Teacher let the monkeys out

"School's out. School's out. Teacher let the monkeys out."

Well these monkeys are officially free. WE FINISHED SCHOOL!!!!!!

Our girls have worked hard this year and learned a lot, as have I. One hundred and eighty days is a lot of times to "get your books out" and find a pencil. It is a lot of pep talks and drying tears. It is a lot of accomplishments and assignments. It is a lot of doing the same thing again and again. This teacher is ready for a break.


I am so proud of each of my students. Hannah has proven herself to be an independent learner this year. With her schedule in hand she worked diligently at least four hours a day completing all her assignments. Her math facts seemed to have settled in her fifth grade brain so that recall is quick and she was able to move ahead easily. She's spent hours researching and writing in her history timeline notebook. It's been a joy to teach her (watch her teach herself). I feel now the years going too quickly and soon she will be off to school with her dad. It's hard to believe.





Lydia has been a shining star this school year. Her attitude has been delightful as she has worked hard and matured. When things have gotten difficult instead of shutting down, she has stepped up. That is my Lydia!! This year she read more books on her own than ever before and read some of her favorites (books about beagles and vets) multiple times. She's a winner at math coming up with her own methods to remember facts. I don't quite understand them, but she has it all figured out. She's taught herself to type with great accuracy and continues to come up with creative ways to decorate all of her school work. I love this girl!



Miriam has been the early bird. She has taken second grade by storm waking up early and oftentimes completing her work before I've even had breakfast! "No problem, Mom!" We've had so much fun cuddling on the couch and reading aloud to one another. And since she's become a fluent reader she has begun to take piano lessons and loves to practice.




Elizabeth will tell anyone that she doesn't "do" school. Every first grade workbook I have handed to her she completes without difficulty and asks for more. "Is this all?" she'll ask. She is constantly copying text, sounding out words and creating something in the dramatic vein. She has learned to count money, add and subtract and play the piano just from watching. Betsy is a sponge. I'm beginning to finally see the benefits of homeschooling at different levels. Though I haven't intentionally taught her many of these things, she has learned. I look forward to some lazy summer afternoons where we can sit in the shade and read through some books together.

It's been the best year of homeschooling yet. Thanks kids!!

Now this teacher has turned her attention to janitorial issues. I've opened up a few closets and moved a few beds that have been neglected since ? It's not pretty. But I'm determined to get it together before we leave in 14 DAYS!!!