Over the last two years that we have been considering homeschool, I've come across tons of websites that have offered up a treasure trove of information, insight and encouragement. Here are a few of them that I can find at the moment. I'll link some of the other great sites I've stumbled across as I remember them. :)
Ann Voskamp has so many good articles on homeschooling and does such a beautiful job articulating why she and her family have decided to homeschool. I love the way she acknowledges that homeschooling isn't perfect and it isn't easy and it isn't right for everyone, but it is right for her family. Some of her homeschool posts I have bookmarked are:
Pros and Cons to Homeschooling: Why We Do It?
Home Education
How to Simply Homeschool
A Day in the Life of Homeschooling: 7 Rungs
Here's an excellent article on Homeschooling PreK & Kindergarten.
I really enjoy reading what Kate has to say about homeschooling, or rather unschooling. While I'm not sure unschooling is the path for us ( I would go nuts!), she has some very interesting things to say about the way homeschooled kids are different and how maybe different isn't so bad. You can read Kate's perspectives on her journey as an unschooler at Skipping School.
Carisa at 1+1+1=1 is a very large part of the reason we had the confidence to start this journey of home education. Her website is full of homeschooling advice and especially resources.
The Homeschool Classroom is a continual source of good advice and information.
Erica at Confessions of Homeschooler has a great series on Getting Started Homeschooling. Tons of information here!
Peter Gray's blog, Freedom to Learn provides lots of food for thought concerning educational theory. I can't say that I always agree with his conclusions, but they are always a fun and contemplation-evoking read.
Showing posts with label Homeschool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homeschool. Show all posts
8.17.2012
Here We Go!
I woke up this morning to the sound of the school bus driving by our house. I guess that makes it official - we are homeschooling! To celebrate not-back-to-school day, we're making a castle out of a huge cardboard box. We're kicking off kindergarten by learning about knights! And boy, are these kids excited (momma too)!
So, what is our year going to look like? Here's a little peek into what's in store for us:
Skid is starting Pre-K this year. He'll be in the same program Cap was in. There are three reasons we decided to send Skid:
So, Skid will spend half a day at school, 2 days a week. He'll continue to get lots of learning time at home and will be able to join right in with what we are doing with Cap. Plus, we've joined a homeschool co-op in our area that has classes one day a week. Skidamarink will be part of the Dr. Suess story hour there. So much fun!
Things will look a little different that I had originally planned for Cap. He wanted to start school back in June, so I let him. I didn't force him to do any work, but we had calendar time when he requested it and I had work boxes filled up for him to use as he pleased. What I found was that he didn't really use the stuff in the boxes as I had planned them. He went above and beyond and was really creative with learning. Cap is very motivated to learn and seems to do best when the reins are in his hands.
For example:
I had a box that had some manipulatives to help him do some simple addition. He didn't want much to do with it. Later, I found him building a cube out of paper and tape and he was doing multiplication to figure out how many pieces of tape he would need ("I have four sides on my square and I want two pieces of tape on each side, so I'll need eight pieces of tape please, mom.")
I had another couple of boxes with some sight word work and phonics work that he pretty much ignored. Later I found him laying in the middle of the floor reading a book all by himself that was well beyond where I would have placed him. He is starting to read some books with little to no help. He's gotten this far without any pushing from me, so as long as he's willing to pursue it on his own I'll just cheer him on!
And if he does anything with the handwriting papers I give him, it's scribble on them. But he's spent a good 2 hours this week writing letters and books for people in our family. He's also starting to enjoy drawing and he really loves to doodle with letters (my favorite was an M who decided to become a cowboy. M was very good at throwing a lasso. By the time he was done "drawing" you couldn't tell what you were looking at, there was so much action on the paper. No matter what the end product looks like, it's great practice!).
So, alot of the plans I had made are pretty much out the window at this point. Here's the direction we're headed with Cap:
Dad, Cap & I will set some goals of things we want Cap to accomplish this year. We'll kind of let him take the lead on a lot of stuff and just be on the lookout for how he is advancing toward those goals and how we can resource him.
We'll also be doing a lot of theme work. We did a dinosaur theme over the summer and it was a huge hit with both boys. We made fossils and checked out dino books and movies from the library and wrote our own books about dinosaurs (the boys' favorite!) Next we'll be learning about knights and medieval times. We've got that huge cardboard castle we're building in our school room and a good stack of library books have been requested. The boys are already making plans to engineer a drawbridge for the castle, make some armor and hold a tournament. We're planning to follow the "Magic Treehouse" series by Mary Pope Osborn as inspiration for our themes. The themes are a springboard for a whole lot of learning opportunities: history, geography, math, writing, reading, science - the sky is the limit!
During our time at the homeschool co-op classes, Cap will be taking a P.E. class that is themed around the olympics - they'll learn about and play different sports and glean a little knowledge about various countries around the world. How cool is that? He'll also be part of a Creative Drama class, which I am extremely excited about. If you've read any of my previous posts about Cap and his antics in school, then you'll know that he is a little performer and it tends to get him in trouble. I was looking into finding a drama class for him as a constructive way to expend some of that energy and this class popped up. Perfect!
Other things we'll be spending some time on this fall: play dates with the homeschool co-op, Bible study with What's in the Bible and The Jesus Storybook Bible, family game/trivia nights, possibly joining our local Y and getting involved with some sports there (both boys were entralled with the olympic swimmers and really want to give that a go), possibly starting some music lessons (Cap has been pretty interested in piano), and doing some investigating into ways our family can serve in some local mission work (Cap has long been concerned about the fact that there are kids who don't have homes and some who don't have parents and is very interested in what he can do to help.) On top of all of that, we've got lots of work to do around here getting "the farm" ready to become an actual farm of sorts next spring: there's a compost bin to build, a chicken coop and yard to build, and lots of maintenance work and planning to be done. The boys are always eager to put on their "work bibs" and help Daddy outside.
It's shaping up to be a pretty busy fall and we're excited to dive right in to this new adventure!
So, what is our year going to look like? Here's a little peek into what's in store for us:
Skid is starting Pre-K this year. He'll be in the same program Cap was in. There are three reasons we decided to send Skid:
1. We LOVE the 3 year-old teacher at the school. She was so wonderful with Cap and had such a fantastic attitude about teaching a hard-to-teach kid.
2. We learned so much about Cap's learning styles through that first year of preschool. We're hoping that sending Skid through the program too will help us get to know some things about how he learns.
3. He REALLY wants to go. He's been begging to go to the school since the beginning of last year. I had to literally drag the kid out of the classroom each time we took Cap. He would sneak in to the 3 year-old room and have a seat at the table.
So, Skid will spend half a day at school, 2 days a week. He'll continue to get lots of learning time at home and will be able to join right in with what we are doing with Cap. Plus, we've joined a homeschool co-op in our area that has classes one day a week. Skidamarink will be part of the Dr. Suess story hour there. So much fun!
Things will look a little different that I had originally planned for Cap. He wanted to start school back in June, so I let him. I didn't force him to do any work, but we had calendar time when he requested it and I had work boxes filled up for him to use as he pleased. What I found was that he didn't really use the stuff in the boxes as I had planned them. He went above and beyond and was really creative with learning. Cap is very motivated to learn and seems to do best when the reins are in his hands.
For example:
I had a box that had some manipulatives to help him do some simple addition. He didn't want much to do with it. Later, I found him building a cube out of paper and tape and he was doing multiplication to figure out how many pieces of tape he would need ("I have four sides on my square and I want two pieces of tape on each side, so I'll need eight pieces of tape please, mom.")
I had another couple of boxes with some sight word work and phonics work that he pretty much ignored. Later I found him laying in the middle of the floor reading a book all by himself that was well beyond where I would have placed him. He is starting to read some books with little to no help. He's gotten this far without any pushing from me, so as long as he's willing to pursue it on his own I'll just cheer him on!
And if he does anything with the handwriting papers I give him, it's scribble on them. But he's spent a good 2 hours this week writing letters and books for people in our family. He's also starting to enjoy drawing and he really loves to doodle with letters (my favorite was an M who decided to become a cowboy. M was very good at throwing a lasso. By the time he was done "drawing" you couldn't tell what you were looking at, there was so much action on the paper. No matter what the end product looks like, it's great practice!).
So, alot of the plans I had made are pretty much out the window at this point. Here's the direction we're headed with Cap:
Dad, Cap & I will set some goals of things we want Cap to accomplish this year. We'll kind of let him take the lead on a lot of stuff and just be on the lookout for how he is advancing toward those goals and how we can resource him.
We'll also be doing a lot of theme work. We did a dinosaur theme over the summer and it was a huge hit with both boys. We made fossils and checked out dino books and movies from the library and wrote our own books about dinosaurs (the boys' favorite!) Next we'll be learning about knights and medieval times. We've got that huge cardboard castle we're building in our school room and a good stack of library books have been requested. The boys are already making plans to engineer a drawbridge for the castle, make some armor and hold a tournament. We're planning to follow the "Magic Treehouse" series by Mary Pope Osborn as inspiration for our themes. The themes are a springboard for a whole lot of learning opportunities: history, geography, math, writing, reading, science - the sky is the limit!
During our time at the homeschool co-op classes, Cap will be taking a P.E. class that is themed around the olympics - they'll learn about and play different sports and glean a little knowledge about various countries around the world. How cool is that? He'll also be part of a Creative Drama class, which I am extremely excited about. If you've read any of my previous posts about Cap and his antics in school, then you'll know that he is a little performer and it tends to get him in trouble. I was looking into finding a drama class for him as a constructive way to expend some of that energy and this class popped up. Perfect!
Other things we'll be spending some time on this fall: play dates with the homeschool co-op, Bible study with What's in the Bible and The Jesus Storybook Bible, family game/trivia nights, possibly joining our local Y and getting involved with some sports there (both boys were entralled with the olympic swimmers and really want to give that a go), possibly starting some music lessons (Cap has been pretty interested in piano), and doing some investigating into ways our family can serve in some local mission work (Cap has long been concerned about the fact that there are kids who don't have homes and some who don't have parents and is very interested in what he can do to help.) On top of all of that, we've got lots of work to do around here getting "the farm" ready to become an actual farm of sorts next spring: there's a compost bin to build, a chicken coop and yard to build, and lots of maintenance work and planning to be done. The boys are always eager to put on their "work bibs" and help Daddy outside.
It's shaping up to be a pretty busy fall and we're excited to dive right in to this new adventure!
2.05.2012
Reason # 6: Childhood!
I'm a big proponent of the idea behind Nick Jr.'s motto from back in the day when I watched Nick Jr. with kids I babysat: Play to learn. (Is that still their motto? It's been so long!) Little ones learn through play. Whether they are playing pretend or playing with toys or both, what they are really doing is exploring their environment. Play enables kids to develop fine and gross motor skills, social skills, and many skills that we consider academic (math, science, literacy) in ways that are fun and natural. Playing is fundamental to the work that is done in school.
The trouble is that most kids don't have much time to play any more. They spend approximately 8 hours a day, 5 days a week in school (and early elementary classrooms seem to be allowing less and less time for play as academic standards advance). They are doing homework at a younger and younger age. I know kindergarteners that are bringing home homework, 2nd graders that are spending hours a night sitting at the table with their school books, and 4th graders who do school work from the time they come home until they are in bed. On top of that there are sports practices and music lessons and other opportunities that are genuinely good for kids, but leave little time for free play when added to school and the stacks of homework. Kids don't have time to play because they have so much work to do.
And it's not just that they have to do the work that creates a problem. There is so much stress! All this work to do puts pressure on the kids and on the parents that can be incredibly straining on their relationship. There is the pressure to do well and the understanding that if they don't do well it will negatively impact their future or they can choose not to do the work and have the shadow of failure hanging over their heads. Perhaps some of this pressure is justified as kids get older and become more responsible for their lives. But is it healthy that kids as young as kindergarten are feeling forms of this pressure?
Another aspect of the reason that childhood is a motivator for homeschooling for us has less to do with academics and more to do with the social environment at school. Kids seem to be growing up faster and faster. They are experiencing grown-up issues at a younger and younger age. While I'm not interested in wrapping my kids in a cocoon that doesn't allow them to see the world, I do want them to experience the world with the benefit of having plenty of adults around to help them understand what is happening. Moreover, I know there will come a day when my kids don't want to snuggle with me on the couch and a time when they are too big for certain favorite movies or toys or playing dress up, but I want them to make that decision on their own. I don't want them rushing to put off childhood because the things they want to do are "uncool."
Childhood is important and I want to do everything in my power to make sure that my kids get to enjoy these formative years with plenty of play and exploration!
The trouble is that most kids don't have much time to play any more. They spend approximately 8 hours a day, 5 days a week in school (and early elementary classrooms seem to be allowing less and less time for play as academic standards advance). They are doing homework at a younger and younger age. I know kindergarteners that are bringing home homework, 2nd graders that are spending hours a night sitting at the table with their school books, and 4th graders who do school work from the time they come home until they are in bed. On top of that there are sports practices and music lessons and other opportunities that are genuinely good for kids, but leave little time for free play when added to school and the stacks of homework. Kids don't have time to play because they have so much work to do.
And it's not just that they have to do the work that creates a problem. There is so much stress! All this work to do puts pressure on the kids and on the parents that can be incredibly straining on their relationship. There is the pressure to do well and the understanding that if they don't do well it will negatively impact their future or they can choose not to do the work and have the shadow of failure hanging over their heads. Perhaps some of this pressure is justified as kids get older and become more responsible for their lives. But is it healthy that kids as young as kindergarten are feeling forms of this pressure?
Another aspect of the reason that childhood is a motivator for homeschooling for us has less to do with academics and more to do with the social environment at school. Kids seem to be growing up faster and faster. They are experiencing grown-up issues at a younger and younger age. While I'm not interested in wrapping my kids in a cocoon that doesn't allow them to see the world, I do want them to experience the world with the benefit of having plenty of adults around to help them understand what is happening. Moreover, I know there will come a day when my kids don't want to snuggle with me on the couch and a time when they are too big for certain favorite movies or toys or playing dress up, but I want them to make that decision on their own. I don't want them rushing to put off childhood because the things they want to do are "uncool."
Childhood is important and I want to do everything in my power to make sure that my kids get to enjoy these formative years with plenty of play and exploration!
2.04.2012
Socialization and Real-World Opportunities
I find it incredibly ironic that one of my biggest hang-ups about homeschooling has become one of the things that most excites me. Socialization is often cited as being among the most important reasons to send kids to school - there is the idea that kids need the social structure of the school system to learn how to function in society at large.
Yet, I think a red flag is quickly raised when we talk to kids about life "in the real world." "One of these days," we tell them, "you'll be done with school and you'll have to face the real world." I've never been very comfortable with that notion. First of all, it seems to say that there is something about the way we spend the first 18 years of our lives that is artificial - that it is not a true representation of the world we live in. If this is true, does the socialization of school really teach us how to function in our society or is it more the case that in school we learn to function within the school system and we learn a new set of rules when it's time to function as adults in society at large?
Second, this idea of school vs. real world somehow seems to underalue the worth of our kids during the +/- 13 years they spend in compulsory education. It seems to present this idea that life begins after graduation. And yet, as adults we tend to look back at childhood and think that those were the years for really living.
I'm excited for a different kind of socialization. I'm glad that our decision to homeschool will allow our kids to spend time with people of all ages. They'll learn alongside their siblings, their parents, their aunts and uncles and grandparents. They'll learn with and from friends of all ages. They can learn science and math from a book and they can experiment with their dad in the garage, their grandma in the kitchen and their grandpa at the job site. They can read about sociology and they can spend time volunteering at organizations that serve the needs of people in different backgrounds. They can read about history and we can take vacations or field trips to learn more about historical people, places and events. We won't be confined to classrooms or desks or rules that are necessary to maintain order in a school system. We'll be free to explore and learn in whatever setting will work best.
And there is nothing to say that life won't really start until they are 18. Learning and work can be intertwined. The chores they do around the house, the ideas they have to serve others and the interests they decide to pursue can be real contributions to our family and society, not just practice for when they grow up. Really this can be true for any kid. It's more a lifestyle decision that one of curricula. But, homeschooling will give us the freedom to make our own priorities and choose to place emphasis on the things that are most important for our kids at any given time.
Still, what about friends of their own ages? There will be plenty of time for playing with friends and participating isn all kinds of activities. No homework to get in the way! If we decide to send our kids to school, we would have seriously limited the amount of "extra-curricular" activities we would have allowed them to be involved in. We wanted to make sure our kids weren't stressed out from being always in a rush and always having places to go and homework piled on top of it all. Now, because the kids will be able to get their "school work" done in a fraction of the time it would take them in a traditional school setting, they will have more time to pursue different sports, arts and other kinds of play.
I'll post a little more later about specific plans for meeting our kids' social needs. But, with such a social little guy leading our young pack, I think making sure our kids spend time in the social settings they need will be less of a challenge than it would seem.
Yet, I think a red flag is quickly raised when we talk to kids about life "in the real world." "One of these days," we tell them, "you'll be done with school and you'll have to face the real world." I've never been very comfortable with that notion. First of all, it seems to say that there is something about the way we spend the first 18 years of our lives that is artificial - that it is not a true representation of the world we live in. If this is true, does the socialization of school really teach us how to function in our society or is it more the case that in school we learn to function within the school system and we learn a new set of rules when it's time to function as adults in society at large?
Second, this idea of school vs. real world somehow seems to underalue the worth of our kids during the +/- 13 years they spend in compulsory education. It seems to present this idea that life begins after graduation. And yet, as adults we tend to look back at childhood and think that those were the years for really living.
I'm excited for a different kind of socialization. I'm glad that our decision to homeschool will allow our kids to spend time with people of all ages. They'll learn alongside their siblings, their parents, their aunts and uncles and grandparents. They'll learn with and from friends of all ages. They can learn science and math from a book and they can experiment with their dad in the garage, their grandma in the kitchen and their grandpa at the job site. They can read about sociology and they can spend time volunteering at organizations that serve the needs of people in different backgrounds. They can read about history and we can take vacations or field trips to learn more about historical people, places and events. We won't be confined to classrooms or desks or rules that are necessary to maintain order in a school system. We'll be free to explore and learn in whatever setting will work best.
And there is nothing to say that life won't really start until they are 18. Learning and work can be intertwined. The chores they do around the house, the ideas they have to serve others and the interests they decide to pursue can be real contributions to our family and society, not just practice for when they grow up. Really this can be true for any kid. It's more a lifestyle decision that one of curricula. But, homeschooling will give us the freedom to make our own priorities and choose to place emphasis on the things that are most important for our kids at any given time.
Still, what about friends of their own ages? There will be plenty of time for playing with friends and participating isn all kinds of activities. No homework to get in the way! If we decide to send our kids to school, we would have seriously limited the amount of "extra-curricular" activities we would have allowed them to be involved in. We wanted to make sure our kids weren't stressed out from being always in a rush and always having places to go and homework piled on top of it all. Now, because the kids will be able to get their "school work" done in a fraction of the time it would take them in a traditional school setting, they will have more time to pursue different sports, arts and other kinds of play.
I'll post a little more later about specific plans for meeting our kids' social needs. But, with such a social little guy leading our young pack, I think making sure our kids spend time in the social settings they need will be less of a challenge than it would seem.
1.31.2012
Big Questions & Another Reason
The fears set in for him so young. Tears in his voice, he asks us, "What if our Skidamarink gets very, very sick? What if he can't get better? What if he gets so hurt he can't be fixed and we lose him? I would be so sad if I lost my brother." He's concerned about the hole in the basement where the sump pump sits. Skid might fall in it. "You can fix it, Dad. So Skid and our baby don't get hurt."
He follows up his worries with the hope: "If Skid couldn't get better he would go to heaven and Jesus would give him a new body. But I would miss him."
My momma says he gets it from me - the always thinking serious thoughts. He and I were both old before our time. "You were 18 when you were 2," she tells me. Little child with grown-up questions.
Grandpa speaks words that feel like prophecy. He talks about our sweet little boy and his big questions, big faith, big understanding. He says he's special. He can see that God has big plans for our Cap. He is different. Grandpa says there is a reason our little guy is in such a hurry to grow up. He says this boy needs to grow up fast. Grandpa can't tell us why, but he feels this burden to tell us that there is a reason our little man will need such big faith. He exhorts us to tend this plant carefully so his roots will grow deep. He'll need deep, deep roots.
My mother's heart worries. Why will he need deep roots? Grandpa can't see it, but he feels there is something coming and I'm absolutely terrified of the storms that might be on the horizon. I want deep roots for him, but I would prefer him to be safe - to have a hold on the anchor but never face a storm that requires its use.
It's been a year since Grandpa called us to him, sat us down and spoke those words. I can't ignore them. They make me wonder, what do I need to give a boy like this? A boy with such big questions, such big fears, such big understanding? Is it a gift of time? Extra time to sit and grapple with the questions and the fears? Extra time to play so he can stay young and have rest and enjoy life without fears and questions always pulling? Extra time to take chances and be bold and strong and courageous so that he doesn't let the fears overwhelm? Extra time to ask questions of us and of God?
It's so clear that growing those roots is his most important work right now and I need to give him all the time he needs to grow them.
He follows up his worries with the hope: "If Skid couldn't get better he would go to heaven and Jesus would give him a new body. But I would miss him."
My momma says he gets it from me - the always thinking serious thoughts. He and I were both old before our time. "You were 18 when you were 2," she tells me. Little child with grown-up questions.
Grandpa speaks words that feel like prophecy. He talks about our sweet little boy and his big questions, big faith, big understanding. He says he's special. He can see that God has big plans for our Cap. He is different. Grandpa says there is a reason our little guy is in such a hurry to grow up. He says this boy needs to grow up fast. Grandpa can't tell us why, but he feels this burden to tell us that there is a reason our little man will need such big faith. He exhorts us to tend this plant carefully so his roots will grow deep. He'll need deep, deep roots.
My mother's heart worries. Why will he need deep roots? Grandpa can't see it, but he feels there is something coming and I'm absolutely terrified of the storms that might be on the horizon. I want deep roots for him, but I would prefer him to be safe - to have a hold on the anchor but never face a storm that requires its use.
It's been a year since Grandpa called us to him, sat us down and spoke those words. I can't ignore them. They make me wonder, what do I need to give a boy like this? A boy with such big questions, such big fears, such big understanding? Is it a gift of time? Extra time to sit and grapple with the questions and the fears? Extra time to play so he can stay young and have rest and enjoy life without fears and questions always pulling? Extra time to take chances and be bold and strong and courageous so that he doesn't let the fears overwhelm? Extra time to ask questions of us and of God?
It's so clear that growing those roots is his most important work right now and I need to give him all the time he needs to grow them.
7.13.2011
The most important consideration
I am a Christian who believes that every part of my life belongs to God. I don't always act like every part of my life belongs to God. I often hold on to my "independence" like a rebellious teenager. Still, I believe that God has something to say on every decision I am faced with. I have no business making decisions for my own life without following the lead of the one to whom I have given my life. (That doesn't mean I always turn my decisions over to God, just that I know I should.) I believe that God wants certain things from & for me and I believe that the path he would choose for me is the highest possible fulfillment of my life - his ways are the best.
Jeff and I are reading the book The Call by Os Guinness with a couple of friends. As I contemplated our discussion last night, I realized that while I have considered God's will for our boys' education, I haven't explicitly expressed the ways I feel God is working through this conversation. I want to take some time to do that because I honestly believe that what God wants is the most important consideration.
I have experienced calling. At different times God has revealed himself to me in a powerful way, shown me something about who I am created to be, and called me to action. I know that I am called to share the love of God with kids. I know that I am called to minister to the church (universal) which I see as broken in many respects. I knew very early in my relationship with Jeff that I would marry him. I experienced it as a call before I even knew much about him. Those things are an integral part of who I am - to deny them for me would be like denying the color of the sky. The best way I can think of to describe my experience of call is as an awakening. There have been moments in my life when suddenly God has shown me some part of myself. He has shown me parts of myself that have always been there that I didn't notice or understand before the call. Sometimes it's like having a really fuzzy idea of some truth without the ability to articulate that idea and suddenly it all comes into focus. Other times it's the experience of a hearing a completely novel idea and realizing that deep down I always knew it was true. It brings peace. It brings clarity.
I'm not a very confident person. I think my biggest struggle is for confidence. I second guess my self all the time. I'm usually pretty sure that I can't do something before I even try it. I hate confrontation and conflict, often because I lack confidence in my abilities or my decisions. I don't like to claim absolutes because there are few things that I am absolutely certain of. The things I am absolutely certain of coincide directly with my callings. I am absolutely certain that God is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he will do. I am absolutely certain that God has given me a special ability to minister to kids. I am absolutely certain that God has shown me ways the church is damaged and that he gives me strength to minister to some of those wounds. I am absolutely certain that I am called to be Jeff's wife. Despite my hatred of conflict, I stand firm upon these convictions and am more than willing to stand up for them.
I'm finding God in our discussion of homeschool. In fact, I'm finding that God led us into the discussion of homeschool. Honestly, my intentions were innocent - I didn't seek out this weird/against the norm idea of home education. It found me. As I've said, we discussed the idea casually before but never considered that we might choose to homeschool. Really, this whole conversation came about through a link to a page about nature scavenger hunts and my effort to help my "problem child" better transition between preschool classes. Now, suddenly we're on this incredible journey that seems to be making each of us a more fulfilled version of ourselves and holds promise for some wonderful life experiences.
Is God calling us to homeschool? I honestly don't know. But I do feel confident that he is leading us in the journey. He has shown up. He has revealed things that feel like an awakening - the sudden realization of things I couldn't see, but were always there - bringing peace and clarity. Though we don't want to make this discussion public until we are closer to a decision, I feel confident about this process of discernment. I know that, if this is where we are called to be God will give me the courage to stand up for a decision that will be extremely controversial. Maybe we won't end up homeschooling. Maybe it will become clear to us that we need to send our kids to public school or maybe that homeschool would be a good fit for one kid but not both. I have no idea where this is going. I do know that my eyes have been opened in new ways that will be beneficial for our family no matter where our kids go to school.
7.11.2011
A Conversation with a Homeschool Graduate
As I mentioned in an earlier post, we recently got together with a friend who was homeschooled. She is the oldest of (I believe) six homeschooled children in her family. I was very eager for her input and am so glad we went to talk with her. I want to share some of our questions and her responses as well as some of my feelings about the topic. (Note: I didn't quote M verbatim, I'm writing this blog based on my memory of our conversation and the notes I took. Sorry, M if I got something wrong.)
1. What was your schedule like (daily and yearly)?
M's answer: They started each day with devotions then jumped into academics in the morning. The kids usually spent the afternoons pursuing their own interests and hobbies (music, crafts, etc.) They took a break in the summer.
My thoughts: The schedule is one of the things that most amazes me about homeschooling. Jeff and I have long been concerned about how full kids days are and how little time there seems to be to pursue their own interests and develop their unique talents. Kids today are really stressed. They've got a million things going on and tons of balls to juggle and homework to pile on top of it all. But it seems that homeschoolers have lots of time to explore the world. I keep reading over and over again that it usually only takes a few hours for homeschoolers to accomplish what it takes schools 7 hours to teach. It seems crazy, but I guess it makes sense. Homeschoolers have fewer interruptions. They work at their own pace, which means they can take extra time on lessons that are more difficult for them and don't have to spend as much time on lessons that they pick up quickly. They have a very small student-to-teacher ratio, which means they don't have to wait long for the teacher to answer their questions. The idea of having time to just be kids is one of the things that most draws me to homeschooling. (And that time of "just being kids" is often full of learning!)
2. How did having multiple students of different ages work in your family?
M's answer: It wasn't a problem and as the kids got older (around 13) they began teaching themselves.
My thoughts: I have read in many places that homeschool kids quickly become self-starters who take charge of their own education. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I didn't have to goad my kids to learn, but they would willingly seek learning? Also, given the way homeschooling schedules seem to run, it seems like there would be plenty of time to spend one on one time with each kid. Plus, I would get built-in one on one time with each kid! :)
3. What are the laws regarding homeschooling in Illinois?
Have you ever had any problems?
M's answer: In Illinois homeschools are considered private schools. You do not have to register or notify the school district that you are homeschooling. Their family has never had any issues with their school district or truancy officers.
My thoughts: This is probably the aspect of homeschooling that most freaks me out. I'm not a big fan of confrontation and am concerned about missing some step of the process and getting in trouble. I also ran across a local website that talked about what to do if a truancy officer comes to your door and how you should immediately go to the doctor if a truancy officer comes and get your children checked out so that no one can claim abuse. That all sounds pretty intimidating to me. Still, the fact is that homeschooling is perfectly legal and Illinois is actually one of the best states to homeschool in. (A shocker, right? Illinois not being overly controlling?)
4. What did you love about being homeschooled?
M's answer: She particularly liked the way it affected her family - the closeness of their relationships and getting to spend lots of time together. She also loved that she had time and freedom to learn about things that interested her.
My thoughts: The things M loves about homeschooling are a couple of big draws for me as well. It's so important for kids to have good relationships with their parents, but it keeps getting harder and harder for parents to even get face time with their kids.
5. What about record keeping, especially if there would be an eventual need to return to school or go to college?
M's answer: Keep records of coursework. Her parents made transcripts and had a diploma printed for her. They took the California Achievement Tests annually.
My thoughts: This question actually generated a lot of conversation - especially among the hubbies who were reluctant participants in the conversation to begin with. It was confusing to those of us with little experience with homeschooling how a family could print up a document and an official organization would just accept it. No matter how many times we said, "yeah, but..." the answer was just that they do. Those institutions can see the quality of the student's work. Also, homeschool students tend to excel in higher education and colleges have begun specifically recruiting homeschoolers. And the paper work is official. It is coming from a private school that has every authority to issue diplomas and transcripts. I have read in a few places that it can be helpful to name your homeschool. You can even get educators discounts at a lot of places.
6. What was your style of homeschooling?
What curriculum did you use?
M's answer: They used Abeka, Saxon, etc. Her mother suggested she tell me not to go nuts about curriculum in the beginning - just enjoy our time learning together. She also mentioned finding materials that fit each of our educational styles.
My thoughts: Curriculum excites me. There are lots of different approaches to homeschooling. From the research I've done, I think I would be an eclectic homeschooler - taking bits and pieces from different approaches. I've always liked certain aspects of Montessori education, I have a high interest in delight-led learning, I like the work/service/study aspect of the Moore formula, I know I need a little structure to keep me organized. However, I wouldn't want to adopt any of those programs as a rule for our homeschool. Mostly, like M said, I think it will be about continuing to pay attention to how each of us learns and choosing materials and activities that suit our needs. How awesome is it that we would have the freedom to choose what is best for us?
7. How did it affect your family life? What was it like to be together so much? How did you create space?
M's answer: They are all very close. She said she thinks forced togetherness is not necessarily a bad thing - they had to work out their problems and go on.
My thoughts: I like that homeschooling would allow us to have time as a family without having to strictly regulate how many activities kids could participate in. Who knows how our relationship will look at the end of our kids school years? But I would hope that by spending time together each day we would remain close. It seems that most homeschool families I read about are very close-knit. I do know that it would be important for me to get some time away from time to time and to provide places in our home for being quiet and alone.
8. One of the questions/concerns most frequently raised about homeschooling is socialization. What are your thoughts on homeschooling and socialization/making friends?
M's answer: Homeschooling is actually better preparation for real world socialization that institutional schools. In an institutional school you spend the majority of your time at a desk listening or working on papers. You have little time to talk to others. The socialization that does occur is age restricted. In homeschooling, your interact naturally with people of all ages, races, etc. as you go about the business of life. Her family was involved in a homeschool co-op that met together frequently doing things like visiting nursing homes, going ice-skating, etc. Her family was also involved in 4H
My thoughts: Socialization was the big question for me in the beginning. The more I've read, the more I found that socialization just isn't an issue for homeschoolers. The kids participate in all kinds of activities - generally more than a school kid would be able to (no homework to hold them back!). They play sports and participate in 4H and play at playgrounds - all the time making friends with kids their age. They visit nursing homes, are often active in their churches, take numerous field trips and have more time to visit relatives - all the time making friends with people older and younger than them. They get lots of real-world experience - running errands and helping take care of their home and family. I've read in several places that blind studies have been conducted where homeschooled students routinely are accessed as more socially adept than their institutional school compatriots. I've heard it said that in homeschooling the world is your classroom. If that's true, then how natural is it that homeschoolers have no problem with learning how to operate in the world (socialization)?
9. What was the role of your father in homeschooling?
M's answer: He led morning devotions each morning over breakfast before he left for work. He supported the school and his family. He helped with subjects that he was particularly adept at.
My thoughts: This is important to me. While I know the primary work of actually teaching the children would be my own, this is in no way "my thing". If we decide to homeschool, both of us have to make the decision and I know we will each have a role to play. A lot of the science stuff I just imagine naturally falling to Jeff as he invites the boys to the garage to help him with whatever interesting little experiment he's working on - you know he's already out there melting stuff anyway! I imagine the boys getting hands-on learning time with dad as they help him build a fort in the backyard and catch turtles on the side of the road.
10. How do you teach subjects that you aren't an expert in?
M's answer: There are lots of options - there are curricula that walk you through lessons, you can relearn/learn the material yourself, you can trade lessons with someone else (i.e. trading music lessons for yard work, etc.) As kids get older you can often teach themselves or take certain classes at the high school or community colleges. Co-ops also very often offer classes.
My thoughts: Another attractive aspect of homeschooling - the focus seems to shift from teacher to student to become more about learning together. After all, education is less about retaining information than it is about learning how to find answers to questions and think critically about what you are learning. I like the idea of studying alongside my boys. Sure, I'll prepare lessons. But I bet I'll enjoy learning the stuff just as much as they will and enthusiasm is often contagious.
11. What are the negative aspects of homeschooling?
M's answer: For her mother, the negatives were the amount of time it took to organize, the need for time alone, and critics of homeschooling. She didn't see any real negatives from her perspective as a kid. In fact, she mentioned that from time to time her mom would threaten to send them to public schools as a punishment.
My Own Processing: These things are the only downsides that I see at this point. Sure, there will be other things to consider and watch out for. But there are always things to consider and watch out for no matter where the kids go to school. Organization will take a lot of time. I'll probably need to use some preprinted curricula instead of just making it all up (which I would love to do!) just for the sake of time and sanity. Jeff's biggest concern is that the preparation for homeschooling would consume me and take up all my time. I agree that that is something I definitely need to be careful of. Still, I don't think it's enough of a negative to rule out homeschooling. I can see the need to find time away. The nice thing is that we could take a break whenever we needed and pick back up when we were ready. I could get away for a few days and things would still be ok.
I am concerned about critics. I know there will be people that won't like it just because it's weird - and I'll admit homeschooling is not a common choice, but that doesn't make it a bad choice. There will be others who will be genuinely concerned for our kids. I hope that they will do some investigating, read this blog, talk to us, and trust us. We want what's best for our kids. We would never ever do anything to cause them harm and we will not make this decision lightly.
It's so funny that going to public school was such an unwelcome idea for the kids, but it makes sense - homeschool and you can spend a few hours a day in academics, several hours playing, and do it from the comfort of your own home (even in your jammies if you want). You can take random field trips as often as you want. No cafeteria food. No homework. It already sounds like a set up for a pretty good childhood!
Thanks so much, M, for sitting down and talking with us! We greatly appreciate your perspective, help, and support!
1. What was your schedule like (daily and yearly)?
M's answer: They started each day with devotions then jumped into academics in the morning. The kids usually spent the afternoons pursuing their own interests and hobbies (music, crafts, etc.) They took a break in the summer.
My thoughts: The schedule is one of the things that most amazes me about homeschooling. Jeff and I have long been concerned about how full kids days are and how little time there seems to be to pursue their own interests and develop their unique talents. Kids today are really stressed. They've got a million things going on and tons of balls to juggle and homework to pile on top of it all. But it seems that homeschoolers have lots of time to explore the world. I keep reading over and over again that it usually only takes a few hours for homeschoolers to accomplish what it takes schools 7 hours to teach. It seems crazy, but I guess it makes sense. Homeschoolers have fewer interruptions. They work at their own pace, which means they can take extra time on lessons that are more difficult for them and don't have to spend as much time on lessons that they pick up quickly. They have a very small student-to-teacher ratio, which means they don't have to wait long for the teacher to answer their questions. The idea of having time to just be kids is one of the things that most draws me to homeschooling. (And that time of "just being kids" is often full of learning!)
2. How did having multiple students of different ages work in your family?
M's answer: It wasn't a problem and as the kids got older (around 13) they began teaching themselves.
My thoughts: I have read in many places that homeschool kids quickly become self-starters who take charge of their own education. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I didn't have to goad my kids to learn, but they would willingly seek learning? Also, given the way homeschooling schedules seem to run, it seems like there would be plenty of time to spend one on one time with each kid. Plus, I would get built-in one on one time with each kid! :)
3. What are the laws regarding homeschooling in Illinois?
Have you ever had any problems?
M's answer: In Illinois homeschools are considered private schools. You do not have to register or notify the school district that you are homeschooling. Their family has never had any issues with their school district or truancy officers.
My thoughts: This is probably the aspect of homeschooling that most freaks me out. I'm not a big fan of confrontation and am concerned about missing some step of the process and getting in trouble. I also ran across a local website that talked about what to do if a truancy officer comes to your door and how you should immediately go to the doctor if a truancy officer comes and get your children checked out so that no one can claim abuse. That all sounds pretty intimidating to me. Still, the fact is that homeschooling is perfectly legal and Illinois is actually one of the best states to homeschool in. (A shocker, right? Illinois not being overly controlling?)
4. What did you love about being homeschooled?
M's answer: She particularly liked the way it affected her family - the closeness of their relationships and getting to spend lots of time together. She also loved that she had time and freedom to learn about things that interested her.
My thoughts: The things M loves about homeschooling are a couple of big draws for me as well. It's so important for kids to have good relationships with their parents, but it keeps getting harder and harder for parents to even get face time with their kids.
5. What about record keeping, especially if there would be an eventual need to return to school or go to college?
M's answer: Keep records of coursework. Her parents made transcripts and had a diploma printed for her. They took the California Achievement Tests annually.
My thoughts: This question actually generated a lot of conversation - especially among the hubbies who were reluctant participants in the conversation to begin with. It was confusing to those of us with little experience with homeschooling how a family could print up a document and an official organization would just accept it. No matter how many times we said, "yeah, but..." the answer was just that they do. Those institutions can see the quality of the student's work. Also, homeschool students tend to excel in higher education and colleges have begun specifically recruiting homeschoolers. And the paper work is official. It is coming from a private school that has every authority to issue diplomas and transcripts. I have read in a few places that it can be helpful to name your homeschool. You can even get educators discounts at a lot of places.
6. What was your style of homeschooling?
What curriculum did you use?
M's answer: They used Abeka, Saxon, etc. Her mother suggested she tell me not to go nuts about curriculum in the beginning - just enjoy our time learning together. She also mentioned finding materials that fit each of our educational styles.
My thoughts: Curriculum excites me. There are lots of different approaches to homeschooling. From the research I've done, I think I would be an eclectic homeschooler - taking bits and pieces from different approaches. I've always liked certain aspects of Montessori education, I have a high interest in delight-led learning, I like the work/service/study aspect of the Moore formula, I know I need a little structure to keep me organized. However, I wouldn't want to adopt any of those programs as a rule for our homeschool. Mostly, like M said, I think it will be about continuing to pay attention to how each of us learns and choosing materials and activities that suit our needs. How awesome is it that we would have the freedom to choose what is best for us?
7. How did it affect your family life? What was it like to be together so much? How did you create space?
M's answer: They are all very close. She said she thinks forced togetherness is not necessarily a bad thing - they had to work out their problems and go on.
My thoughts: I like that homeschooling would allow us to have time as a family without having to strictly regulate how many activities kids could participate in. Who knows how our relationship will look at the end of our kids school years? But I would hope that by spending time together each day we would remain close. It seems that most homeschool families I read about are very close-knit. I do know that it would be important for me to get some time away from time to time and to provide places in our home for being quiet and alone.
8. One of the questions/concerns most frequently raised about homeschooling is socialization. What are your thoughts on homeschooling and socialization/making friends?
M's answer: Homeschooling is actually better preparation for real world socialization that institutional schools. In an institutional school you spend the majority of your time at a desk listening or working on papers. You have little time to talk to others. The socialization that does occur is age restricted. In homeschooling, your interact naturally with people of all ages, races, etc. as you go about the business of life. Her family was involved in a homeschool co-op that met together frequently doing things like visiting nursing homes, going ice-skating, etc. Her family was also involved in 4H
My thoughts: Socialization was the big question for me in the beginning. The more I've read, the more I found that socialization just isn't an issue for homeschoolers. The kids participate in all kinds of activities - generally more than a school kid would be able to (no homework to hold them back!). They play sports and participate in 4H and play at playgrounds - all the time making friends with kids their age. They visit nursing homes, are often active in their churches, take numerous field trips and have more time to visit relatives - all the time making friends with people older and younger than them. They get lots of real-world experience - running errands and helping take care of their home and family. I've read in several places that blind studies have been conducted where homeschooled students routinely are accessed as more socially adept than their institutional school compatriots. I've heard it said that in homeschooling the world is your classroom. If that's true, then how natural is it that homeschoolers have no problem with learning how to operate in the world (socialization)?
9. What was the role of your father in homeschooling?
M's answer: He led morning devotions each morning over breakfast before he left for work. He supported the school and his family. He helped with subjects that he was particularly adept at.
My thoughts: This is important to me. While I know the primary work of actually teaching the children would be my own, this is in no way "my thing". If we decide to homeschool, both of us have to make the decision and I know we will each have a role to play. A lot of the science stuff I just imagine naturally falling to Jeff as he invites the boys to the garage to help him with whatever interesting little experiment he's working on - you know he's already out there melting stuff anyway! I imagine the boys getting hands-on learning time with dad as they help him build a fort in the backyard and catch turtles on the side of the road.
10. How do you teach subjects that you aren't an expert in?
M's answer: There are lots of options - there are curricula that walk you through lessons, you can relearn/learn the material yourself, you can trade lessons with someone else (i.e. trading music lessons for yard work, etc.) As kids get older you can often teach themselves or take certain classes at the high school or community colleges. Co-ops also very often offer classes.
My thoughts: Another attractive aspect of homeschooling - the focus seems to shift from teacher to student to become more about learning together. After all, education is less about retaining information than it is about learning how to find answers to questions and think critically about what you are learning. I like the idea of studying alongside my boys. Sure, I'll prepare lessons. But I bet I'll enjoy learning the stuff just as much as they will and enthusiasm is often contagious.
11. What are the negative aspects of homeschooling?
M's answer: For her mother, the negatives were the amount of time it took to organize, the need for time alone, and critics of homeschooling. She didn't see any real negatives from her perspective as a kid. In fact, she mentioned that from time to time her mom would threaten to send them to public schools as a punishment.
My Own Processing: These things are the only downsides that I see at this point. Sure, there will be other things to consider and watch out for. But there are always things to consider and watch out for no matter where the kids go to school. Organization will take a lot of time. I'll probably need to use some preprinted curricula instead of just making it all up (which I would love to do!) just for the sake of time and sanity. Jeff's biggest concern is that the preparation for homeschooling would consume me and take up all my time. I agree that that is something I definitely need to be careful of. Still, I don't think it's enough of a negative to rule out homeschooling. I can see the need to find time away. The nice thing is that we could take a break whenever we needed and pick back up when we were ready. I could get away for a few days and things would still be ok.
I am concerned about critics. I know there will be people that won't like it just because it's weird - and I'll admit homeschooling is not a common choice, but that doesn't make it a bad choice. There will be others who will be genuinely concerned for our kids. I hope that they will do some investigating, read this blog, talk to us, and trust us. We want what's best for our kids. We would never ever do anything to cause them harm and we will not make this decision lightly.
It's so funny that going to public school was such an unwelcome idea for the kids, but it makes sense - homeschool and you can spend a few hours a day in academics, several hours playing, and do it from the comfort of your own home (even in your jammies if you want). You can take random field trips as often as you want. No cafeteria food. No homework. It already sounds like a set up for a pretty good childhood!
Thanks so much, M, for sitting down and talking with us! We greatly appreciate your perspective, help, and support!
7.07.2011
Continuing Past Conversations
I like having conversations in the car. There's no better place for philosophy that when driving a considerable distance. Jeff and I have had lots of these philosophical conversations in the last nine years. Early on in our relationship, we had several conversations about education. Jeff was a youth minister, I worked with kids and we were both heart-broken by how busy and stressed out kids are these days. We knew 3rd graders who had no time to play because they were busy with school and tons (and tons and tons) of homework and music lessons. We spent a lot of time hashing out our parenting strategy so that our kids wouldn't be so overwhelmed. I mean , really, it's scary that the word "stress" is even in the vocabulary of young students, let alone a very real part of their lives. The solution that we came up with was to limit the extracurriculars our future kids would participate to at most one extracurricular sport/lesson per season. It never seemed like the best answer, but it was the best we could come up with.
We also spent a lot of time talking about our respective school experiences. Mine was positive once I got into high school. Before high school I was put in the "Barney"(as in big purple dinosaur) classes -classes for the "dummies" (of course, named by the "smarter" kids). With the help of some amazing teachers who helped me gain confidence, I eventually moved in to the more advanced level of coursework. In high school, I flourished and became a model student. I went above and beyond the requirements and loved everything about school.
Jeff's experience was much different. He is a pretty smart cookie who was not often challenged in school. His grades were average because he couldn't see the point in doing all of the monotonous busy-work that makes up such a large chunk of school work. School was tough for him because it held him back. He had to listen to lessons and do (or not do) homework long after he had mastered a subject. As we talked about Jeff's experience we also talked about the fact that boys tend to do worse in school than girls. For some reason the system isn't working as well for boys as it is for girls.
These foundations laid the groundwork for where we find ourselves today - carefully considering different educational options for our two boys. Jeff had a friend who was homeschooled. But, while we talked briefly about homeshool, we always just assumed our children would go to public schools. Today I find myself leaning away from the idea of public school. At the very least, if we send our kids to school, I want to be very prepared to advocate for my children.
We don't have anything against public school. They provide a wonderful service for the majority of people, despite the problems. And the majority of the problems are logistical - it's hard work to provide education for an entire room/school/district/state/nation of unique individuals. There are gads of amazing teachers who are devoted to what they do and make a great difference in the lives of the children they teach. I had a myriad of wonderful teachers who played a big part of making me who I am today. But, as I look at the problems inherent in the system, I have to wonder: is public education really best for my kids? Is there anything better out there?
I look at my little Captain Silly Wiggles and his experience last year in preschool and wonder how he will fit in institutional education. He struggled this year - not with the material, with the structure. His little progress reports came home saying he didn't know lots of things he had clearly shown mastery in at home. At the beginning of the year he was getting in trouble constantly for not participating or acting out with behaviors he just wasn't exhibiting elsewhere. By the middle of the year he was coping - he wasn't really participating, but he would sit quietly at the table while the other kids went about their business. And it wasn't a social issue - he had lots of friends. At the class picnic at the end of the year kids where fighting over who could sit by him at lunch. He has shown an ability to sit still, concentrate and follow directions at home and in other places. But somehow he wasn't thriving in the school environment. He had a wonderful teacher who put lots of effort into helping him, but nothing ever seemed to work.
Yet, this summer as we have tried out some "school" stuff at home in an attempt to ease the transition next fall, he has completely surprised me. In the six weeks that we have been working together at home he is soaking up information. He's willing to try new things, he's writing, he's reading, he's asking questions day and night. So, as we experience learning together I find myself asking a question I never ever ever imagined I would consider - should we homeschool? And I'm finding myself in a very scary/exciting/weird place of thinking the answer may very likely be yes!
7.01.2011
A Balanced Perspective
I've really been trying to get a balanced perspective on the whole homeschooling issue. I found what I was looking for today as I read the comments on a blog post. In the column from the NY Times, a mother was writing about her desire to spend more time (positively) interacting with her son. This desire had led to her decision to homeschool. I could see where she was coming from and share some of her motivation. I know too many kids who get up, rush to school, rush home to do homework, rush to music lessons or soccer practice or scouts and go to bed without ever spending any real time with their parents. They are lucky if they get any time to play or even eat a real meal at a table. This is certainly not the kind of lifestyle I want for my kids. Of course, there will be schedules to follow and places to go at specific times. But I really want peace for them. Peace and rest and play and fun.
I decided to read through the comment section. I found the usual string of criticism that I was ready for - things like socialization, learning to follow a schedule, respect for authority figures, credentials - things that I have read enough about to understand that they really aren't issues for homeschooled kids. What did catch my attention were the comments about apron strings.
The mom in the post talked a lot about the things she wanted from her relationship with her son. The concern raised was that she was really just scared to let her son grow up. I'm not ready to condemn the writer with this motivation. The truth is: too much hurry is not good for anyone and it's incredibly important that kids have strong relationships with their parents. Her decision to homeschool doesn't necessarily mean she wants to thwart her son's independence and force his regression to babyhood.
Still, I think this consideration is an important one. It will be important, no matter what form of education we select, to make sure we foster close, trusting relationships with our boys while encouraging their independence. After all, that is the goal of parenting - helping our little ones grow into responsible, loving adults.
I decided to read through the comment section. I found the usual string of criticism that I was ready for - things like socialization, learning to follow a schedule, respect for authority figures, credentials - things that I have read enough about to understand that they really aren't issues for homeschooled kids. What did catch my attention were the comments about apron strings.
The mom in the post talked a lot about the things she wanted from her relationship with her son. The concern raised was that she was really just scared to let her son grow up. I'm not ready to condemn the writer with this motivation. The truth is: too much hurry is not good for anyone and it's incredibly important that kids have strong relationships with their parents. Her decision to homeschool doesn't necessarily mean she wants to thwart her son's independence and force his regression to babyhood.
Still, I think this consideration is an important one. It will be important, no matter what form of education we select, to make sure we foster close, trusting relationships with our boys while encouraging their independence. After all, that is the goal of parenting - helping our little ones grow into responsible, loving adults.
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