Hi Parents,

I have used the Bible reading time to have my Second Grader color her illustration. 

For mental math work, I have been doing it while walking outside. It gives us a mid-morning break.

For little ones, keep a box of different toys and activities to keep them busy. You rotate the toys/ games every 15/20 min when their attention is shifting. Keep these games ONLY for the homeschooling time so they will look forward to using them.

Also, start with the youngest ones as they need more attention and once you have filled their “cup” of attention, they will be more inclined to play independently while you teach the older ones. The older kids can start 2 or 3 subjects on their own while you teach the younger ones.

A mid-morning snack helps also, to motivate little ones to stay calm while you finish up a subject.

There is no prefect day in homeschooling as in regular school but treasure each little victory! 

An Ambleside Parent

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Thanks so much for this! Our children were smiling and beaming as we participated [in remote chapel]. Just wonderful! 

Ambleside Parent

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I finished helping my child today wondering how "Home Instruction" went for all of your families?  

For us, there were moments of delight: discovering Jesus’ power in Mark, reading about God’s creation in science, and comparing the main character in literature to the likeness of Christ.   

And…there were moments of struggle: “Mom, this is so hard, this is taking so long.” Moments of struggle for me too… (BTW, Why does my phone’s scanning notes screen not look like the one in the instructions??...I eventually figured it out…)

These verses stuck out to me this morning from the Bible reading:

Lorenzo Scott, Baptism of Jesus, 1987, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Jane and Bert Hunecke, 1994.52

Mark 1:11

“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”   At Jesus’ baptism, the words of the Father are clear: He loves his Son and is well pleased—there is delight and joy for one another within the triune God... 

I am left wondering....Was this statement from God the Father for the sake of Jesus? Or for the sake of those around him?  Because it's directed to Jesus with the pronoun "you", I think, wow, maybe at His most gut-wrenching hour, (as the Son of MAN, wrestling against Satan) Jesus would hold tight to these truths...his purpose, and His Father's pleasure....

And then, another Scripture (Matthew 17:1-13) came to mind, the story of Jesus transfigured before Peter, James, and John….but this time, a voice that delivers similar wording, but maybe for the sake of the listeners?!

Jesus’ face shone like the sun, and his clothes white as light.  Peter, upon seeing the transfigured Christ, immediately starts planning!  (I can usually relate to Peter!) Again, God’s Fatherly voice declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”  Upon hearing these words, the disciples could only fall on their faces with a holy fear at the revelation of the DIVINE NATURE of their JESUS.  

 And so, I am convicted, and encouraged, that JESUS IS THE BELOVED SON OF GOD (WORTHY TO BE LISTENED TO) and that my response can just be to take pleasure in Him and worship Him….I don’t have to do something, complete a checklist, or feel good about what I have (or haven’t) accomplished today.  Not all days will be as good as this one (especially when it comes to Home Instruction), but ALL DAYS will be ruled by the Beloved Son of God.  

I'm hoping as a group, we can encourage one another in these days--with our successes, our struggles, but most importantly with our faith in the Lord Almighty.

Ambleside Parent

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Day one is done with no tears, no raised voices and lots of quiet and thoughtful study. I think we all enjoyed it! Thank you for your clear instructions and for all the work you have put in to making this as easy for us as possible. And thank you for training our kids so well!!

Ambleside Parent

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I just wanted to say, as we start this Monday in a week in which things in our world are upside down, how much I and my family appreciate all that you all have done to set up school for the kids and the way in which you have done it. 

It is so thoughtfully organized, the daily instructions are so clear and helpful, and I know the regular calls will be beneficial to the kids in several ways. It’s clear that you all focused your minds, skills, and experience to create a new system that gives all our students & families at home, the best chance for success. This is no small feat.  Thank you!

Ambleside Parent

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Thank you, Ginnie. Alex and I have never been more proud of Ambleside. 

This period of struggle has challenged me to embrace the lovely and sweet moments of these homeschooling days. I’ve posted this on Facebook and hope friends and fellow-Ambleside parents are blessed by our glimpses of our days. And of course, each moment have their challenges!

Ambleside Parent

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This has been one of the most joyful things about this difficult time. I have spent quality time with my son, bonding, working together and talking about important issues....while digging holes. Yesterday after school, he said, "C'mon mom, I want to dig holes!" Yesterday we finished the front yard at 6:30pm. So we had a busy day from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm. And he was a happy camper. I am seeing what he is capable of. What a blessing!

Ambleside Parent

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