first grade, finis!

I am so relieved we can keep our first grade mascot in second grade.

First grade, it was heaps of fun... whether it's learning that takes place in a building, a backyard, a beach (or in some exceptionally lucky moments, a chicken tractor).

And now, in the midst of a whopping six (!!!) days off from school before we start second grade, I am going to attempt to get some blogging and vlogging done. Doing school year-round is a post/explanation in and of itself for another time... :-) The short version is that I've always admired the rhythm of the academic calendars in countries which punctuate their terms with little 1-4 week breaks and have professionally and personally found the 2+ month summer break we have here in the 'States a little unnatural. (Not that one ever really takes a break from learning!) But living in a modern-day suburb that is not dictated and dominated by agrarian needs of pre-commercialized farming (a topic we're covering with great interest in Laura Ingalls Wilder's Farmer Boy), I think we get a lot more out little breaks which give us just enough time to celebrate the seasonal rhythms that come with the blessing of living in a part of the world that has four seasons. (Just enough break, without going stir crazy).

In the weeks ahead, I can't wait to share with you a new liturgical printable, a planner video, our curricula picks for second grade, and a post series that threads the needle with the two main aspects of this blog: Long Island and Catholic homeschooling. There are some really special Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 women who I've had the blessing of knowing, and I'm looking forward to highlighting their work here on coastalvillagegirl.com.

What will AY 2022-2023 have in store? The most important guiding principle is that whatever it may be, it must remain rooted in Him, and seeking to do His will. I'm excited by the adventure ahead, and hope you find some peace and refreshment this summer too, wherever your journey takes you...

You can't go wrong with strawberry picking. Fun at Glover Farms in Yaphank.