On Homeschooling....Part 1

I've been hesitant to write much about our homeschooling experience simply because I was finding it hard to articulate my feelings.  I think that I have decided that it is completely normal to have a sort of love/hate relationship with schooling at home. There are definitely those days when I feel like it would be nice to pack their lunches and send them off on the bus until 3pm in the afternoon.  Sometimes I fantasize about what I would do will all that time to myself!  But ninety percent of the time I feel extremely blessed to be given the opportunity to be present with my my children throughout the day.

I am growing in confidence as a teacher.  If it is possible, I have come to know my girls better this year.  I have always thought Hannah to be a free spirit, not much for academics.  I really thought we would struggle together.  I have observed, however, that when something inspires her or captures her attention she is capable of producing the most beautiful and sincere work.  Every day she asks, "Mom can we have a history lesson today?" She doesn't lack for enthusiasm or drive, she just needs to have the option for creativity.  I have to keep things fresh and new for her.  Boring routines and workbooks are a recipe for tears. Hannah has learned to read this year! Guess what?  I taught her.

Emma loves learning, but needs to be challenged.  If I didn't push her to think outside the box a little, she would be happy to do busy work all day long.  I've learned that she needs routine and gains confidence with clearly defined directions. Her handwriting is beautiful and she has become an expert narrator.  She is so bright and patiently listens to me teach her something she most likely already knows.  I am always asking myself, "How did she figure that out?  Where did she learn that?" 

Laurel is learning her letters just as a by-product of listening to our lessons.  She sits in on all our read-alouds and is deeply invested in The Boxcar Children Series. She even takes a turn narrating (because she begs to!) I love the way these girls support and love on each other throughout the day.  We are certainly not free of typical sibling squabbles.  But for the most part, they are free with their compliments towards one another, there is little competition. (Something Emma struggled with in a classroom full of peers.) I love to see them share ideas and work together.  Deepening our relationships was one of the goals of homeschooling, and I'd say that has definitely been accomplished.

   

When I look back to a year ago.  I realize that I am exactly where I wanted to be.  There is no rushing around here in the mornings, no scrambling for clean uniforms. We don't make a bazillion trips into town each day.  There aren't hours and hours of homework or after school sports practices. Our itinerary each day generally consists of one thing: learning together.  Life has become more simple, more purposeful (though not without its challenges). 

For those of you who are interested in specifics, I do want to spend some time talking about curriculum, and daily schedules.  I always enjoy hearing about how other people put similar things in practice for their own families.  So, come back over the next few days to hear more.