This is my 11th year homeschooling
And I’m in my second year of homeschooling a high school student.
It’s strange how this feels bolder than it did eleven years ago when Hannah was a teeny five year old. Back then, it felt like I had the entire world ahead of me. Years and years and years and years in front of us. And, now, here we sit, with three years of education left. One year until she can take PSEO classes at a local college.
She’s growing up.
I really didn’t think it would go this fast.
Somehow the years ticked by one after another after another. And now, this is our year — With Chemistry books, and marketing courses, and Latin, and Algebra2, and American Literature. No longer do I have The Story of Ping, or Miquon Math with Cuseinaire rods, or the First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind.
The years have been rich. Rewarding. I wouldn’t trade them for anything — the learning, the talks, and the family. Bonds. Priceless moments of sitting together and doing life together.
And so now, on Tuesday, we’ll start again. Year eleven. And even though it feels like such a leap of faith — can I really teach Chemistry? Will I remember the nuances of American literature? — I know that it’s another year. A year that will be full of growth and discussion and bonds and family.
We’ll do it. One day after another.
Blessed.
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If you homeschool was there ever a year that seemed harder than the other?
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Our homeschool bookshelves never fail to astound me: all we’ve done, all we’ll do, and how quickly it goes by.
You’ll do great, – I’m sure! My Mom was a little nervous on homeschooling me through HS and I’m a senior and I’m still right on track. Oh.. and I love the Story of Ping, you should definitely throw that in there somehow. 🙂
We begin our high school adventure tomorrow. I feel vastly under qualified…and there are days I’m actually paralyzed by the whole idea. But like you we’ve been doing this for a long time…this is year 8. I can do this….right? 😉
I *know* all you ladies will do well…whether teaching or learning. Because the very first, most important “requirement” for homeschooling is LOVE. And you have that for your families, and for learning, and for the Lord.
Blessings on your endeavors!
{BTW – We’re on year 10 this year, second year of hs’ing high school, and I think last year was definitely the hardest, just all the adjusting to the HS work load with 3 littles along for the ride.}
I’m glad you’re tackling this high school thing a couple years ahead of me, Rachel! I know – it amazes me to think of how quickly our oldest will be past his official homeschool years (he’s 8th grade now).
But it has been such a blessing to us – I can honestly say that homeschooling for the past 9 years has been a real joy. Even on the craziest days with our big, busy crew, I wouldn’t for a moment want to send them elsewhere. Am so very thankful that God brought homeschooling into our lives!
We are heading into our 10th year of homeschooling and Sarah is in her 2nd year of high school too. It is another season in life, and though very nerve racking at times, it is exciting too. 🙂
You have raised a truly beautiful and intelligent daughter. I often think she is more mature than me in my 34 years 🙂
You are an inspiration!
This is my first year doing it, so…yes, this year seems harder than any other! 😉 HUGE learning curve! Mostly how to manage the 2 year old (who wants to do EVERYTHING his brothers do) while I’m doing it with the older boys!
It’s so encouraging to me to read stories of others who have way more experience than I have – so keep on sharing!!!
What a blessing to have a dear dtr that loves you!! That alone is an accomplishment to treasure whether or not you can teach her chemistry 🙂
It does go rather fast doesn’t it? Some days when they were small – those days would drag on, being marked by nap times and bed times 🙂
I don’t think any one year has been harder than the other but more an “age” that’s been more challenging and certain subjects.
For instance, reading….I have always dreaded teaching the children reading but this past year was much better. I realized that only 15 minutes a day, consistently would do the trick and really what’s 15 minutes?
Then age 12 and 16 always seem to be a challenge for me because I always seem to forget that these little ones are growing up and I need to adjust the way I relate to them….as they are just about all grown up by 16…in their minds that is 🙂
Hope you have a beautiful week starting you’re 11th year!
~Cinnamon
sometimes i wish i was hannah just so i could have you as my teacher. i know you are an amazing teacher. all the learning sounds so intriguing. happy 11th year of blessed homeschooling. may this one be the best yet! xoxo!
Happy 11th year! What an accomplishment. My little one is about to turn 2 years old and I feel God tugging on my heart about homeschooling already…but truthfully…it scares me to death! We’ll see where He leads, but I think I already know. 🙂
you can do it, Rachel! you’ve come this far; you can only keep growing and learning and improving. i agree with Carissa – i wish you were my teacher, too! i actually wanted to be homeschooled in high school because i felt like a lot of what we did there was somewhat pointless, and i knew my mom was an excellent teacher. {however, it was not in the family plan to sacrifice the second income, so i think i only mentioned it once.} in any case, i did have fabulous teachers in high school and believe strongly that public schools do have something to offer students [although i do admit one has to be intentional about searching for a good district]. anyway, i’m a literature major, so if you ever want any additional information or anything, let me know! i’d love to offer you any help i can. are you teaching literary analysis yet or just doing a general survey of the important works for familiarity?
p.s. and hannah’s taking latin?! SUPER jealous. i took a semester in college and really enjoyed it.
High school was a whole nuther matter! I did fine with the math but the sciences. Biology was easy. Had a wonderful Christian book. Chemistry and physics? Not so good. But somehow the kids all survived.
The Lord will always be there to get you through whatever you have to face. Praying!
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
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Hi Rachel,
You will do fine!
Grade 10 was the scariest grade to teach. I went into it nervous but found out that I really had nothing to worry about because my daughter and last year my son, were mature enough and schooled enough to do the course on their own. I didn’t help much but to make sure they were on track and help search things on the internet for them.
Hannah is bright and I am sure she will learn it all by herself. 🙂
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