After listening to my litany of guilt for the past 4 years, DH stepped in and took charge. He enrolled the older 3 in the Texas Virtual Academy, an online charter school that uses the K12 program inspired by William Bennett.
After the registration and the testing, I spoke with our contact and was almost brought to tears with gratitude.
They will be sending us everything: books, workbooks, computer, printer, science experiment equipment... everything. Free of charge.
They will provide the lesson plans, the support, the field trips, the conferences... free of charge.
And the best part? They will pay for Action Man's dyslexia tutoring, something that we have only been able to afford once a month. Now it will be available to him once a week.
Hence, the tears of gratitude.
My role has been reduced to that of a teacher's aide. I will be here to help the kids with their work, to send it in, and chat with their teacher twice a month. I really am fine with that, since the juggling of many hats has become a bit overwhelming.
I am blogging all of this with a hint of trepidation, however.
I'm afraid this might start quite a debate as to the authenticity of home schooling. What is true home schooling, and what is not?
Have I lost "home-schooler status" in your eyes? Are my children going to hell in a hand basket because I am not spending countless hours and oodles of money haggling over a curriculum plan this summer? I seriously used to take great pride in the fact that I was an "eclectic" home schooler. I saw, I spent, I planned, and then I had major burn out.... every year. But, by golly, we were home schooling!
How ridiculous.
The main point is, I've been worried. Worried beyond rational thought that my kids were not being challenged, and were not progressing the way they could be, and should be. Nothing anyone could say appeased me. In fact, I know they are behind. And I am convinced that my kids need to really understand and experience that schooling is not an optional activity, that it is necessary.
Has my family lost the joy of learning? Has my home been turned into a sea of workbooks and dry textbooks?
Heaven help us, I hope not!
I don't know how much free time we will have. I'm not sure if impromptu trips to the lake will be possible. But I do know that the learning atmosphere will never leave our home just because our curriculum choice this year is a bit more rigorous and requires more accountability.
Here's how I know:
Last week, DH and I went on a date. We ate dinner at an awesome Mediterranean grill, and afterwards, we sauntered next door to the used bookstore. My all-time favorite section is labeled "nostalgia". Here they have beautiful hard cover books for children that were written in the late '40s. Among the $50 we spent (!! no wonder our budget gets blown every week...) The best find was a picture book entitled This Is The World, by Josephine van Dolzen Pease, copyright 1944. What a beautiful book, written especially for the likes of my Littles Love and Boo, to simply explain the wonders of the earth, sun, land, water and people. With titles such as "Oh, What a Wonderful Ball!" to introduce the earth, and "Ride, Cowboy, Ride!" to engage their thoughts about the land... it is a perfect living book.
I will never lose that eagerness to share knowledge in a gentle and fun way. I simply believe that the needs of our family have changed. I hope and pray that this is the answer for us. While some may disagree with our chosen method, I am completely at peace, and quite eager for this new adventure in our home schooling journey.
:)
10 comments:
I think that everything sounds great! You really have to do what works best for you guys! And I am betting that you will still find time for those trips to the lake...
If I was going to homeschool, then I would probably choose something like what you are doing. I hope it meets all of your expectations and helps you really enjoy your role.
Sounds perfect. I hope the new program meets all your expectations!
i went through this same exact thing 2 years ago and GASP sent my kids to public school. now, i live in ojai, and my kids go to a tiny school here, and i absolutely LOVE it. all of my kids-i was homeschooling prior to this decision, were behind-at least according to the "standards", in 2 years time, my son became captain of the math super bowl team (he worked on his own and very hard to accomplish this) and his team won for our school against all the other schools in ojai. my daughter-who at one point i was going to have tested for asbergers because she was struggling so hard to learn (come to find out, she is really just struggling to learn from ME). She is now testing advanced in all areas. my son got straight "4's" which is the politically correct way of saying straight "A's". my kids are thriving.....and i haven't stopped homeschooling-we still do all kinds of special activities at home, reading, board games, etc. etc. my only point being, trust that instinct that says this is where i need to go with this. i know that following that instinct, i found a great situation for our family that is working really well right now. i always keep an open mind-not sure i will keep my kids in school for junior high-but that's the point, to just keep going with the flow and trusting your instincts. prior to this school, i had my kids in a charter school similar to what you are talking about and i loved having the support and the accountability. just, in the end, i found that i personally am not consistent enough to homeschool and i felt it was crucial to show my kids that education is very important, as is routine and consistency-which i know many people can do on there own-just not me. your situation sounds ideal, good luck!!! mcm
oh and i meant "their" own-see? this is why i don't homeschool :-))))))))))))))))))!!! mcm
I am so happy that you are feeling some excitement for the new learning year. I nearly did the virtual k12 academy in our state, but we went and enrolled in a brand new school. Unlike you I did not have years and years of homeschooling. Despite our really good year, I was a little overwhelmed at times with the many what ifs. I know that if this coming year doesn't prove the best decision, we will take the route you have. I was impressed and felt at ease in knowing all that curriculum would be laid out for me.
HOW COOL that you will get the help that your son needs and for FREE!
You are still homeschooling to me ;)
I'm very happy that you have found something that works for you. The whole idea of homeschooling (at least for me) is taking charge of your children's education. If what you were doing before was not working for you, and your children were falling behind, than you have made a great decision.
We have not started homeschooling yet (my ds is not yet 2) but my fear is that I will not be able to provide my children the learning experiences they need to thrive in this world. I only hope that if I find myself in the same situation, I would be able to make the same noble decision.
God bless you!
Sorry, all.
I hate spam. Even personal spam.
:)
Are there really people who wouldn't consider that homeschooling? Your children will be in your care. Your children will continue to turn to you and their father as their primary sources of information about the world, and also for help and clarification on schoolwork.
We owe our children the best education that is realistically possible (given finances, schedules, moral considerations, other issues). There is no "right" solution for all families. You know that.
I am so happy that you are excited and happy about the coming year. I hope this is your best year ever, and is the beginning of many more great school years!
Post a Comment