At the beginning of our trip I bought the Dudes 700 page Curriculum Guides that served as a foundation for their schoolwork this year. I told them that I wanted them to be completed by the end of May. The Big Dude finished his on Mother’s Day (he said it was my Mother’s Day present) and the Lil’ Dude finished his two days later. Yippee!
left and below: The pedestrian mall in downtown Charlottesville.
I also told them that upon completion of the book and as a year end celebration, they could choose any where they wanted to go for dinner. The Big Dude chose the “Nook” in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia where we happened to be at the time for a bacon cheeseburger and a chocolate shake, his favorite. He was not disappointed.
He also received a little extra present for being “student of the year”. We gave him an Itunes gift card for always doing his work without being told, never complaining, keeping his work neat and finishing before the end of the year , bravo!
The Lil’ Dude voted for pizza and chose “The Melting Pot” in Front Royal Virginia for his dinner. He also, was happy with his choice. He finished ahead of schedule too and a grade level ahead but we had to discuss some strategies for cooperation for the next school year as he added a few extra grey hairs to my scalp this year.
In addition to the curriculum guides, they did extra lessons on line with Brainpop, Xtra math and Khan’s Academy. Add to that 25 National Park Ranger badges and approximately 25 museum visits and it became quite a full year of learning.
After a quick stop in Charleston and Charlotte to visit friends and family, we are now starting the last leg of our trip in the Northeast where there will be a lots more to learn minus one family member, the Princess. We decided that the last six weeks would be hot with very long days in big cities and museums and that she would probably prefer to spend that time in the air conditioning with her “Aunt and Uncle”.
We immediately felt a void but, I have reports that she is doing fine and has already “found the couch.” My Mother gave us a “golden pillow” to help fill the empty space and the little Dude squeezes it constantly throughout day.
Homeschooling has been an enlightening experience for all of us this year. We plan to keep their brains stimulated over the summer with online programs and more travel. Hopefully they will be ready to slip right back into school in the Fall.
| “I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.” | Edith Ann |
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