As time goes on...

As time goes on, I find that my older children need less and less of me in order to finish their lessons. It is the goal of the home schooler to encourage independent learning, right? That's how we teach, by independent research - no one tells us to do it, we simply assess what we need to teach and learn enough to teach/direct.

I have an interesting combination of those who need me every minute and those who are, perhaps, a little more independent than I would like. I like to be involved in what they're learning...I like the interaction. For those of you who know me, I NEED the conversation. In fact, I thrive on it. Much to the chagrin of the men in my life, on occasion...hm!

For awhile, this year, the older ones have wanted to be completely independent. But within the last week, they have come to me and asked for more input. (And yes, this is a stroke to my ego - I'm still needed...yeah!) So we're setting up short classes in which we can discuss the lessons. Mondays are History/Government. Tuesdays are Biology and Physics with our friend, Ted. Wednesdays are Bible/Winkey Pratney (for now...when we're done with Winkey, I haven't decided yet where to go - or should I say that I have not yet sought the Holy Spirit on the issue...?). On Thursdays, there is no assignment, because Josh works all morning and I still have to drive him (or Brian does). Fridays we do Theology/Bible overview.

I'm excited this morning to work on Theology with the kids. I LOVE Theology! We are simply discussing questions, which I find tickles the mind. The mind will continue to work on the question until it is answered - perhaps years later. Questions like "Who is God?" or "What is God?" help us begin. Then, as time goes on, we delve into questions that are not so easily answered, such as "What does God know?" (Everything, right? - can you support that? That's really the key, you know...) Or "What, exactly, is predestination?" and "what, exactly do they mean by 'Free Will?'"

Our younger co-op is doing History, with a focus on literature. Currently, we are doing the Epic of Gilgamesh. With each lesson, we look at questions related to the story - What is a good friend? What is death and should we fear it? How is eternal life obtained?

The books we are using are wonderful - fantastic art work, and broken into three stories, which is great for the younger set, who have a shorter attention span.

Gilgamesh the King
The Revenge of Ishtar
The Last Quest of Gilgamesh

All are by Ludmila Zeman, and each costs about $5.

Next, we'll delve into the beginning of organized law. The main focus will be the comparison/contrast of man's law vs. God's law. The main questions: What is the purpose of the law? and Can the law save you? (reworded - Can we work our way to Heaven?)

Still having fun, but occasionally feeling the weight of my mother's Alzheimer's. Her unhappiness is hard to bear.

All in all, the joy is always in the journey, not in the destination.