Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Choices???!!!

Always, every year, at this exact time (or a month from now) begins this great debate in my mind...of what wonderful materials I am going to use to homeschool my beautiful children for the upcoming year. What will I buy to ignite the passion for learning, to have them begging to work on schoolwork all afternoon, and what exactly is it that I am trying to accomplish?
Okay, so probably begging to do schoolwork all afternoon is a pretty lofty goal, but I do want to use materials that are challenging, yet interesting, and (gasp) maybe even fun!
I always have to remind myself that my primary goal is to strengthen family relationships and LEAD MY GIRLS TO THE HEART OF GOD!!!!!
I want them to have God and Godliness at their very core. I do want them to be able to be competitive on standardized tests - I do want them to gain knowledge - I do want them to be able to someday go to university or college if that is what God has for them...but more than any of that, I want to establish relationships with my kids! Relationships between each of them and us, their parents. Relationships with each other. And mostly a true, honest, VIBRANT relationship with God through Jesus.
So why is it then that Bible gets left until last so often when choosing or considering new materials? Makes me crazy EVERY year!
I have been re-thinking 'Learning Adventure' - yet only slightly. I am wondering if it may be better for a Grade 6, rather than Grade 5. (Yes, can you believe Olivia will be in Grade 5?) I have again been asking friends and looking at Sonlight (which I have always wanted to use...but could now potentially afford since I have 2 school aged children). And of course...earlier in the year I considered using The Prairie Primer as well (which is another unit study program). Please pray for me as we get ready to go away this weekend... I need some clarity!
Thanks!
C

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