I think. Unless I change my mind again last minute... Which is highly likely since this decision scares the bugeebies out of me.
I am going to homeschool.
Shock, awe, disgust... I know all of you are about to laugh in my face right now. You have all met those weird-o families that have homeschooled their kids. They dress in strange clothes and don't know how to talk to people in any kind of normal way. I've met them, too. I guess that's part of the reason I am so terrified. I don't want to be that family. I do, however want to follow these feelings I am having that this is the right thing to do for my family. I have been having these feelings for about a year now. Brennan is 5 & would be starting Kindergarten this fall.
This is not a decision I have come to easily. If you would have asked me a few years back I would have said I would NEVER do this. But books I have read, people I have talked to, news I have been hearing, & feelings I have had, have led me to this decision. I have been reading and studying for almost an entire year now. If you are my friend on Goodreads you may have noticed some of the homeschooling books I have been reading lately.
Here are a few of the ones that really got me interested:
The Marketing of Evil, David Kupelian
A Thomas Jefferson Education, Oliver Van DeMille
A Well Trained Mind, Jesse Wise & Susan Wise Bauer
The Homeschooling Handbook, Mary Griffith
The 5000 Year Leap, W. Clean Skousen
What your Kindergartner need to know, E.D. Hirsch
I have had long talks with my aunt who is homeschooling out in California & has been for many years now. She is the one who really gave me courage to start researching & planning for it. I've also been connecting with other local homeschoolers through chat groups & networks online. Through that I have found a wealth of information and ideas. I am sifting through the many different methods and philosophies to find the right fit.
Here are some of my reasons for coming to this decision:
- keeping my family close to me during these crazy times
- following strong feelings that I am having
- desire to guide the education of my kids in an appropriate way
- incorporating spiritual aspects into education
- moving at our own pace
- preventing boredom for Brennan (since he is miles ahead in his learning)
- encouraging & keeping a love of learning in my kids
- learning right along with them
(I just found this cartoon & thought it was fun)So, there it is. It's out there. I am afraid, for lots of reasons, but also incredibly excited to start this journey. I am meeting some great people through it all. I hope it goes well. If not, I guess it's no big deal and I can always enroll them in school, but I think I am going to love it. Brennan is SO excited, too.
I do feel a little sad, though because he really wants to ride a school bus.
10 comments:
I think it's a great decision. My sister has seven kids and she homeschools them all. I've read A Thomas Jefferson Education and loved it. I've also been to several seminars based on that education philosophy. I really wanted to homeschool, but had my daughter start school in England while we were there...for the experience. She is in public school now, but I'd love to homeschool once we are settled. I want to do it for all the reasons you listed. If you feel it is right for your family, then that is all that matters. Good luck! I'm sure you'll do a great job.
Karyn!!! I am so excited. I have home schooled for almost 3 years now. The first 2 I did with Taylor and Kaden. Then when I had my 5th baby plus a new move I knew I couldn't do it and I took a 2 year break. Now I am home schooling Taylor and I love it. I will probably pull Kaden out next year for the dreaded 6th grade. It has been a great experience for us. I know the stereo types are out there but I like to be a stereotype breaker! Keep me posted on how it is going. We LOVE having more homeschooling in our family. :)
Karyn! Welcome to the world of those who have had "strong feelings" to homeschool. How does it feel to be a pioneer? I used to worry about whether or not I was doing the right thing but I now have great conviction that for our family it is right. I now have strong evidence of what I used to just hope for. You have plenty of support to be super successful and someday your children will call you blessed!
Good luck Karyn! That's a huge decision to make and I can understand your reasons. Believe me - riding the bus is fun for about a week. He won't be missing out on any fun there...or be subjected to poorly disciplined kids either!
I often wonder how different a person I might be if I had been home-schooled. I have very few fond memories of school. I will not be attending any class reunions - I'd rather have multiple root canals than see those people again!
Have you seen my younger siblings? They are WAY beyond genius! This CAN be a good thing. Dont be scared :) If you have any questions, I know my mom would LOVE to help ;)
Good for you! I have met a lot of moms recently who are home-schooling their kids. And surprisingly the stereotype of homeschooled children is changing somewhat. These kids are very well-rounded. They're into theatre, sports, they're super-smart, and incredibly nice. I admire those who can home school. Good for you!
I'm so impressed with how intune you are. Regardless of what people have to say, you have to follow your feelings and the Lord will bless you in your efforts. I'm excited to hear about your adventures and the progress your little ones are making. Good for you and I wish you all the best!
I totally support you. Ryan said it would be too stressful for me to homeschool but I have a feeling at some point we will do that. But I may not tell anyone because of the whole 'stigma' attached to it! Good luck!!
Hi Karyn! Hope you don't think I'm a blog stalker-I just found your blog off of Misha's. :) I actually was homeschooled just for a year in junior high and I loved it. I also think that I learned more in that year than I did through all of my high school experience. I went for a couple periods of the day just to socialize in art and music I think but for the important subjects, I stayed home with my mum. Don't ignore your gut. Mom's know best.
Good for you!!!! If I didn't have American Heritage I don't know what I would do!! You are a brave woman and I know you will do great at it!!! keep me posted!
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