We're Done!

We're done! The 2006-2007 school year is finished! We had our evaluations with Debbie Strayer this morning and as usual, we were incredibly blessed. The Lord has gifted Debbie with wisdom and a spirit of exhortation. Some of the little nuggets she shared with me are:

1. I do not need to follow a curriculum. I can follow the Lord....and His plan for each child. This goes right along with what God has been teaching me recently about "working out," what God works "in" me. Philippians 2:12-13 says, "...work out your own salvation...for it is God who works in you..." Each of us has lessons to learn and a path to follow. Cookie cutter Christian walks don't happen. We each have strengths and weaknesses that need attention at different times in our lives. The same idea can be applied to education. What curriculum may work for ___________, may not be the appropriate tool for any one of my children's educations. Rather than trusting another curriculum author, I can trust and follow God.

2. In regards to worries I had about one child or another, Debbie encouraged me to encourage them. Each child was made by God. God knew about their personalities, struggles, strengths and weaknesses. He has a plan for each one. I need to make sure I'm exhorting each child to trust that God is in control and has a plan.

3. Sam loves chemistry. He has said on several occasions that he wants to, "make medicine."Not knowing how to do that, I sorta shrugged off his interest for something he needs to explore in college. LOL Debbie suggested that we get some books on herbal medicines. Because Matthew is interested in botony, she suggested he start the garden and Sam make the medicines. Isn't that brilliant?!

4. Matthew is going to study Naval History and the great battles of American History. She suggested using related literature and making a great unit study of it. We're really excited about this idea!

5. She suggested that we use the Florida Sunshine State Standards to "check off," requirements if we feel insecure. She made the comment that some of the objectives listed are completed by reading two sentences in a textbook. Homeschoolers can usually cover these objectives without any problem. (And my thought is we likely cover them in a more complete manner and hopefully with a God honoring perspective.)

6. Debbie thought it would be appropriate for both older boys to keep their own lesson plans. She suggested that this would not be something they "planned," but rather something they, "recorded," as they went. (This is going to be an act of faith for me. I'll post later on how that might look in real life. {grin})

7. She talked to Matthew at length about simply writing down his thoughts and opinions. She wasn't really interested in him spitting back out facts, that he knows how to do that, but rather she would like him to write down things he's learned in a journal-like format. I love this idea! This helps his mind spill onto paper. (His mind is deep and complex and she felt that this would help him communicate more effectively.)

8. She suggested that Andrew dictate his writing into a tape recorder so that he could further process his words and thoughts as he writes. This will help him sequence things in the proper order and help him identify anything that needs to be edited or added.

9. We talked a little about Notgrass History. I think her opinion is that she likes it. I looked at it and also liked it, but in the end, we felt that naval history and American battles would be most suitable for our family. But for those of my friends who will be using it next year, I just thought you'd like to know that she likes it too. {grin}

10. She encouraged me to feel free to do Apologia's Biology experiments, but to also feel free to use a textbook or real books that might be more suitable for Matthew. (Once again, the Florida Sunshine State requirements were mentioned as a guideline, along with library books, etc...) I'll be thinking on this a bit.

11. Debbie suggested that we check out Shiller Math for Sam. It is Montesori based and fairly inexpensive if I'm understanding it correctly. Manipulatives are an investment, but the books can be downloaded with answer key for roughly $25.00. We'll do the diagnostic tests and pray about this option.

The boys relaxing after evaluations. Here they are watching Pirates of the Carribean: The Curse of the Black Pearl