This has been a long week. Last Thursday I drove to Houston, Texas because I have a small "job" working for a company whose math curriculum I use and LOVE!! A new season is upon me and it's an interesting one.
This is my 16th year educating my children at home. One of the challenges of doing this is finding a curriculum that meets the needs of everyone involved. With the older 4 children I have used a variety of math curriculum, trying to find that perfect fit. About 6 years ago I came across a fairly new curriculum called Right Start Mathematics. I really liked what I heard but to be honest was a bit hesitant about purchasing it because of the cost. It's not one of the lesser expensive programs out there. A year went by and while I was "drooling" over this curriculum I was trying out others that were not as costly. But what I have come to realize is that while the price may not be expensive...it can still be costly.Because if it's not helping us to learn and understand there is a greater cost than just the price.
Anywhoos... after sitting in a class at one of the local book fairs I was sold. I plunged in....considered the cost....and made the purchase. WOW!!! Am I ever so thankful I did. No more jumping around trying to find that perfect fit. I transitioned the older 3 into it late in their schooling but where I am noticing the difference is in my two youngest who have ONLY used Right Start. They are currently in the level I started the older ones in and this is where I see the fruit. Their understanding of numbers and seeing patterns and thinking surpasses where the older ones were when starting this level.
Last year at the Plano book fair I was at the Right Start booth ordering something and the lady asked me if I would be interested in assisting in the booth sometime in the future. I said sure and filled out my name and address. Totally forgetting about it.
Jump forward to a little over a month ago when I was feeling overwhelmed about some things in regards to finances and went on a walk to just "cry out" to the Lord. One of the things I "cried out" to Him about was needing new curriculum for next year. About two weeks later I received a phone call asking if I would be an assistant in the Right Start booth in Arlington. I didn't even have to think about it...I said yes.
While working in the booth that weekend I was asked if I would consider working at some other conventions within the state. After talking it over with my hubby and the family we decided to give it a go. The children are old enough that I feel comfortable leaving them until Chris gets home in the evening. This would give me a chance to earn money for new curriculum AND I will get to encourage others who are educating their children at home. Something I do anyways...but now I am getting paid.
Basically I am getting my feet wet this season and it's been interesting.
