By Eve
Long before Columbine and the many tragedies that followed, I embarked on an uncharted path for our family called homeschooling. The year was 1993, my oldest, a daughter, was 5 years old….. And kindergarten was inevitable. The big decision loomed over us like a dark cloud. Would we send her to our local public school or to a private Christian school I had attended? There is that money factor for option #2, and we were very leery about sending our “baby” out into an influencing world.
I had seen homeschooling in action and always said “I‘ll never do that”. Funny how you eat your words at times. There seemed to be no answer to the burning question so I finally asked another homeschooling Mom, “OK, IF I was going to homeschool, what would I have to do?” Her response made it sound so “doable” that even I, a mediocre student myself, felt confident that I could handle kindergarten. Really, how hard could it be? A neighbor and good friend was going to be homeschooling her son as well, so the pesky “socialization” issue was covered! Whewww!!!
So with a few workbooks in her arms and a chalk board behind her, her first day of kindergarten was captured in a (now yellowing due to the lack of acid free photo paper back then) photograph.
I vowed from that day on that we would take one year at a time. I was assured that the God who had called us to homeschool would be at the finish line with me- whenever that might be. One year ? Five years? We didn’t know. That was 17 years ago, and what an incredible journey it has been. I feel so blessed to have been able to spend year in and year out with my kids as we really learned together, laughed together (after I had re-defined homeschooling. Not traditional “school at home” but a new and different approach to learning) and created bonds that will not be easily broken.
Were there days when that yellow school bus looked inviting? Yes! However, those days paled by far in comparison to the rich rewards I have gleaned from that one step of obedience.
As with any new endeavor, you grow and learn as you go. With each new year comes new, different and exciting curriculum and new supportive friends to add to your experience…. along with another year deemed “time well spent”.
Loading ...
Comments
8 Responses to ME, HOMESCHOOL?
Homeschooling has always intrigued me. I hope we hear more about this from you Eve. I would love to know how the subjects are handled that might be a little more difficult for a parent to teach as the child enters their middle school and high school years. I am guessing that there are tutors utilized just like a parent with a child in a public school setting might use.
It would also be interesting to hear from a student who is now in college. I also can imagine as a mother and a teacher at the same time during the day that it would be challenging to manage your day to day schedule at times.
Thanks Eve and I hope we are able to read a second installment on this topic.
Yes, I think it’s an intriguing topic. I used to have some of those old prejudices about the kids not being properly socialized, etc. But I’ve come to realize that the homeschooling movement has come a long way and there are really a lot of options and resources for the parent who wants to homeschool. I think that’s great.
It is funny how we eat our words. With this one, I swore up and down I was going to homeschool, but she is slated for kindergarten this Fall. I am going to see how it goes for the grades after that. I had a lot of plans for homeschooling, but we’ll see how it works out for her.
I just don’t like sending them out there anymore unless they guarantee me they can send them home alive. It’s a scary world we send our little ones out into. I put a lot of effort in making sure my grown boys went to the right school for them. But, now I don’t even want to send her to the schools they attended as they have gone downhill over the years. I think the homeschooling movement is a good solution, if you’re lucky enough to be in a situation that allows for it. I remember many years ago, how strange it sounded to educate your children at home. I liked how you can specifically suit it to your child. I think the pros of homeschooling outweigh the cons.
I’m sure the bus looked good on some days, as you said. I’m glad to know you look back at with a positive attitude. That’s encouraging. I would love to hear more about your experience in this area.
Very interesting and enlightening article. Thanks for sharing your perspective, Eve.
I have a lot of respect for parents who undertake homeschooling. I would imagine it is truly a labor of love. While I don’t think it is right for every family, I think it is a wonderful option for those families that are suited for it.
I look forward to hearing more about the in’s and out’s of running a successful homeschooling program.
Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to enlighten us a bit.
I hold a teaching license in my state. I was asked last fall by a friend who wanted to homeschool if I would review her child’s curriculum for this year and approve it. She said it was required in our state. It surprised me. I had no idea that parents were required to have a certified teacher review the curriculum.
Is the same required in your state? She also used a curriculum from a religious publisher. Last year was her first year and she wanted a structure to work with. I was very impressed with his growth. He has special needs. He really made great strides in his weakest areas. She was also very open to suggestions and looking forward to homeschooling another two years until he qualifies for a vocational program.
There are so many homeschoolers in my part of the state. Some places run classes for homeschool groups during the day (gym, music, or art classes.)
I contemplated homeschooling for a split second then decided I was too lazy. I don’t think I have the discipline and I don’t trust myself to do it properly. I worried that the day my kids would eventually have to go to public school they wouldn’t know anything.
I don’t know anyone in my area that does homeschooling, but I can see from blogging that it is very popular, they have a whole on-line community and I think it’s wonderful. We have great elementary schools near us, and wonderful high schools, but the Junior High has lots of problems (gang related), if things don’t change by the time my grandson is ready to go, I’d convince my daughter to home-school. I think it’s a wonderful alternative.Great story, Eve!
Thanks for sharing Eve. I have so many questions about homeschooling! It seems like you’ve found something that works for your family and thats wonderful