Scholastics--Joys of teaching

One of the reasons we chose to start Homeschooling was the surgeries Josh was having this past year.  We knew there would be many physical and emotional challenges and did not feel adding the pressures of keeping up with the district scholastic schedule would be possible or fair.  As we have progressed in this school year we have covered a LOT of topics and areas of learning.  Josh thought it was cool that he could be considered an Ornithologist--one who studies birds as my friend informed him.  

The core elements of learning--reading , writing and arithmetic--have been a challenge for him, and I have been ever more thankful that we decided to Homeschool.  As he would be in 2nd grade this year I was aware that this is the time when schools give students the State Standards Tests in Language Arts and Math.  We have the option to take it or not.  I knew he would not be ready, but I wanted to give him the test to see where he was and where we need to focus his learning.

The past week has been test week for him.  There are A LOT of questions on this test had he been "in school" I know he would have failed and the questions would have confused him and so he most likely would have just guessed.  I know that the teacher would have been reading the questions to the students, but I don't think they would have taken the time to ensure that each student really understood what the question was asking.  So once I felt he understood the question then he would choose the appropriate answer.  It was hard to refrain from asking "are you sure that is the right one?"  No worries, I did well.  I knew as he took the test he would struggle and I was sure the math would be his greatest challenge.

To my surprise and amazement he did better than I thought.  Sometimes a question would come up on something he had struggled on during regular lessons and I cringed knowing he would mark the wrong answer.  Then he would get it right and I could not help myself and had to kiss his cheek and sing with glee when he got it right.  Which of course make him real happy.  Once he noticed that he got one right and leaned hos cheek over for a kiss--can't resist.

So after a week of testing, I am pleased that he (we) is doing very well this year, in spite challenges and not covering EVERYTHING "he should have learned in school this year."  We still have 5 more months of school, and I have a greater understanding if where we need to concentrate.  But I am so excited that he is doing so well.  I just had to share.  :)