A Good Report

I received Jersey #1's report card in the mail today, showing her progress for the 3rd quarter of this school year.

This report card was one of the biggest sources of encouragement to me.  It gave me feedback that the areas of educating my children, that I deem to be most important, are actually being achieved in our homeschool.  

Jersey #1 is in 5th grade this year.

We enrolled her in a program that offers enrichment classes to homeschoolers.  She takes History, Literature, and Science classes in this program.  She attends class 1 day a week.  The level of study is not too difficult, but the amount of work involved to complete those studies, has been a learning curve this year.  There are quizzes, tests, papers, discussions, presentations, note taking, and projects galore.  It was definitely an increase in workload and intensity, compared to how we homeschooled the younger grades.  5th grade seems like a good year to begin this level of academic demand.  I am pleased with the way Jersey #1 has progressed through this program and this school year.

When sending out report cards, the teacher gives the grade earned for each subject, along with a short note about the strengths and weaknesses of the student.  The mention of areas that needs improvement is always worded so graciously.  It helps me to see what areas of her studies need more parental oversight.

For the 3rd quarter, Jersey #1 earned an A in each subject, History, Literature, and Science.  

Of course we were proud of her academic achievement.  We do not require that our children earn all A's, but we do require that they give their best effort.  Jersey #1 was determined to be an A student.  I am proud of her for working at that level, and achieving her goal.

The note of feedback from the teacher was just as exciting.  

First, her teacher wrote that Jersey #1 reads very well.  This was actually the first thing we focused on when we began homeschooling.  Reading is such an important skill.  A person who can read well can learn anything.  Gaps in formal education can be filled by reading up on a subject of interest.  Reading enables a lifetime of learning.  I specifically work with my children to help them become strong readers....at their own pace, of course. 

Second, her teacher wrote that Jersey #1 has a good grasp of Scripture.  Praise God!   This is what matters most.  Teaching my children about God, and having them see me live out my faith, is the top priority.  I want my children to develop and grow in a relationship with God.  I specifically choose extra-curricular activities that will support and enhance what I am teaching my children at home.  Taking my children to church, playing Upward sports, participating in a Christian homeschool co-op, and AWANA are some of the resources that I seek to help reinforce the values that I am teaching.  AWANA is specifically important, because I utilize it as a sort of "Bible curriculum," for our homeschool.  (My requirement is that our children have to complete 1 AWANA book per school year.  They usually choose to do much more than that, because there are many prizes and incentives, within the club, for doing so).  The children memorize a ton of Bible verses in the AWANA program.  It is incredible.  It is also the best way I can see for helping my children navigate life.  The truth about what is right and what is wrong is written in the Bible.  As the children memorize scripture, they have the truth right there in front of them, in their minds.  As we discuss behaviors, attitudes, and choices, it becomes natural for them to pull those Bible verses forward and apply them to their lives.  It is a process that occurs over time, with dedicated study.  I am so pleased that Jersey #1 is growing in this process.  

It is gratifying to receive feedback that implies we are on the right track.  I am so proud of Jersey #1.  I am also so pleased to hear how she is achieving the academic goals we set for her.

This may be her report card, but it certainly provided me a progress report about the methods and goals we are pursuing in our homeschool journey.  The feedback was very encouraging!