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Homeschooling Awards

The kids went to a homeschooling award ceremony a week ago. This is how we chose to encourage them:

For beginning in earnest the lifelong journey into letters and numbers and books, The Dr. Seuss Award goes to Charlie.

For her fascination with bugs, animals, plants, rocks, sticks, water, and mud, The Edith Holden Award goes to Faith. (Edith Holden was the English author and illustrator of The Country Diary of An Edwardian Lady written in 1906.)

For diligence, a sense of duty, and spiritual growth, The Ruth and Abigail Award goes to Lauren. (On the way home, Lauren asked, "Who is Abigail?" to which John replied, "It's back to First Samuel for you, missy!")

For his insatiable appetite for the printed word, his love of names, high fantasy, creative writing and thirteen letter words, The JRR Tolkien Award goes to John.

For her mathematical abilities and the for effort she applied to her schoolwork this year, The Nathaniel Bowditch Award goes to Claire. (Nathaniel Bowditch was a self-educated man and the founder of modern maritime navigation. His book, The New American Practical Navigator written in 1802 is still carried aboard all ships in the United States Navy. Mr. Bowditch is considered the founder of modern navigation. The Newberry Award winning Carry On Mr. Bowditch is one of our all time favorite books.)

For the kindness, generosity, and companionship that they exhibit toward one another, The Frog and Toad are Friends Award goes to John, Lauren, Faith, Claire and Charlie.

Congratulations guys! We are proud of both your progress and your enthusiasm. You make this homeschooling adventure well worth the effort.

Comments

Anonymous said…
That is so fun! What a great idea to give them the fun of awards and still recognize their individuality and avoid rivalry. I love it when you post about your homeschool, I get great ideas :)
I love John's comment to Lauren...too funny! What creative, encouraging awards...

Xandra
Janelle said…
Yahoo!! All that hard work has paid off. Enjoy your summer!
ocean mommy said…
I LOVE the Dr. Seuss award!!! (so would my mommy!)
40winkzzz said…
Love your awards! How fun! That is a neat way to recognize your kids' achievements and "specialness".

As for Carry On Mr Bowditch, my 12-y/o son read it last year and has declared it to be his favorite book of all time. He recently re-read it "to see whether it's still my favorite". It is. Maybe I should buy it for him.
Amy said…
Kate,

What sweet post! You all have been on my mind lately! We miss you lots! As always, your creativity with school amazes me and challenges me!

Kiss all those sweet cheeks for me!

Much love,
Amy P.
You and John obviously put a lot of thought and heart into designating those awards for the kids. Memories they'll treasure forever.
God's girl said…
That is so neat! Yeah everyone!
Much love,
Angela
Faith said…
I love it! :)
Heather C said…
What a fabulous way to reward and encourage your children! I chuckled at John's comment as well. :)

Heather

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