I'd like to just take a moment to say thank you to the very kind reader(s) who nominated me for a couple of Homeschool Blog Awards! It was brought to my attention that By Sun and Candlelight has been nominated in two categories: "Homeschooling Nature/Field Trip Blog" and "Special Needs Homeschooling Blog."
I was completely surprised and so very honored to be nominated ~ especially in these two categories. They are both near and dear to my heart!
Because firstly, nature study plays a HUGE part in our homeschooling adventure! I have always been quite passionate about nature, and Bill and I are trying to raise our children with an awareness of - and an appreciation for - the natural world. In an ever-advancing "techno-savvy" civilization, it's just so important that we instill in our children a healthy respect for the earth and all of creation. That we teach them how to know and observe what might otherwise, and too easily, be ignored. And most of all that we foster in these young hearts a friendly familiarity with their most intimate surroundings: to begin with, their very own backyards!
Now, what's also been fantastic about "homeschooling nature" as we do, is that it provides a framework for education that all children can benefit from - but especially so a special needs child.
Dear readers, as most of you know, our nine year old Earlybird is autistic, and if you've been reading my blog for some time, then you know how much he loves to learn and play and LIVE right alongside his big brothers! And if you are blessed to know special needs children yourself, then you know that despite the many challenges they may face, they are absolutely amazing children - filled with love and trust and faith and a true eagerness to know the big wide world around them ...
In other words, they're just like any other child.
:)
Sure, they may have a harder time with some things, but they have needs that can be met beautifully with homeschooling:
With patience,
and persistence.
With encouragement.
and companionship.
With challenging conservation,
and easy peace and quiet.
With rest when they need it,
and activity when they're up for it.
With fresh air and exercise,
and materials just right for them.
With all kinds of new experiences,
and all the comforts of home.
With respect and reverence,
And lots and lots of love.
❤
I thank God every day I was blessed with three healthy children, and I love each one of them so much. I love that they are all so different and that they each challenge me in different ways. I love that they have taught me things I never knew about - or expected of - myself.
And most of all, I LOVE that they are growing up together - as brothers big and small, and happily, as friends.
:)
Ok, well, this post got SO much bigger than I thought it would, lol! But you know how I ramble, and once I got going I just had to roll with it.
I thank you all for stopping by and I thank, too, whoever it was that so kindly nominated for those awards. You've given me something to smile about tonight ... and a little bit to think on, as well.
Have a great night my friends ... I will see you all here again soon.
~**❤**~
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