The 2015-2016 school year has begun in the Kelley house!
Yep, that’s right. We started school on Monday, August 17. Despite not having all the supplies, despite not being perfectly organized, despite being exhausted from a whirlwind trip to PA the weekend before, we did it. We jumped right into the school year!
Overall, things went really well. We’re easing into it. Instead of teaching new math concepts each day, I had the boys review some things from last year. We’ll phase math into the school day this week. And then, the following week, I hope to add in Swahili lessons. (That should be interesting!)
We’re still trying to figure out how to schedule the day. From 7am until 8am, the boys are responsible for getting themselves ready for the day, making their beds, and eating breakfast. Then, we all meet in the schoolroom for devotions and Bible lessons. After that, Noah and Jacob do independent work (handwriting, math drill, and reading) while I teach Levi. And that’s all the routine we’ve gotten worked out so far! Spelling, English, history, etc. have been accomplished but not in a very orderly fashion. Each day was a success but each day was different. I guess we’ll fall into a routine eventually.
We’re waiting for a few items, like Noah’s language arts workbook! So far, he’s been reading and answering comprehension questions, which he’s enjoying. I re-ordered the book, so I hope to have it by the end of the week. Then, there’s all those art supplies. I feel like I’ve bought or borrowed so much but then I find something else that I don’t have. Oh well, at least we’re learning to be resourceful!
Some of the highlights of the week include an exploration of our backyard habitat, our special lunch on the first day of school, and Joshua finding a red marker in the school room.
Noah found a spider. No surprise there! He’s captured at least 4 different kinds of spiders since moving here. We’ve seen far more spiders here in Virginia than we ever did in Kenya!
As a student at Juniata High School, I rarely bought a lunch. However, there were a few that were too good to pass up. One of my favorites was beef vegetable soup, Lebanon Bologna sandwiches, sticky buns, and chocolate milk. I decided to treat the boys to a similar lunch for the first day of school. Fudge Rounds had to substitute the sticky buns since the cook is also the teacher in this school!
I think they liked it!
And then there’s Joshua…my most difficult student. He’s the loudest, for he never stops screaming. There were times when I was yelling at the boys so that they could hear me over Joshua’s screeches. He’s the worst behaved, especially since he’s crawling everywhere. Someone left a red marker on the floor after school, and Joshua found it, took the cap off, and wrote all over his legs.
Homeschooling with a baby is a challenge, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Praises and Prayer Requests:
- Praise God for a successful week of school. Please pray for us as we continue this week.
- Praise God for the freedom and privilege to homeschool! Pray that I would have the patience and energy it takes to teach my children.
- Pray that we would be healthy this week. Joshua and I have shared a head cold this past week. Please pray that the other boys and Aaron wouldn’t get it. We’re trying to get out and make friends, but it’s hard to do when we’re not feeling well.
- Pray that we would find friends. Levi and Jacob have been best buds lately, which is awesome, but that leaves Noah left out. Noah is a great help with Joshua, but he really needs some boys his age to hang out with. All 3 of the older boys have expressed sadness over not having friends.
- Pray for my dad. He started dialysis on Friday and will continue 3 times a week indefinitely. We’re also awaiting biopsy results on a spot on his lung.
- Please continue to pray for our house situation in Allentown, our container packing, and our adjustment to life back in the U.S.
- New and Old News - July 28, 2016
- Going back home - May 9, 2016
- Take the Pledge - April 11, 2016
4 Comments
Terry
Aug, 23, 2015We are working our way back into school this next week. I will have an 11th grade, 2nd, and Kindergarten this year (my oldest is off to college). We will be praying for you all. I am sure it has been a busy tiring time and a readjustment for you all! I have some things here that never ended up getting sent to you while you were overseas. I would love to send it to you there. If you are willing to share your address you can PM me on Facebook at Terry Willis Cumberledge. Looking forwarded to keeping up with all your adventures 🙂
mimwert
Aug, 23, 2015You are doing a great job with your sons, Steph, and I admire you for homeschooling them. I pray that you will soon be able to get on the schedule you desire as that will be of much help for sure. May God bless you as you continue to do so much. Miriam
Jodie
Aug, 23, 2015Praying for you! Was that Window on the World you are reading? We read through that last year.
Becca
Sep, 22, 2015I love how Joshua is wearing a shirt saying, “His Grace is sufficient” in the photo where his legs are covered in scribbles. It just says it all. 🙂