very free-flowing place and I'm very open to keeping things that way for her. She is doing the reading/phonics lessons with us but hasn't shared anything that she wasn't to do formally. We'll see what develops. Melvin is very much into doing his thing--building, music, singing, shouting, throwing things, etc. We're organizing his room better so he can get to the things he enjoys without wrecking his entire room to get to them.
I also need to contact my homeschooling friend here to see if she wants to get the kids together on a more regular basis. She recently had twins, so I know things are crazy over there...so we'll see how that goes. I have two other friends who are within a few hours that I'd like to connect with as well. Perhaps we can get the kids together for field trips, etc. There really is a lot of great things to do up here, you just have to be willing to drive to them. But the drive is awesome through the country, I'm really liking that!
Now that I'm out of school I hoping to get down to DC a bit more often to connect with the homeschooling group there. I made some connections last year with the leader (her friend is leading my group in Atlanta while we're away) but haven't been able to attend anything as of yet. I'm hoping to get down once a month or so. We'll see.
I'm putting down on paper some goals for us and a list of things I'd like us to do before we head back South! On the top of my list is going to some of the U-pick farms here to pick fruit. Last fall we went to a couple farms for pumpkin picking and other fun activities (corn mazes, rides), I'd like to do that again too.
So there you have it. I'm getting in the planning mode. The change of scenery was needed. I've gotten some better perspective on my life and where I need to be.
(The image I used is from here.)
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