We have been homeschooling for eight years and I sometimes forget that what we do isn't the same for others. So, I decided to try adding a monthly homeschool recap to this blog to demonstrate one way (there are so many methods out there!) that homeschooling can work.
We use an eclectic method of homeschooling that leans very heavily towards the Charlotte Mason method of teaching. Without going into too much detail about this method, it can be described as very literature-heavy. We read and discuss A LOT of books. We don't spend a lot of time on workbooks, worksheets, etc., We have gravitated toward this method over the years and found that it works very well for our learners and family lifestyle.
The state of Kentucky requires that the school year be completed anytime between July 1st and June 30th of that given year. The month of July is usually when we start our school year. This year, the arrival of a new baby has pushed the official start date into August.
Even though we weren't officially doing school, the learning and new experiences haven't stopped.
I proved to the kids that I could "pull a Phoebe" and balance food on my pregnant belly.
vs 
The boys took more responsibility in replenishing the water and rotating the animals.
Some people enjoyed the task more than others!
The hubby and kids participated in VBS at our church.
The arrival of their sister and her stay in the NICU gave us the opportunity to discuss the medical needs of a premature baby.
We discussed the details of the surgery. We discussed the function of the various tubes and wires attached to their baby sister. We talked about the need to avoid a lot of visitors in the hospital to prevent the introduction of germs that could get her sick and set her back. We discussed her breathing and feeding issues. We talked about the routines of the NICU and why mom and dad were so tired when we returned home. Overall, we talked a lot about their baby sister.
We discussed her extubation and the CPAP (green tube).
We talked about the tiny size of their sister (she looked bigger in pictures) and the recovery issues for momma.
We talked about the baby's stubbornness as she pulled out her feeding tube (twice!).
We discussed the issues leading to jaundice and the treatment with UV lights.
We anticipated her discharge and the older kids prepared to welcome her home.
Then, they took turns spoiling their little sister!
Life experiences are a very important way to learn. We took the time in July to enjoy these experiences. We plan to return to our regularly scheduled activities for homeschooling in August.
In case you are interested, here are some links to the places/items mentioned above:
South Fork Christian Church – Verona, KY – Changing our community, one HEART at a time.
How providential that the theme of VBS was the sanctity of life while going through all that with your sweet babe! So happy your family is reunited!
So blessed that you and Hazel are doing as well as you are. She does look tiny next to the other kids. Has Gwen decided to let Hazel be the “baby” of the family? Hope you have delayed rearranging the rooms till a later date. Love you all.