Recently, a group of local homeschool friends, including myself, were talking about the reasons that we homescool and the methods that we use to teach our children.  I will be honest, it is difficult for me to talk about our original reasons for choosing homeschool as an option for Caleb. He attended PS for Kindergarten and First Grade and in that time he was diagnosed as ADHD (translation-normal, happy, active, curious little boy). The school practically coerced us into placing him on meds-Stratera-as they told us that they could refuse to teach him otherwise. He was coming home every evening with 7-10 pages of "homework" because the school was sending home anything that he did not finish in class. Robin and I decided that since we were already doing the bulk of his class work with him at home, anyway, we could just as easily homeschool him. We also wanted him off of the Stratera because we saw him go from being a happy, energetic child to one that was full of anxiety. He would cry every evening after school, he did not want to eat, his skin was actually turning a greyish color and he was always very clingy. He was also having bad dreams at night.
     To make a long story short, we are THRILLED with our decision! We have our child back. We love the freedom that homeschooling gives us to teach Caleb on his level and learning style, to teach him
subjects that are interesting to him, and to give him ample time to be a kid, also. We love the fact that he does not have to take that horrible medicine any longer and that we can help him learn to deal
with his personallity in a healthy way. I love park days with other homeschool families because he has a chance to meet other homeshooled children and just have fun being a kid.
     We are very eclectic in our approach to homeschooling, but probably most fit into the Charlotte Mason style of learning. I do try to have at least 1-2 hours of structured "table time" with him
every day, mainly to get him used to the idea of disciplined learning and using research skills for writing, math and science. We cuddle and read, watch lots of movies-with discussion, go on nature walks, do kitchen science experiments, play board games etc. The best part is, he is never bored! He knows better than to say so, mom can always find something for him to do.

Until next time, stay cozy,

Charlotte