Ok, so as you can tell I totally go in spurts with this blog thing. It's a definite love hate relationship. I guess the stars must be aligned right because for some odd reason I feel like I have a lot to write about - and this just seems like the right place to do it.
So here is the deal. My six year old has been a handful lately - love her deeply - but nonetheless she is pushing my buttons. Which makes my next comment seem some what contrary - I have been thinking of home schooling her. I know, I know, you think I am crazy, but I have my reasons and right now them seem pretty convincing.
Top three reason
1. More time with her - which I know is strange seeing as how I just admitted that we aren't exactly getting along. But you see my six year old needs - thrives - breathes attention. She needs it and a lot of it. So maybe with more attention - more love and affection our little battle of wills will melt away into laughter and learning.
2. More control over our lives and how we spend our time. I truly believe that you can the same amount of material in 3 hours as you can in 8 - it's all about teacher/student ration and time management. I think it's a little ridiculous that she spend 6 hours at school only to come home to another 1-2 hours of homework. I don't get it????
3. I feel like she is growing up way to fast and this way I will get to be a bigger part of that growing up.
There you have it - my top three reasons. Not sure which way to go - Brock says NO!! Savannah says NO!!! Do I even have a choice? Or is the freedom of home schooling and the daydreams of my children throwing their arms around me in utter joy as we learn through weekly field trips and perfectly planned lessons that inspire them to dream big and instill in them unparalleled confidence a figment of my imagination? Any ideas - from the three of you that actually still look at this blog - you know who you are?
(Note to readers - I love satire - it's just hard put into words)
8 comments:
I used to think I wanted to homeschool, but then I taught JoySchool with 3 and 4 year olds and planning a 2 hour session was hard enough. I know there are a lot of resources--my sister-in-law is currently homeschooling my nephew. He is a super mellow, go with the flow kid. It is very time consuming for her though. It isn't just the 3 hours of classes like you say. She does a lot of prep and a lot of other work.
Max's aunt used to let her kids choose year to year. Some kids wanted to do it and others never did.
My 6 year old thrives on groups. He loves school and so my thoughts of homeschooling are far far away right now.
If you feel really strongly about it though, you should pursue it. Look into the different programs, see what other moms are doing it in your area that could offer group activities. Each kid is different and if you decide to do it and it doesn't work, she can always go back to school.
Thanks Kate- I agree with everything you said. It definitely would be more work than three hours for me - just not so much sitting in the classroom time for her. Lots to think about.
Jenny! So glad you're blogging again! And I can't believe how BIG your kids are! Wow, time flies.
I agree that homeschooling seems like a good idea on paper but I think it is actually a lot more work than it seems to be. But what do I know? I don't even have kids... yet! :-)
Oh my Jenny, if I had your phone number I would call you right now. I was exactly where you are for about a year and a half. I was SO convinced that homeschool was THE answer to all my problems and the fast track to all my wildest dreams. We are well into our 3rd year of public school and I'm still trying to gain a testimony of it...but I have gotten some peace about it. I still fantasize about homeschool though (cue satirical mom and child running through fields of daisies with classical literature in hand). I have SO much more to say about this than will possibly fit in a comment box but I will just condense and say that: if you decide to go for it I will be supportive and not a little jealous, but if you don't (I wouldn't do it without my husband's support, which is largely why I don't...) I think you will still find life to be meaningful and ways to connect with your kids. At least that's what I'm trying to do...so many pros and cons...aaaack. Good luck.
AND, I need the story (pricing and logistics) on your photography. We are sorely in need of a family picture and yours are just darling. Email me if you have a price sheet or whatever. abbyolson gmail.com
If anyone can do it - it's you!!! What a tough decision. Give Savannah a big hug from all of us!
Oh Jen I am not the pro here at all, and I don't have kids in public school obviously. But just from teaching and working in public school, more than anything I find it is so important for kids to learn to interact with other kids and adults. They become much more self sufficient when they are away from their "mom" all day. I know it sounds so much better to have it all under control and in your hands but I think it would be a lot more work than you think. I remember talking to so many parents who said their children come home and say they hate school, or didn't learn anything and they were some of the happiest students with so many friends and happily learning so much. Sometimes we don't always see that side. Just from seeing Savannah the last few times, she seems SO happy and I think you're doing something good. And if Brock's not on board with you I think that's another huge thing. And last thing, that time for yourself is so important to have while the girls are at school. Enjoy it and soak it up. You'll do the right thing Jen. Sure love ya.
Looks like we all have opinions...and you have more than 3 readers!
Anyway, my plan was to homeschool, and Cameron wanted no part of it. I figure if I have to fight him for it, it wouldn't be worth it. I figure my job is to be his mom and love him; trying to teach him would have created a constant power struggle.
Anyway, he has been a handful at times as well, and the thing that has worked for me is spending time with him on his terms (playing legos, building forts, etc). He also loves to be cuddled and sung to. Anyway, I've noticed these things are all in place when he is happiest:
1. A predictable schedule
2. Playing with friends/cousins often
3. An available (but not overbearing) mom
4. Only one or two extra curricular activities
I also try to let him have as much power as possible...choosing what to wear, cereal, etc.
Back to homeschooling, I live in the homeschooling capitol of America. Most of the families that homeschool that I have come in contact with are missing some key skills that can only be learned on the playground, in the lunchroom, and in the classroom. I also think children need direction from adults other than their parents.
Although I think homeschooling is great in a few situations, I am generally against it (and I used to be for it).
Pray about it with Brock. You need to be one on a decision like this or it will be a disaster.
There you go, my advice. Good luck.
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