In July, I suddenly got the feeling that I wanted to pull Ellie out of school and educate her at home. No one could be more surprised at that feeling than I was, but one thing led to another and now we are working on first grade at home. It's really fun. We've been working through a local parent participation program (so technically she's in a public school, just educated at home) that helps to provide curriculum where needed and wanted, and also offers onsite classes as well as a little bit of checking in. It's been good for her and I so far--a learning process, but definitely good.
Probably our favorite moment was when our Language Arts (ie reading and phonics) kit came. Two boxes of books? Heaven:
8 comments:
I am totally impressed that you can handle that. Would you mind sharing your reasons for doing it? Unless they're personal. I am just always interested, because it seems like so many people are home schooling these days.
Handle it? Hm. Well, it's a learning process. I was shocked when I had the very distinct impression to pull her out (and I think Chris was even more shocked) She was just having a lot of anxiety issues at school that I didn't want to bloom into the type of depression that I've struggled with since having children. I want her to enjoy learning to learn and not just to learn for the test. And I would like her, if possible, to have less of a disconnect between home being a place where you chill out and home being a place where you can learn and play and work. I'd like to empower her to choose her home more joyfully and to early on help her to see the deception of the world telling women that they can only be worthwhile with a degree and a paycheck and a low cut blouse. She's such a joyful, intelligent child and school seemed far too stressful for her.
So that's her. For me, it's less stressful to do the reading and math and science with her than it was to try to get everyone else on the school's schedule and take her there all the time. And the curriculum at this age is fun--LOTS of hands on learning experiences that really add up to being the type of mom I want to be, but also knowing when I've done enough. I got to write her learning plan, which was only 20 hours a week instead of the 35 hours of public school, and we get to include gymnastics and piano and a choir class that I wanted to be carting her around to anyway. She also takes 3 classes at the school each Wednesday to get some time away from me, but they're classes like math games and a geography class and an art class. My mother in law has a weekly school date with her and Moira as well, so I'm definitely not without help which makes a HUGE difference. It's very freeing to be part of the underground instead of more mainstream. I'm happy with the learning process I'm seeing in her (and me) and I think, even though my house is MUCH messier than before (well, not THAT much messier, I'm not particularly skilled in the clutter control department) that it's brought a level of calm into our home and to my spirit that I love. But, I'm still trying to learn how to do it a little better. The best thing about our local homeschool program is that they really emphasize process as well as progress. Not that progress isn't important, but it's possible to give a width and depth of education at home that isn't always do-able at a public school; so Ellie is able to do the work that needs to be done MUCH faster with just a little one on one coaching. Really, if you read to your kids (and I know you do) you're probably already homeschooling. This is just a way to be a little more purposeful and to be able to turn off the "am I doing enough?" side of me.
Go REBA! I'm impressed and proud of you - most of all because you are taking risks and putting forth extra effort to do what you feel is best for Ellie. I hope I am that in tune with what my kids need (whatever it may be). Let me know if you want to scour my mom's homeschooling resources for stuff to borrow when your here- she'd love to pass some of it on.
This is very cool. Could I do it? Maybe, I don't really know. I have a few friends who home school their kids and I've heard good and bad things. I'm anxious to find out how it goes for you...I bet your are fantastic at it.
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what a fun package!! Also i have TONS AND TONS of children's books, if you ever need something new you can always borrow a few! I also have some fun elementary science binders with fun science projects if you ever need a new idea!
Rebecca,
I seriously considered homeschooling carter for kindergarten, because we couldn't get into the charter school here. But...he REALLY wanted to go to school, so I didn't think it was fair to him to keep him home. Part of me wishes that we could keep him here, though. Right now they are tracing diagonal lines at school...I mean there is NO challenge for him right now. We could have moved him to first grade..but were reluctant to do that, and he seemed nervous about it. At least he will be able to do some individual work there, and of course at home he can continue to do the work we have here that will challenge him. WE don't have any program like your homeschooling program there, unfortunately. But being able to send them for a few fun classes sounds great. Hope it all goes well for you...Are you going to keep Moira home as well (she's 4 right?) And what is it with timing at the public school?? As if how fast they can do something is an accurate assessment of knowledge. That's one of the main reasons we want him to go to the Charter school..they dont focus ALL the lesson plans around passing the state tests. Well, my kids are clamoring for attention so enough of my ramblings :)
good luck!
thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. i'm sure i'll be talking a ton about this as we learn to learn together.
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