We have decided to homeschool for a myriad of reasons. Growing up, I had the perception that homeschooled kids were weird, lacked social skills and were basically locked in the house, or belonged to some sort of cult. When I lived in Virginia, a lot of my friends were homeschooling their littles, and I learned that these misconceptions couldn't be further from the truth. It seemed so appealing, the freedom and creation of your own schedule. The lack of time to yourself and my own lack of patience was a HUGE drawback for me, though. Plus I had recently just begun working part-time and also found a Montessori school which my daughter and I both loved. However, the idea took root and continued to float in the periphery.
Moving up here, we happened into another wonderful Montessori program, although it only goes through Kindergarten. We pay a small fortune, but if you know me at all, you understand I don't skimp on nutrition or education. Looking ahead at first grade, though, became daunting. There are a couple good Montessori schools in the area, ones that I know we would love, but they are too far for me to reasonably travel everyday. There is a Montessori Catholic school nearby, which I so desperately wanted to love, but didn't get that vibe. (To be fair, it could've been the particular Kindergarten teacher who I observed, but it just didn't feel right). So, since I exhausted all the Montessori routes, which I'd LOVE to stay with, I began looking into the Catholic private schools. But I just wasn't sure I wanted to have her in a traditional school environment. I have been spoiled by the joyful, free-moving, child-led learning I witnessed in the Montessori schools. As much as I love learning (to this day), school was just not that experience for me. And the costs of all these programs were high, and it was starting to become an issue for us financially, especially considering we have another little one coming up soon. At the risk of controversy, public schools are just not an option for us at all. This is not a conviction of anyone's personal education or choices for their own children. It just isn't for us, and the more I read about it, the more convinced I become. (See
Hold on to Your Kids and
A Thomas Jefferson Education amongst others for more information.) I really wanted the flexibility and non-graded environment that focused on learning, not achieving "good" grades, stickers, awards, rewards, and treats. Learning for learning's sake, for the joy of learning itself! Not at the level or whim of the school board, teacher, other students, etc. We can work at our own pace and tailor her education for a custom fit. My goal is an out-of-the-box thinker (because I can be such an in-the-box person!) Being military, the choice to homeschool makes sense as we can have minimal disruption to our lives and much needed flexibility to travel, move, or what-have-you the Navy decides. There are actually liason officers to work with you!
I also began to notice just how impressionable my daughter is, and how she responds to "peer pressure". Yes, she is only 5, but that is what really got me thinking. It scares me to think what 10, 12, 14, 16, etc will be like, especially as she is drawn more and more into friends, and away from us. She needs a solid foundation to know just who she is, and as much as I think we have provided that, I think there is more work to be done. I want us to remain the primary influence in our daughter's life, especially in these impressionable times where we really can make a big difference. I don't want to "lose" her into the "system" only to regret things later. (No, homeschooling isn't a panacea or a guarantee, but at least I can say we tried!) I also want to educate her with her Catholic upbringing at the forefront and have a say about when/where/how she learns things such as religion, science, health, etc. She will evenutally move out into the big wide world after growing her wings, but she needs to be firmly planted with thick roots first!
With all this in mind, I prayed. And, of course, I do what I do best when I am in a quandry, I talked it out with friends. Through this, my course became clear and we decided as a family to give homeschooling a shot. My main concerns are my patience and my time. My time is proving to be a non-issue, because with Oliver running around, frankly there just isn't much "Mommy" time anymore. My patience, well, since I believe God impressed this decision on my heart, I have faith He will also imbue me with the grace, strength, and patience needed to get through one day at a time. No, it won't be perfect and there is a HUGE learning curve for both of us. But, I am not one to back down from a challenge. We won't know if we don't try; and honestly, if it really sucks, I can always enroll her in a school someplace. The goal is NOT for her to hate me or learning, and me to be burnout and resentful. She is very excited at the possibility and we talk all the time about fun things we want to do, how we can do school in our pjs, take weekly field trips, etc. I want it to be fun and an adventure. Bad days, mediocre days, and totally awesome days are all a part of the package, I am sure. But, we are ready!
I am pretty much decided on my curriculum and materials at the moment after much reading and research. Her current teachers have been a big help in assisting me in choosing the right "fit" for her as far as program, level, and materials. Of this I am much appreciative. I confess I love looking at all the different curricula, but it is overwhelming. It is fun to have the freedom to choose what we are going to try next year. My background is in Nursing Education, but I know nothing about teaching little people. (I understand they are very different.) :) Another post is coming on my philosophy of education and curriculum choices for our first grade.
My husband is supportive, as always, and we are operating as a team. I am doing/will do the majority of the schooling but he is a great sounding board and I value his opinion, (although I don't hesitate to tell him when he is wrong, lol). I have no delusions of grandeur and I don't dread it. We are committing only to first grade, not her entire elementary education. If we like it, we will continue. If we don't, we will make changes, whether that be a new curriculum, new style of learning, or even enrolling in a school. We will honor the learning curve and take one day at a time, with LOTS of prayer! We are excited about this new adventure!
Stay tuned for updates come fall :)
