Camp Stormy

Camp Stormy is an overnight camp for all 5th graders in Russellville. The teachers, ATU parks and recreation students and seniors from RHS, are counselors and instructors. The kids get to do crafts, archery, try fishing and canoeing. They stay in cabins and eat lunch in a camp cafeteria. It rained off and on the last two days but Jordan came home with a big smile and a couple yawns. I'm so thankful for the memories she is making, how she's bloomed here and how she is growing as a young lady. I'm thankful for her teachers who encourage her education, her humor and her curiosity.

Smart as a 5th grader

We're almost done with our 5th grade year and I'd never exchange the time Sheridan and I have had at home this year. She has been a trooper with her classes. I started a couple subjects later in the semester, so she'll probably have a little bit of work to do even when the other kids are done. But, even with that, she's learned a lot this year. Her IOWA test results show her in the 99th percentile of 5th graders in math and English, I'm pretty happy with that. She wants to go to public school next year, I have mixed feelings about it, and I think it will take her a just a few weeks before she wants to come home to our relaxed schedule, field trips and lunches out.

Her thoughts on 5th grade:
FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT 5TH GRADE HOMESCHOOLING:
Learn a lot, finish work early, get to do Bible lessons, eat homecooked meals, don't have to rush

LEAST FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT HOMESCHOOLING:
Don't see friends, miss activities like art, music, PE, and library

FAVORITE SUBJECTS OR PROJECTS THIS YEAR AND WHY:
1) Scotland report because got to decorate poster, pick out pictures and wrote a LONG report.
2) Compare and contrast because it was fun comparing myself to my siblings and finding pictures of us together.

THANKFUL

Project #1

Instructions: Compare and contrast yourself with your siblings.

Quote of the Day

We've completed our first week of homeschooling. It's been awesome with great bonding and wonderful learning. We've overviewed Asia, Africa and Europe in geography; we've reviewed a lot of math skills and started memorizing measurement equivalents; we've read several short stories; started a Bible study on Genesis 1-4; learned 15 new vocabulary words; and she's completed two projects, one comparing and contrasting herself with her siblings, and the other, an art project with our Bible verse of the week. SO, when asked by one of Erin's friends how she was liking homeschooling, Sheridan replied, "I can get a snack anytime I want at home, and you can't do that at school!" 

News of the Day

Since Sheridan has begun telling her friends, it's time to say it outloud, "We're homeschooling this year." Yep, after 5 years of quite a bit of independence for me, and building a pretty big business, I am taking over the responsibility of her education for this year. Can you say "crazytown?"

Fifth grade in Cville is probably my favorite grade in the public system, and for sure my favorite school. I subbed in that hallway and like a lot of those ladies and their methods. And before I went to get the papers from the administration office, I talked to the principal, my friend. We live in a small town, I'm not dissing it. 

But for me and my house...we have got to make sure that Sheridan doesn't give up on learning. She  needs to be inspired, challenged and she needs to have highlights! I know not every day at public school is fun. I wouldn't ever expect that. It certainly won't be here! But at home I can let her learn at her own pace, challenge her with projects and reports, improve her critical thinking skills, work on specific character challenges, teach the Bible, and spend quality time with my girl.

Other points...
IF the adoption goes through (and right now our home study is being held hostage by a social worker) then we could have two boys who need a lot of my attention before and after school. Homeschooling Sheridan will be a great balance for me to make sure I can nurture her and make the transition to sharing her time with us.
IF we decide to only homeschool one year, she will not be behind. I can teach 5th grade, and she can learn it here as well as there.
IF she wants to take guitar lessons, we'll have time.
IF she plays in a Russellville soccer league, we will have time and energy to go.
IF we want to go see Ryan or Lauren at college, we can.
She will NOT be isolated, and her social skills will probably improve.

How will it look during my event? I don't know.