Homeschooling

 It has taken me a while to figure out how to write about why I am now homeschooling Joel. I have always wanted to homeschool since I was old enough to even think about having children. After Joel was born, and I found out that I could never have children I thought it was better to have him in school (truth is everyone said it would be better for him so he can have socialization). I put Joel in public school from Preschool to 2nd Grade. Joel was struggling with being himself, because he was getting bullied. Plus I really wanted him to have a Christian education while learning. There for I put Joel in a Christian school for third grade, and most of 4th grade until about 2 weeks ago. It was in the best interest of Joel. Plus the nice thing is Joel can go with me to my appointments in Omaha.
  Joel and I are actually enjoying doing homeschool. We have more freedom, he can learn at his pace (so, if he really doesn't understand something we can take time to go over it until he does.), and we can do different things to be included in his learning (cooking, going to the library, ect.). We are not just using books to learn from, but videos and shows on the internet or found on our Roku channels. Example: Every morning this week we start off with Bible teaching. Right now we are watching "The American Bible Challenge" that is on Netflix. In Science he is learning about the circulatory system. So, we are doing videos on YouTube. Joel is really loving it because the visual aides have helped him get better understanding instead of just reading. On nice days Joel loves to just sit outside to do some of his school work. He also loves doing school in his PJ's. Yesterday, we went to the library to check out books. He is wanting to do some reports on different things that he is studying (he may put some of his reports on here) for different subjects. Example: In History he is studying Europe region. So, he picked a Country and is doing a report on that subject.

 I plan on homeschooling year round, but we will take breaks here and there. For example the last week of June we will be at Weblo Camp. But, He will write a report on what he learned and did while he was there. We plan on taking some road trips this summer as well. Which we can include homeschooling as we travel (well, I always do something that includes learning like a science center or some museum). Joel will still play sports for Winterset as of right now. Now in the fall things will change up on our homeschooling. Joel will be taking Science and Band at the public school in the fall. I am so excited that he wants to play an instrument. 
 I also plan on being involved in homeschool groups, and doing other homeschool activities around the area. There is places that I know of in Des Moines that open their doors during the day for homeschool children to do. For example there is a place that is a gym that allows homeschool children to go do tumbling and things. I don't know when we will check it out but it is on our list to do. Many of our friends and family have also volunteered to help out with Joel's homeschooling (teaching life skills). 
  So, look for Joel's reports, and our homeschooling adventures!