To an end

School is coming to an end. For Kimball, it will be sooner than the two others still in public school. He has done really well these last six months in homeschool. I can see a difference in his willingness to learn. He isn't as frustrated as he was six months ago either. I think this homeschooling thing is working so far. The only problem I have is now Trent wants to stay home and school too! I'm not sure how I would manage that yet but we will keep an open mind and do what we feel is right for Trent.
I was quizzing Kimball on what he has retained and it surprised me. I guess it shouldn't have but--we aren't doing testing so there isn't pressure to teach to the test. He remembered learning about the Aztecs, the old people who built their homes right out of the rocks, the story of Moses (down to the plagues and stuff)as well as some American History. That's not ALL. But we have reviewed some of that stuff as well as some things that are interesting to him personally. For example, Kimball loves anything about Egypt. So anytime there is anything about Egypt in the news-or something archeological he is drawn to it. I'm sure Kimball thinks he is going to be "done" with school for the summer--ha ha==I'm going to keep him going on the educational stuff anyway. The non-book work. Like gardening, outdoor adventure and so on. This has been a fun learning experience for me-and I'm happy to keep homeschooling throughout the next year too. [And even Sam is catching onto things too--I asked "Where do you live Kimball?" Sam yells, "Utah!" I was actually talking about something different but glad to know that Sam is listening in.]
Homeschooling Kimball has been a challenge to me regarding balance of mom duties vs. teacher duties--but I think I'm getting the hang of it little by little. I talked to a friend who homeschools her children and I mentioned I'm having a hard time getting all the standards in. We keep wandering to other subjects with questions that Kimball asks. She told me that was where the real learning is taking place--when they get interested in a subject-then they just suck it up like a sponge. I have definitely noticed this. I'm thankful for this opportunity and grateful I have a great son who doesn't mind me "learning" on him.