The big decision

I’m pretty sure I’ll get comments on this one:) Some of you already know this, but I will be homeschooling my boys. Wow! I know. I made this decision about 2 years ago. I actually was homeschooled throughout my teenage years, and it was fun. I got a GED, went to Santa Barbara City College, and transferred to Ricks, that blessed education playground for me. Short story: I was prompted to HS, ignored the spirit, was later prompted again stronger, and started listening better, ha ha! Here’s the detailed story:

As Ethan was turning one, I felt a good prompting to look into homeschooling. The majority (because I’ve heard of some good ones) of the public schools here are, to say it simply, not the greatest. I just did not feel excited thinking of him going off to kindergarten all day. I tried to feel good about it, but couldn’t. I mean, I see everyone’s pics on facebook of their kids’s first day of school, the ward breakfast and all. It looks wonderful. Yet, I got this prompting. So, I began researching, reading books, blogs, and talking to a lot of people. I talked to current homeschoolers in my church, and to former HS moms. I asked why they stopped, and why they loved it. I searched on yahoo groups for local co-op groups, and found some good ones. I found some fabulous blogs and websites. I searched for good curriculum choices, learned about the many methods of HS; Thomas Jefferson Education, Charlotte Mason, unit studies, unschooling, and more.

Then, I set it aside and decided to not pursue it any further, going back to the thought of public school. About a year later, we had some friends over for dinner. As we ate, they brought up the topic of homeschooling. I clearly remember the spirit coming over me again, this time stronger than a year before, about homeschooling little Ethan. I couldn’t eat for a few moments, I just sat there and listened to what I was feeling.

Now, at least two things can happen from ignoring the spirit. One, something physically dangerous can happen to you or two, something wonderful that could have happened, won’t.

And so, I got my gear in action, kicked myself for ignoring the spirit that is always there to help me, and began researching again where I left off.  In the beginning, my first question, the question that is asked by everyone, was about socialization. I simply didn’t know. As I talked to others, researched, and found out that amount of activities out there, I was floored. I read in a book about a HS mom being asked this question, to which she responded, “In the beginning, we did have some problems with over-socialization, but we’ve got it under control now.” That’s just funny. I learned that its not an issue to worry about, as long as I do my part in finding the fun out there, and getting Ethan involved. I learned that if the parent is sociable and normal, so will the kids be.

I joined an amazing group of rock solid HS moms in my church. (If anyone local wants the group info, email me:) This week, I went to their "Not back to school day” activity. A group of families and kids were bowling, and having a great time. I just wanted to get a glimpse of that life. I have learned a lot from attending their Mom’s meetings. Recently, the teenagers put on a Shakespeare play. One mom cried as she described the transformation of shy son to a confident and outgoing person, from being involved in the play and making friends. Another spoke of the teenagers being friendly to all age kids, and joking in a kind, non put down way. Neat stuff.

Now, I know a lot of great families that put their kids in public school, and the kids are doing fine. I have nothing against them at all. For me, this is just something I want to do. Everyone has to look at their family, pray for guidance, and do what’s best for them. Its all good. One mom HS her younger kids, but felt at peace to send her teenage son to public school, and he’s doing fine. I respect that. I plan on taking it one year at a time, and will pray for help. Here’s some basic reasons WHY I want to HS:

• I want more time with my kids. Sounds crazy, I know, but its true. I want to have more time in the day with them, to do things in the kitchen, take them on field trips, and more. When I was in elementary school, my favorite days were field trips, when we were outside. One Sunday at church, we had a boy visiting our class of six year olds that we teach. He was homeschooled. Curious, I asked him “Why do you like being homeschooled?” Without missing a beat, he responded, “Because I have more time to play”. I want Ethan to have more time to be a kid, and to play.
• I want them to have joy in learning, not to be drilled. Learning can be so fun, and I plan on doing my best to make it so for my boys. I relish the thought of being in pajamas, sitting on a couch together, working on reading.
• Develop a closer bond with siblings and family.
• Flexibility
• Learning life skills through our schooling. Cooking, chores, service, going to stores, etc.
• And more that I’m sure I will think of later!

The first year will be an eye opener to me. It is for everyone. Here’s what I’ve read:

• Have a routine, and do your best to stick to it.
• Get organized. There will be lots of paperwork, record keeping, etc. I learned about workboxes at the last mom’s meeting. Great idea.
• Find out about your state’s HS laws.
• Don’t stress. If you just pulled your kids out of public school, take time to detox. Again, don’t stress. Just take it one day at a time. Learn your kid’s learning style. Drop things that aren’t working, and don’t worry if you spent money on that curriculum. If its not working, let it go, and try something new.
• Don’t buy a full set of curriculum right away. Rent stuff from the library, check it out, then get it cheap on Amazon. The local library is your candy store. I LOVE requesting books, CDs, etc on the library website, and going to pick it up. Time efficient, indeed!
• The main thing a kindergartner needs to know is reading, writing, and math. Don’t worry about teaching him the world, just yet:)
• Find support with other HS. Not everyone will understand why you made this choice. Its good to share your thoughts with them, but it helps to have an understanding friend, too.
• Don’t be overwhelmed by the ENORMOUS amount of help online about homeschooling. There are tons of blogs that share great info. When I look at some, I’ve narrowed it down to these ones:
• Home school Creations: Great blog, where the mom shares what she’s doing, does curriculum review, preschool corner, answers your questions quickly. Just an awesome place. Free printables.
• Confessions of a Homeschooler: Another fabulous site that has LOTS of free pintables, games, and more.
• Latter Day Homeschooling: The inspiring site. Written by LDS mothers, but great for anyone who is homeschooling. Lots of great articles about the family, ‘what I’ve learned’, Web Wednesday, patriotism, and more. Super site. My favorite out of them all.
• Heart of the matter Another great one.
• No time for flash cards: LOVE this site. Lots of activities that can be used for schooling, and good kid book review. I copy the title of the book, paste it into the library search engine, and request it. Books rock! Reading with your kid is gold! I try to do it every day. Realistically, it doesn’t happen every day, but I try.
• Star fall: Awesome website for learning phonics, reading, etc. Ethan loves it.

Curriculum is another planet to conquer. Here’s a few that sound awesome that we’ll check out:

• First Language Lessons for the Well Trained Mind
• Phonics Pathways
• Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons
• Home learning year by year (good book to design lesson plans)

Shaun is all for it, which helps to have hubby support. I don’t have all the answers, and I’m sure I will stumble and fall plenty in the first year, but I’m excited about it! I will share anything I learn with you here on the blog. We’ll do our best to post what we are learning, answer any questions you have, and discover this path. Its going to be an adventure, for sure. Hope this post was helpful to someone:)