Blessings from the TOS Crew

My first year on the The Old Schoolhouse Crew is coming to an end. It has been a whirlwind year, in some ways; sometimes overwhelming and a tad stressful. But mostly, it has been a blessing, and a huge adventure!

This week's Blog Cruise topic is: Please share your favorite homeschool experience in relation to your participation in the Crew this year!

I'm not sure I can narrow it down to just one!

I've enjoyed learning about, and using, so many products, many of which I had never even heard of before. I'll admit that, most of them I probably would never have purchased, since I didn't know anything about them and I wouldn't have had the budget to do so. But now, there are definitely some products that I would try fitting into the budget, because I see how my children have responded.

Another thing of my favorite things was waiting not-so-patiently for that next item to arrive in the mail! Or in the email. Sometimes it was a little nerve-wracking waiting for the list to be posted, wondering if my name would be on that list, then rejoicing when it was, or trying not to be too disappointed if it wasn't.

One of the lists that I was really, really praying to get on was the one for Reading Kingdom. I believed it would be such a blessing and a real help for my youngest. I breathed a prayer of thanks when I saw we were on that list; then I did a happy dance! But when I saw we would have a one-year subscription for it, I literally cried tears of joy!

I asked Teen Girl what was her favorite product we'd received. Her response was the Time4Writing online writing program. I know she enjoyed the class, and she seemed to really like the instructor she had. It was a blessing for her to have some instruction and input from someone besides mom for awhile.

The boys unanimously agree that their favorite is BigIQKids! I think the real attraction for them are the games they get to play! But, hey, they have to do their lessons first, so they are at least learning something! ;-)

I am finding the online classes/programs to come in somewhat handy, for all of them, because I can send one to the computer, while I work one-on-one with another. Then after a bit, we can switch.

The various math programs we have tried throughout the year have also been helpful. The kids haven't thought so, especially Botanist Boy. But they have been useful in helping him progress, and in providing some of the drill work he needs.

One product that has proved enjoyable by the whole family, including hubby and dear step daughter is the Wits & Wagers game we received. We have spent many hours together with that game!

I believe one of the greatest blessings to me, personally, is all the new friendships I have made with fellow crew mates! In fact, being on the crew helped me meet a couple local ladies, who actually inspired and encouraged me to join our local homeschool group!

Now I am, frankly, looking forward to a bit of a break over summer......but I am thrilled I'll be a part of the Crew again next year! So, stay tuned.... ;) Pin It Now!