I fully believe we've made the right decision for this year. It wasn't made lightly. For months I've been investigating this option, meeting with folks who homeschool, working through my own prejudices and stereotypes and sifting through reams of curriculum. This has been a long and thoughtful process. I've been excited about it for a while now. I thought I had made peace with it, but on Thursday the other kids on the street went back to school, and doubt started whispering in my ear. By Friday it was tapping on my shoulder. On Saturday, it had me by both shoulders and was shaking me like a rag doll. Sunday was better. Breathe in, breathe out.
But today we had our first day. My blood pressure was a little too high, but we were doing it for crying out loud. It went beautifully, but the weight of it all is still pressing down on me.
Since writing is my therapy (and since I've never been selfish with my anxiety) here's my personal pro/con list for homeschooling:
Cons:
We're together all day long. ALL DAY LONG.
The boys are outside the neighborhood flow of events. Is this bad for them?
I could turn out to be a mediocre teacher. Purpose defeated.
This is totally unfamiliar, and I'm highly uncomfortable with unfamiliar.
When most people hear the news, they smile politely and nod while their eyes say, "You have lost your mind. No seriously. You have Lost. Your. Mind." I much prefer that people adore me and want to be just like me. You know. That's more reassuring.
Pros:
We're together all day long. We have lots of extra time to invest in our family relationships.
There's no morning rush.
There's no evening rush.
The boys will be learning Spanish. It wasn't available at their local school.
We have a fabulous curriculum rich in literature and history and world culture.
Jacob is learning along with his big brothers. He loves it.
Lots of field trips.
Flexibility to linger on a tough subject or soar through one that's easy.
No homework. So to speak.
Great student/teacher ratio.
Alright. I'm going to bed now. I'm done. I need to escape from my own mind for a few hours. Stay tuned for more uplifting homeschool updates.
9 comments:
You are going to be awesome! The boys are so lucky to have you as a mom! Can I tag along on a field trip??
Love your post. Love your list. Love the picture.
You go, girl. You go!
I am proud of you and excited for you -- and you know I love that photo, too.
Wow. You are truly amazing! Count me in when you need a field trip chaperone (teacher, is that how you spell chaperone?!) oh.. And if you want a class on the differences in how people speak Spanish around the world! Or if you have a lesson on Persian New Year! (or I'll study anything if you just want a break and have a guest teacher!!). I used to love teaching and miss that part of my life! I can't wait to hear more about your adventures in educating!
The "pros" have it.
I KNOW without any doubt that you will NOT be a mediocre teacher. Impossible. You will do an amazing job! Let's be honest here.. Mediocre is just not in you - especially not for something you care about and you CARE about those precious boys with every fiber of your being. They couldn't have a better teacher.
You are doing and will continue to do a great job! I will pray that the boys and you are all blessed, learn exactly what should be learned (and more) and have fun doing it!
Tee hee...please keep this list going...add to it as you see fit...as reality sets in...this is good, refreshing comedy. Did you mean for this to be comedy?
You have obviously have done your research and are well prepared. You are the most capable one to teach your children. Your "Pros" list is impressive. You Sam, Joshua, and Jacob will be pleased you decided teach them at home.
Our prayers are with you all.
Dad
Thanks for all of the support, friends. You're the best.
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