Learning Together!!

Our boys finished their 4th week of homeschool here in Macas, Ecuador.  Robin bought them desks and last week was their first week to use them.  Next week I will post some of the projects they have been making.  It is the first time that they have their entire school day in English and their spelling and writing is improving. The boys' schedule looks something like this: (depending on baby girl's naptime and wake up time)

Our 7 year old in his homeschool uniform!!

7:30 Breakfast
8:00 Bible and Character Training
8:30 Math
9:00 Science
9:30 Handwriting and Greek/Latin Roots
10:00 Break Time and Snack
10:30 Reading Comprehension and Grammar
11:00 Spelling
11:30 Social Studies
12:00 Hands on Projects (arts and crafts mostly related to Social Studies)

12:30-2:30 Break for lunch prep, lunch and down time
2:30 Read Aloud and Silent Reading
3:00 Geography
3:30 Done for the day, chores and outside time
 

Our 9 year old cleans our front walkway as a chore

On Monday the 2nd was the inaguration of the new school year at Emmanuel Christian School.  It is the first time that the boys and I did not attend.  Robin and I have been talking about what our roles are right now with a baby and two boys homeschooling.  I would love to be more involved at the school, but I am learning that I have limits.  Our baby girl is now 9 months old but she still usually gets up twice at night.  God is good and I trust that the 5 English teachers that have come from the US this year are getting along fine without my micromanagement!!

Robin inaugurated the school year with a few children less than last year:  about 300 from 3 year olds to high school seniors.  We think this might be due to inflation here making it difficult for families to pay the tuition.  This is stressful for him and he ended up cutting a few staff positions as a result.  We do have a donor program so let us know if you are interested in helping a child attend our school: it is $50 for a half scholarship and $90 for a complete scholarship.  Some donors give another $30 per month to cover additional fees.
 
I am reading a book called Margin by Richard Swenson.   So far I have learned that I need to take more breaks and not allow myself to get to the end of my emotional energy.  I recommend this book.  It was recommended to me about 2 years ago, but I didn't have time to read it at that time due to my lack of margin!!

Robin went to a great leadership training back in April.  One of the men has a great website on leadership that Robin would like to recommend it.  Lead On!! is the name of the website.

We are planning a trip to the US in 11 weeks!!  There is a link on the right if you want to give toward our trip--we are still a little short on our funds for airfare.  We hope to see a lot of you there.  Thanks for stopping by.

Looking forward to seeing grandma soon!!