Spring Break '10

Back when I was in high school it was very popular to travel over spring break.  Most of my friends went somewhere, whether it be skiiing or the beach, road trips with the family, etc.  It seemed like ski trips to Colorado happened every year, our youth group went every other year I think.  It was fun, memorable, good times. 

Perhaps the economy has changed things financially for teens.  But I would like to think that in spite of the economy, youth groups may have had a heart change, as well.  Our youth group skipped travel and fun for PROJECT SERVE.  Over 50 teens and adults from our church gave up their spring break to serve others in the Kansas City area.  They woke up early to serve breakfast to the homeless, sorted clothes for the needy, cleaned, raked leaves, and gave of themselves to many awesome local ministries.  It was so cool to see the joy they had in giving of themselves through hard work.  I was jealous that I couldn't be there with them (this time!).  Neil got so much good feedback from this project, and I think that a lot of our teens were inspired to continue serving in their community.

It reminds of of this truth . . .  Acts 20:35  "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Homeschooling. And so it begins.

We are midway through our first week of homeschooling, Evan and I.  Overall I would say it has been going very well.  Lots and lots of reading!

We decided to start homeschooling now, yes, midway through the year, because it is a trial period to see how it goes.  I figured that he can't get too behind in just three months and if it is really miserable he can just go back to school in the fall and he wouldn't have missed that much.  School has always been a frustrating experience for Evan and I would really like to change that if I can.  We are using Sonlight curriculum (thank you Tracy!) and it has a strong emphasis on literature and history.  I am actually learning a lot alongside Evan.   I think that this has the potential to be so good for Evan, because he is able to take breaks in between classes or have an incentive to get his work done so he can go outside and shoot hoops.  My favorite part so far?  Laying next to him on the couch and reading aloud together.

The downside?  Wow, does it take up a lot of my day as well.  So far I haven't been able to give him very much independent work so I am right beside him almost the whole day.  I feel like I am getting nothing done, other than schooling.  Thankfully Ava and Emily (the girl I watch during the day) keep busy playing together so I don't need to entertain them so much.   Well, only every fifteen minutes or so! ;-)

Anyway.  I have lots of ideas floating in my head on how to make this an even better experience for both of us.  And I am of course always open to hearing ideas from you, my homeschooling friends.  So share away!