Making Progress!

It is always a wonderful feeling when you know you are accomplishing something. I am almost giddy at the thought. We've been working so hard this year, I thought we'd never get everything done, but last night I came to realize that we've surpassed my expectations!

K has almost completed all of her 6th grade level work! It's only April! And J has finished all but his English in 4th grade level work!

When did this happen?

I'm so excited to see how much they've accomplished. And they are excited to realize that their hard work is paying off. K is looking forward to an early summer vacation and J can't believe he's actually skipping a grade! (All the other kids his age will be starting 4th grade in the fall, but he's almost finished!)

Admittedly, there are a few areas I feel we are lacking. And I will concentrate on those as we finish up the school year.

I have a difficult time teaching Sciences so I will be looking for some new ideas and options to help on that front. The kids aren't as excited about History as Mom, so I need to spark some interest there. And who really likes studying Government? We'll give that a go this next month, covering some of the basics and looking into the political news for the presidential race, and checking out the whole process. I'm not excited about that, but I think I can put a good face on it! :D

I'd also like to spend some more time in the classics. It's so difficult in today's plugged-in world to get them wrapped up in a good book. And finding really good childrens' literature is difficult at best. I really struggle to find reading materials that pull them in and get them excited about reading everyday.

J has opted for a new fiction series based on the Bioncle series. K has taken an interest in non-fiction books about animals, insects, and snakes. She is one interesting girl. J has no interest in slimey things. But at least he doesn't mind the dirt now! :D

I'm finding a new interest in clean-living. I've been reading clean eating books and reading articles about vegan lifestyles. I'm becomming more "earth conscious", I guess, because I find myself thinking in a whole new way: eating foods closer to the earth; using my feet or bicycle to get around rather than the car; using cloth bags to transport books/groceries rather than paper or plastic. And I find myself constantly thinking about how I can reuse an item I may have previously thrown away without another thought! It is a truely eye-opening experience!

So we are all learning new and exciting things this month. I hope the cycle continues! There are so many wonderful things out there waiting to be discovered!

I'm ready for the journey :D