I absolutely loved reading this Rachel. What a beautiful idea, the summer mum homeschool reflection day. We are in our winter season here in Australia but I would love to host that for my Co-op mum friends next summer. I resonate with all your reflections too. I often contemplate how little I feel we actually accomplish in the day vs my amazement at how much my children are actually learning and thriving. And your list of long term life goals fir your kids, that sounds like exactly what I am hoping for mine too.
You write so beautifully! I always look forward to and enjoy your posts. As I scrub the kitchen floor by hand because the 8 month old looks like she crawled through mud when she goes home most days, I puzzle how parents find the time to homeschool. I admire your enthusiasm, insight and commitment. I am sure you are raising exceptional children who will bring great gifts to the world.
I love this summer retreat idea, as a fellow homeschooling mom. I know in the past you’ve mentioned that you planned to homeschool only through the elementary/middle school years. Has that vision changed? I also initially viewed homeschooling as a “temporary”, but am having second thoughts as I consider the plight of our local public schools and the culture as a whole.
Yes we do still take it "year by year" and we had thought our oldest would enter the local 7th grade. After thinking it through for awhile she opted to do one more year of homeschooling. I was delighted to hear it as I think she has a lovely schedule with lots of interesting things going on and would be sorry to see it end.
Yes, I was also surprised that when I thought about my children at 18 what immediately flowed were life skills, not academic, which gave me perspective/pause/grace on the academic stress you know I've felt.
I’m just about to try the spiral notebook thing. My question, what do you do if the child doesn’t complete their list? Is it all to be completed by a certain point? I am wondering if my two will spend all day telling me they’ll ‘do it later’, running out the clock until bedtime...!
Yes, I would consider at what stage you would begin to be annoyed that they haven’t completed it and voice that or write it down. “Done by 2” “done by 5” “done before quiet time” etc. also be sure not to overload the list with your own enthusiasm. 🥰
I loved this and immediately read it twice. I want to host a retreat like this. Thank you for sharing and reminding others of the gifts of reflection and community, Rachael!
I absolutely loved reading this Rachel. What a beautiful idea, the summer mum homeschool reflection day. We are in our winter season here in Australia but I would love to host that for my Co-op mum friends next summer. I resonate with all your reflections too. I often contemplate how little I feel we actually accomplish in the day vs my amazement at how much my children are actually learning and thriving. And your list of long term life goals fir your kids, that sounds like exactly what I am hoping for mine too.
You write so beautifully! I always look forward to and enjoy your posts. As I scrub the kitchen floor by hand because the 8 month old looks like she crawled through mud when she goes home most days, I puzzle how parents find the time to homeschool. I admire your enthusiasm, insight and commitment. I am sure you are raising exceptional children who will bring great gifts to the world.
I love this summer retreat idea, as a fellow homeschooling mom. I know in the past you’ve mentioned that you planned to homeschool only through the elementary/middle school years. Has that vision changed? I also initially viewed homeschooling as a “temporary”, but am having second thoughts as I consider the plight of our local public schools and the culture as a whole.
Yes we do still take it "year by year" and we had thought our oldest would enter the local 7th grade. After thinking it through for awhile she opted to do one more year of homeschooling. I was delighted to hear it as I think she has a lovely schedule with lots of interesting things going on and would be sorry to see it end.
You write with such wisdom. These are exactly the sort of contradictions I have been feeling lately too. You must be right that it’s a summer thing!
Yes, I was also surprised that when I thought about my children at 18 what immediately flowed were life skills, not academic, which gave me perspective/pause/grace on the academic stress you know I've felt.
I’m just about to try the spiral notebook thing. My question, what do you do if the child doesn’t complete their list? Is it all to be completed by a certain point? I am wondering if my two will spend all day telling me they’ll ‘do it later’, running out the clock until bedtime...!
Yes, I would consider at what stage you would begin to be annoyed that they haven’t completed it and voice that or write it down. “Done by 2” “done by 5” “done before quiet time” etc. also be sure not to overload the list with your own enthusiasm. 🥰
Excellent thank you. Yes I am brimming over with ideas of what to fill their lists with but will try to rein myself in 😂.
Always love reading your thoughts and forever inspired by you, my friend.
I loved this and immediately read it twice. I want to host a retreat like this. Thank you for sharing and reminding others of the gifts of reflection and community, Rachael!