Her dance class has really given her the desire to learn language. For 2 hours, twice a week she is in dance with children who speak no English. She had a little bit of a rough start not knowing for sure what was expected of her. Now she fits right in and enjoys her dance class. She has a dance partner to stretch with and they giggle and small chat with each other. They are becoming great friends and have a playtime set for next week. Alleyah also has an art class that is taught in her second language. She is learning shapes, more detailed colors, and new vocabulary each time. She also has a few neighbor children that come to the door every weekend to see if ‘A-lee-ya’ can come out and play. One time on our way home around 7pm the children were still playing outside. Alleyah quickly asked if it would be OK if she stayed out for a while to play. After 30 min she came and said, “Mommy they want me to go to their house!” She has a mix of both English speaking friends and the other.
Noah has a few small buddies too. However, they speak the local dialect and not the main language spoken. But they still can run and race and know who wins without clearly speaking the same language. Alleyah’s language teacher comes to our house and sometimes Noah joins in and plays the games. He asks everyday how to say something, but he still sticks with his favorite words, ‘milk, this, sister, brother, and auntie.’ He has a friend over twice a week and today’s word was ‘tiger.’ They had a game of growling and jumping around. Noah also enjoys watching his favorite movie over and over again. Sometimes I change the DVD to his second language as a treat to watch it yet again. However, the cutest thing about Noah is his English accent, not sure what it sounds like, but it is not American. Noah seems to understand most conversations, but will answer in English, and Alleyah can answer the simple questions. If we translate the question for Alleyah she can answer back in the second language. I think Alleyah more than Noah wishes she knew more language at this point. Her friends and neighbors are fun, but she wants to talk and get to know them more.
Alleyah had her first test in dance class a week ago. Yes, it was a test; they take every class very serious. She did well and the test teacher came over to me and with a surprise, said she thinks Alleyah did a great job and understands everything very well. There were about 50 kids on the dance floor doing their positions and routine and besides the blond/brown hair…well she looked like every other little girl. Her main goal is to do the splits and look like a ballerina. I hope you enjoy some pictures I took of her in dance and one of her art pieces.
After a month in a half I can see that home schooling has allowed us to do these extra things for the kids. It also helps our evenings to be more flexible and hang out with college students or local friends. It has taken Alleyah out of the English school setting and encourages her to develop her language. Noah just follows in her language steps.
So grateful we took the time to listen to our Father and seek what His will is even for our children’s schooling. It may change year to year in the future, but this year, so far, we can see how it is a perfect plan from Him.
Blessings,
Joneses
