It seems that each year our homeschooling takes a particular focus. One year may be heavily influenced by our history studies. Another year everything revolves around what we are doing in geography. The next year we might do more science. This year, our focus has been language arts.
When my three oldest children began their formal studies, their first year was spent solely in the study of phonics and reading. The next two started out by sitting in on their older brothers and sister's lessons. They got a great background in science, history, and such, but there never seemed to be much time to practice their phonics skills. At ages seven and eight, they were still sounding out every word and struggling with that. Meanwhile, my four-year-old had also begun learning her letter sounds and was anxious to start reading. I knew this year had to be different.
At the same time, I realized I needed to start focusing more on what the younger children were learning, I also began to realize that the older ones were needing a change. They had mostly outgrown the need for hands-on activities and were wanting to exercise more control over their own schedules. The timing was perfect!
I am pleased to report that my seven 1/2 and eight (almost nine) year old are now reading fluently, with little sister hot on their heels. Their older siblings have enjoyed having the ability to finish an entire week's worth of work by Tuesday, if they so desire, and not being tied to MY schedule. They also have learned what happens when they waste time and don't get their work done. Lots of great learning taking place!
Maybe next year we can focus on something a little more exciting . . . like math.
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