I am happy to find that homeschooling this year is off to a wonderful beginning. The biggest difference between this year and last is my son's ability to work for longer periods independently, as well as a great improvement in his academic abilities overall. At the start of our last school year, I had to guide him through most of his work. But this year I have been thrilled to see him complete a good hour of school work independently and then a second hour with a few questions for me. Most of his work for the day is completed in this time frame. He then he then takes a break for a while and completes his work on his own often before lunch.
If he continues at this pace he'll move ahead academically at a steady pace. That is the good thing about homeschooling -- there's no dull repetition or artificial levels. Of course, I realize there is much more to a child's overall development than academics, but it is good to see him coming along nicely in this area and to see already the results of last year's homeschooling paying off.
If he continues at this pace he'll move ahead academically at a steady pace. That is the good thing about homeschooling -- there's no dull repetition or artificial levels. Of course, I realize there is much more to a child's overall development than academics, but it is good to see him coming along nicely in this area and to see already the results of last year's homeschooling paying off.
So far, his favorite subject is Latin. I heard him say it to himself when I was out of the room. "I love Latin" were his exact words. I was pleased to hear it because I have recently become convinced that studying Latin offers a unique benefit. Really, my son could care less at this point about who discovered which part of America when or about the scientific method, but he does have a brain that needs development. Not only is Latin a good mental exercise, but it is a wonderful way to reinforce and/or learn English grammar. I took a year of high school Latin, and, while it took some mental effort, to me it didn't seem any different from learning any other language and, other than a possible point of differentiation in my college application, I couldn't see how would Latin help me purse my interests at that time. I think fourth or fifth grade, however, is a great time to start learning Latin because one is still learning English. How far one should go with Latin, I don't have an opinion yet. I'm just glad we've started.
P.S. So you see, Dad, I am grateful for taking Latin!
