We live in a very rural area of our great nation. The school options around here are public or not.
That is it.
Well, I shouldn’t go that far, let me start at the beginning.
When Jane was 4, she could read, write, count, sort, reason, etc. She was ready to start Kindergarten, but our local system is VERY strict on the birthday cut-off. I decided that if she was excited about learning that I would teach her myself. While not considered homeschoolers in a technical aspect at this time, we homeschooled none the less. We worked the Handwriting Without Tears, Singapore Math, and some Rod and Staff workbooks just because it was fun.
During the “school” year, our local school was seeing some underlying issues blow-up in it’s face. Our little town was making national news for months, the irresponsibility of the administration (currently still in employment!!!!) was mind boggling, and to sum it all up: football and sports count more than academics and character.
Fast forward to today.
The older two girls are studying with an online academy that partners with K12 curriculum. We are technically public school students, but we do school at home. Our lesson plans are loosely made for us, we have goals and portfolios to submit, a teacher is in weekly communication with the girls, and we like it for the most part. It’s free to us (as is any public school) and that help greatly while we pay off our adoption loans.
Will we continue down this path? Each year is taken one at a time. Last year I was ready to quit the online academy and never look back. I’m glad we gave it “just one more year” as it has been wonderful this year.
What about socialization? Ummm, this is mainly the thing I am trying to avoid, at least the kind in our public school. My kids see kids at church, soccer, swim team, community events, and so forth as well as being around adults all the time. Really, when was the last time you were in a local high school and though “these kids are well adjusted social beings” ?
Can it be done with twin toddlers? Well, yes and no. The easy things (art, music, and history for my girls) are done while the twins are up and at it. The rest is done during their nap time. I’m hoping the twins nap all the way up until kindergarten age…not sure what I’ll do if not!
Aren’t you worried your ruining your children? Yes, but what parent doesn’t worry about their decisions and how they affect their children. We do re-asses this decision at least once a year. We do monitor how the girls do academically. We do know that there is no teacher on the face of this planet that could want more for our children then us.
Do you realize you guys are just a tad different? Oh yeah, we are good with that part.
Hi. Blake & Liz were in the ATC swap together. I have two children (now age 11 & 8) – We homeschooled both for 2 years and gave it up due to some tough financial times. We all prefer homeschooling but they have been in public school now for almost 3 years. We’re not pleased with how that’s going. I’d love to chat about homeschooling, etc. if you are open to it. Thanks! Nice blog by the way.
Just want to say that I grew up “a tad different” and loved it. I was homeschooled when it was still considered really “weird”. Looking back I am thankful for the flexibility and many experiences it provided. As for the socialization thing, are you really better socialized in a constant environment of your peers than you are interacting with all different age group? Anyway, whether you decide to continue with the homeschooling or not make the most of it while you do. Take trips, do different activities, and enjoy flexibility.