The Last Day of Pod School

After four months of having a really cool "learning pod" experience, today was the final day.  The girls' teacher, Miss Alia, decided to take a job in Santa Barbara as a special ed teacher (her previous profession).

 

We started off with a group of five kids and very quickly whittled down to three kids - the two girls and a boy named Ben.  Unfortunately, Ben has behavioral issues and an over-reactive mama bear as a mom.  After a series of "second chances," he needed to move on ... which just left Scarlett and Sage.

 

Happily, after Ben's departure from our pod school became the most AMAZING situation and everyone was so happy!  The girls thrived academically and have become such good friends!

It's too bad it must all come to an end, but Scarlett will now start going with Christian to his learning pod on Tuesdays and Thursdays for three hours.  The kids are older than Scarlett - 4th and 6th graders.  But she's sharp and will learn a lot!

 

 

Horse Riding Lesson #3

Scarlett continues to enjoy herself with lessons (she doesn't even mind digging the poop out of the horse's hooves) and next week, will learn how to trot!! :)

 

 

Scarlett's Second Riding Lesson

Lesson #2 is in the books, and Scarlett LOVES riding horses!  It's pretty amazing to see our petite girl on a 1,300+ pound horse!  I must admit, my mind starts fast forwarding to the future and the "what ifs" regarding horse riding (although, I fantasize cautiously ... I thought she was headed onto big things with gymnastics and then one day, she decided she was done).

 

 

Scarlett's First Paddock Bookts

 After Scarlett's first riding lesson, she declared her pretty cowgirl boots were not comfortable.  Her instructor recommended "paddock boots," which are traditional short horse riding boots. 

At the store, I asked Scarlett which color she wanted - black or brown.  I said it didn't matter much, because they'd be dirty all the time anyway.  Her response, in front of the saleswoman, "Black.  I don't want poop-colored boots." 

Ah ... this girl ...

Scarlett's Zoom Fort Party

Because we are homeschooling through our school district, Scarlett reports to a campus-based teacher, Miss Ames.  This week, Miss Ames hosted an online "Zoom Fort Party."  The kids made forts a home, got into their jammies and hopped on a video call with the class.   Such a cute idea!  Here she is in her bedroom with all sorts of stuffed animals and other goodies. :)

 

A Homeschooling Funny

 A funny post shared by Jonathan on Facebook. 😄

 

 

Just Being a Kid ...

 During these COVID times, it's so nice to see a kid being a kid at a playground.  Scarlett (8) had a blast swinging without a care in the world!

 

 

What in the World??

 Scarlett (8.5) is ridiculously flexible!  I'm not sure what's going on here - ha!!

 

Scarlett's First Day of Pod Learning

We chose to homeschool both kids this year through the school district's homeschooling program.  We'll use their provided curriculum and chat with a school-based teacher once a week.  And then the teaching portion is up to us as the parents.  Scarlett will be in a "learning pod" at a private home in Paso Robles with five other kids and a real teacher!   We are super excited for this alternative school setting! 

 

Scarlett the Skater Chick

 This week Scarlett did a skateboarding camp for girls!  They were all middle schoolers, and Scarlett was nervous about that.  But they were sweet to hear and the instructor was such a cool dude!  

He offered more classes on weekend and the middle school girls were thrilled ... but Scarlett decided not to move forward.  It's too bad, but ... she got a cool and unique experience this week!