This is totally a cliche' thing to say, but I can't believe we've come to the end of another school year! I feel like we've been kind of all over the place with school the last couple years . . . after school was canceled due to Covid in 2019-2020 and we were thrown into homeschooling unexpectedly, then we chose homeschool for the 2020-2021 school year, THEN we decided to homeschool two and send two to public school for the 2021-2022 school year, I'd say my feelings are pretty valid.
I wasn't sure how this school year would go with Brianna and Brenson homeschooling while Brooke and Brecklyn were in public school, but overall it was pretty smooth. There were days I felt a little like I was a slave to the public school schedule, but it also helped me stay on track with the big kids.
Brianna was in 6th grade this year. Homeschooling has been a great fit for her, and she has expressed to me several times how glad she is that she doesn't go to our local public junior high. She excelled in math this year, even though her confidence in that area isn't high. She also did great with our units on South America and Ancient Civilizations. She enjoys grammar and reading, but really disliked the dictation portion of her ELA because she's not strong in spelling. We studied land mammals in science, and that was just okay for her.
Running cross-country and track & field with the Falcons has been a big part of Brianna's school year (as a 6th grader, she still competed as an elementary student), and she also really enjoyed participating in color guard through our homeschool co-op. In addition to her regular Bible classes, she took an online OABS class on Women of the Bible with me this past semester.
Brenson really thrives in homeschool because it allows him to dig deeper into the subjects he's interested in. He was technically in 4th grade, although he did the same math, grammar, and science as Brianna, as well as the same South America and Ancient Civilizations units. Academically, he is "high", but he sometimes get overwhelmed with his workload. He devoured so many books this year. It seemed like he would finish them as soon as he checked them out from the library.
Archery piqued his interest, and he was able to participate in an 8 week archery course through co-op this year. He also took guitar through co-op, participated in cross-country and track & field with the Falcons, and played basketball with Owasso Prep.
Brooke was in 1st grade and attended our local public school. I think she and Brecklyn both really enjoyed having a place they considered their "own" at Catalayah. Brooke had Mrs. Lewis this year, the same teacher that both Brianna and Brenson had for first grade. I was thrilled when we found out Brooke had Mrs. L, but it was a unique year for her. She missed the first quarter of school because her husband had terminal cancer and passed away. Brooke had Mrs. Christian during the time Mrs. L was out.
Of course, Brooke's favorite subject was recess 😂. She had some drama with another girl in her class, but I never got a call from the principal about her! Brooke also loves art and math. When Brooke was tested in reading at the beginning of the year, she tested at a level 11. The school was looking for the first graders to be at a minimum of level 5. She started the year as one of the better readers in the grade, and continued to grow as a reader all year long.
Brecklyn had Mrs. Ward for her first grade teacher, and we loved her! I was nervous about how it would be having someone different, but Mrs. W was wonderful! Academically, Brecklyn is very high, but Mrs. W worked hard to keep her challenged and engaged with the class. Brecklyn tested at a level 16 at the beginning of the year in reading.
Brecklyn said her favorite subject was "specials", and she is especially drawn to music. Mrs. W always sang Brecklyn's praises for being sweet and helpful with the other students. She doesn't love math, but she does love reading. She thrived with the structure of traditional school.
My babies are so big 😢
Rise and Shine on the last day of school (most of the year we were not permitted to attend R&S due to Covid policies)
All done with first grade 👏
No surprise, Brecklyn was awarded the Star Reader award for her class.
Sweet first graders!
Brooke is finished with first grade 👏
We are so thankful to have had Mrs. L three different times!
See ya, first grade!
Our favorite elementary school!
Brecklyn
Brooke
Catalayah used to give out "Catalayah Cash" to recognize students for going above and beyond in their character. This year, they changed it to "Catalayah Character Counts". Each of the girls received several of these this year, and I loved reading these words about them.
It was a great school year, and I certainly don't take for granted that school is an overall great experience for us. Now, it's time to soak up our summer!
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