Today was day 5 of homeschooling. Things are already going much better. Day 1, I definitely thought I was out of my mind our 2 1/2 hours turned into 4 1/2. Today I am thinking, why am I doing this again? See, there is some improvement. When I decided to home school, the first thing I did was make a list of reason why I wanted to do this, so I could be reminded when things got a little hectic. I definitely don't think everyone should home school - it's not for everyone, but for journal keeping sake - I though I'd share a few reasons.
1. I love my children. I love the time I spend with them. I love watching them triumph and overcome challenges and being there every step of the way. I have this vision of family unity, which I know doesn't just come from homeschooling, but I want my children to be best friends.
2. I love to teach. I feel like I am 8 years old again playing school with my 3 younger brothers, but it's even better. I got my degree in teaching because I love using this creative element, making lessons fun and exciting.
3. Religious reasons. My intentions are not to shelter my children from all the evil in the world, I know that's not possible. I know of a couple people who were first introduced to pornography at church scout camps. It's inevitable. I hope to teach my children gospel principle along with their school work and help them to be strong individuals who know who they are and what they want and if I can prolong the inevitable even just a week/month/year hopefully they will be able to face challenges with more confidence and make good choices. I have also observed that in areas that are highly populated with LDS people, it can be a detriment. I see it happening often, a youth rationalizes doing something because another Mormon is doing it, so it must be ok. They rely on each other to help them make good choices but when everyone else is walking the fine line, they can't be any worse off then they, so it's ok.
4. Grade inflation and our school district. We have a couple friends who are teacher in our school district and "grade inflation" is the terminology they used. When more then 70% of the student body is graduating with a 3.5 GPA or higher, it makes the teachers look good.. Teachers/Schools don't want to look bad and so the give their students better grades. A personal example...Josh graduated with a 3.5 GPA and didn't learn to read until his senior year. Of course the honest truth is most students will probably turn out just fine, we don't have a horrible school district, but it's not the best.
I am very open to what lies ahead. We are giving it a try because it is something that has always been appealing to me and if doesn't work out or ruins my mother son relationship, then I'll stop and I will be ok with that. I really think that eventually we will put our children in a public school, I'm not sure when, we'll see.
When I tell people I am homeschooling I usually get 2 different responses. One, home schooled children are socially awkward. To that I say, doesn't everyone know someone even in a public school that is socially awkward. I think social awkwardness comes alot from the parents. Most people get over it anyway. Two, We've looked into it. Those responses make me feel better. Surprisingly, a lot of people have looked into it. A book I would highly recommend is "A Thomas Jefferson Education" if you are even thinking about it.
We are going through k12, Idaho Virtual Academy. It is a government funded school so they provide you will all the curriculum you need and we also have to meet the state standards and take the state tests. They have activities on a regular basis for parents, students, and families to help fulfill that "social need."
It is a lot of work, but honestly, everyday is getting a little easier as I am getting the hang of things. Benson is doing great! Something that is really nice is because he is reading already he doesn't have to start at the being of kindergarten learning the letters and sounds. He can go at his own pace. Grant and Porter get to have some bonding time in the morning while I work with Benson or they join us. I still teach piano in the afternoon so I am doing my best to make the most of my time, I'm making alot of crock pot dinners, and saving laundry and cleaning for the weekends.
I won't lie. I was feeling really bad that Benson wouldn't get the first day of school experience: wearing his new backpack, riding the bus, meeting his teacher, meeting new friends, coming home from school with a plate of warm cookies. That was a big deal. I always thought the first day of school was so exciting, but then I realized, it wears off. I don't remember any of my first days of school and in 10 years he won't remember all the kids in his class or what he wore, or who was on the bus, but he will always have memories of his family. So I did my best to make the first day special so, Tuesday night we had a back to school party. Josh started his classes Monday and Benson was starting Wednesday. We made a cake and played games. When Josh had to leave for an hour to help with a service project I apologized as we were playing hi Ho Cherrio that it was kind of a boring party and Benson said, "No, it's perfect!" That melted my heart and made me feel better about all the things I felt like I was depriving him of.
What it boils down to is, as mothers we are just doing our best to be the best mothers we can. Every mother wants what is best for her children. There is no right or wrong way.
P.S. Did you know that poop travels at the speed of light? This morning by the time I had Porter on the changing pad there was poop on my shirt, poop on my pants, poop in the high chair, and poop on the carpet!
