Deciding to Homeschool had been a difficult decision. Even before we had children both DH and I were interested in Homescholing our kids. Then as Owen our first born grew I began to doubt my ability to teach him. We are both very stubborn and even the simple things would end in frustration for both of us. After some discussion we decided to try public school for him. We were pleased with the school he attended for K-2nd, it was small, where everyone knew you. DH would walk Owen into school everyday and his teachers would just call me on the phone to tell me funny things he said or did. The teachers were nurturing and school was fun. Then we moved on to the next school for 3rd-5th, and things changed drastically. Notes were sent home constantly regarding being "off task", and a few other incidence that warranted some concern. It was quickly learned that any concepts not grasped were just left to us to work on and he was just shuffled on. In math this is difficult, if you can't multiply, you can't divide and you certainly can't do fractions. It didn't take long for frustration to set in. He has somehow managed to keep his grades good, partly due to the fact that he does turn in all his assignment and partly due to the curve I believe. However I know he is getting lost, and he is at the point that learning is not fun when you get left behind. DH and I started talking about Homeschooling again.
Last week I attended the NCHE Conference, and it was a very emotional, overwhelming experience. It was also so inspiring, and confidence building, seeing the children that are products of homeschooling. My vision for my children is to be lifelong learners, independent thinkers, confident adult, that are good people. When I look toward the future I do not see this happening being in the public school system. I know there are many who have come out of this that succeed, I graduated from public school after a few years of a private elementary school. However things are changing at an alarming rate and I am not willing to risk my children to what I see happening.
I have been researching, learning and preparing and as soon as everything is official we will begin school at "the little grey schoolhouse"! I believe it will be an ever-changing process, and I will have to be very adaptable to things. I am a planner, rule follower, and a bit of a control freak so this is a big deal for me. I am excited to start and look forward to seeing my children thrive under a new way of learning for them. I look forward to documenting the fun and not so fun things so that I can learn from them as we begin this journey.
