A letter to myself at the beginning of the homeschool year

I hope I never forget, the simple wonders that can catch the attention of a child.
I hope that I don't lose sight of what's important, because what's important to the small child is truly important according to their time, not necessarily according to our own adult time. That feelings matter, no matter what the cause. That the abstract scribbles have an important story. That crazy thoughts are a sign of rich imagination at work.
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I hope that I don't get too caught up in "curriculum", "academics", or how other kids are doing. I hope I remember that life is a neverending learning process. That "school" is not the only education there is. That the "classroom" is not the only socialization that exists. That methods of learning are merely tools to choose from, try out, and customize to the best fit.
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I hope I remember that I'm facilitating a human being--- not a robot, not an object, not a compilation of grades, not just some trophy waiting to be shown off. Planting the seeds of character... and enjoying the lifelong process of them getting to know about themselves and the world around them. .
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Most of all, I hope I remember that this raising and educating kids thing takes time-- life-long, in fact. So I hope I don't forget to enjoy the ride with them, be thankful for every moment I'm blessed to be with them. The days are long but the years are short. May Allah grant us a grateful heart and guidance in putting the best effort we can to raise our kids ❤

Arum_ourlearningfamily | ourlearningfamily.blogspot.co.id | July 17, 2018
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#ourlearningfamilyvalues
#homeschoolingmultiplechildren

Retelling a story

We've been going through some routine changes lately in our homeschool. Partly because of having Baby Squirrel plus Little Bird's activities as well, and the other partly because of Big Bug getting bigger and more able to learn independently for some activities.

Now Little Bird reads the Iqro Book everyday, and while she does that, Big Bug reads an Islamic story by himself and will retell the story to me when Little Bird finishes her Iqro Book page. We use the retelling story "Scoop Chart" from thisreadingmama's blog and I'm really happy to see his progress of retelling stories!

I always tell him that no matter what he chooses to do later on in life, he'll need the language skills to communicate, collaborate, and hopefully bring good to himself and others. So even if he still does groan and complain from time to time, this Mama just smiles back and tells him "ganbatte!" Hehehe...