homeschool

so, did y'all know that i homeschool my two oldest boys?

well, now you know:)

there is so much i could tell you about this...

but, for now, i will simply say that it's the time of year when most people start asking our kids "where do you go to school?"

their answer?..."nowhere".  that's right.  and it's at this point that alarmed/startled faces dart to my alarmed/startled face to ask questions.

and here's what inquiring minds want to know:

1. how long are you going to homeschool them?

we just pray about it each year, and do what we feel we are supposed to do for that child for that year.  we are in the unique situation of having a son who needs surgery every 9 months, and homeschooling is definitely the best option for him.  we need time off around his surgery dates, so we homeschool through the summer and take off other times during the year when he needs them.

2. what are you going to do about their, ya know, socialization?

well, i went to school with kids who were well adjusted, and some who weren't.  in fact, some of the most socially warped kids i ever knew went through 13 years of school with me.  i don't really think school is the key to being socially well adjusted.

by the way, when i was in school, all i ever heard was:

"this isn't social hour, no talking!"
"you can talk to your friends after school"
"you're here to learn...not socialize!"
"you're going to get your name on the board (detention) for talking/passing notes"

and we had assigned seats so you couldn't sit next to your friends
and on my report cards from kindergarten on up: 'talks too much'

i can't speak for all homeschool families, but i know that in our area there is way more available to homeschool groups than there ever used to be...or was available to me in the school system.  we are so blessed and thankful!

3. how do you teach your own children?  i could never do that!  i would lose my temper.  i would never be able to teach my own kids!

um, really?? are you sure about that one?

did you send them away to learn to speak?

for potty training?

for the 100 million things that you will teach your child before he/she is school age?

yeah, i thought not!

god gives grace for teaching and wisdom to those who ask!

side note: all parents "homeschool" if they sit down and help their kids with their homework!  seriously, people, that's all it is!

4. what 's homeschooling like?

it's like parenting!  some days are mountain tops, and some days are valleys.  my kids have days when things aren't clicking for them and it's frustrating for all.  that's when i say "let's just close this book and pick up another day!  who wants to go play outside?!"

there is nothing that can describe seeing the "light bulb" come on and watching your childs face glow!  i love being able to celebrate their little triumphs and successes of learning, that would otherwise go unnoticed in a classroom setting.

i love being able to tailor their education to fit them perfectly.  if it takes us 2 weeks (or months) to conquer a new concept...who cares?  the point is that it is all coming at them as they are ready for it.  we don't move on and leave them behind.

we also get to skip ahead!  i have been blessed with very advanced readers, and i get to choose reading material and work that is well above their grade level (thus keeping their interest and keeping them engaged!) otherwise, my boys would be bored with school.

4. what if they want to go to school one day?

we'll cross that bridge if it ever comes:)  right now, my boys know that when their work is done, they can rock the play time all they want to!  it usually takes them about 2 hours to complete a full day's school, so that leaves them all afternoon to do as they wish!  so, to them, sitting in school all day seems like jail.

their cousins and neighborhood friends are jealous.

i know that homeschooling isn't for all families, and it might not even be for us forever...so i try to be flexible and pray with my husband about what is best for our kids for right now.

if there are any lingering questions in your head, ask me!

what is that our teachers used to say?  "there are no dumb questions." :)