Homeschooling adventures

Aug. 6, 2007

Here I am...

My first post in a blogger... wow!

I have given much thought to start one for a very long time. But I always wondered what I would write about. Would it be too boring for people to read? Well, I was reading the Homeschool Minute newsletter today, I said to myself "well, what the heck. Let me give this try". Now that I'm not just homeschooling a soon to be teen, but also teaching Spanish to young children, I figured I do have things to write about now. Now, all we need is time, eh?

Anyway, let me tell you all a bit about myself. My name is Islem and I live in NYC, with darling husband and our son Randy, who will soon be 13 going on 30 (Seriously! That's the way he behaves sometimes!)! I have been homeschooling officially since December of 2004. I started homeschooling "unofficially" while ds was still in public school, in second grade. We did tons and tons of extra-curricular things so that he would catch up. God had put in my heart that the best thing was to keep my son at home and homeschool him. We prayed about it. DH was a little nervous, but he was supportive all the way. The Lord, finally confirmed that we should homeschool and we quickly acted upon and, three months after he began 5th in PS, we kept him at home.

As it is common with most homeschooling parents out there, the beginning was difficult. My ds was very used to the ps setting and being timed for every little thing, heavy testing, no talking, etc. His mindset was that when he is at home all day is because he is on vacation. We worked and pray a lot for that resistance to change. It's a lot better now.

My side of the family isn't too supportive of our homeschooling efforts, which is sad, while my husband's family is very supportive. The Lord has been good to us! He put many friends and brothers and sisters in Christ that are also homeschooling parents of many children. They encourage us all the time. And now there are so many resources that serve as encouragement. We're not alone!

Homeschooling have been a huge blessing in our lives. My son is finally tasting what real life is like. The things he never noticed before because in school all day are the things that he enjoys and he is some grateful for. We are training him to be a godly man, a servant of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and homeschooling has made it so much easier.

I also mentioned earlier that I'm now teaching Spanish. This has been one of the coolest things I have done. I have a group of six children from our neighborhood. All of these parents are planning to or already are homeschooling their children. They are ages 2.5 to 8. It's been such a joy! They actually love coming to the classes! I can't believe it. I owe it all to my God for giving me the grace to do this.

I'm hoping to make some friends here soon... so if you're reading, please take a minute and say hello! I'd love to hear from you!

God bless!

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About Me

Finally a place I could write out our adventures of homeschooling a tween and teaching Spanish to a small group of homeschooled children, ages 2.5 through 8. All in the midst of serving our Lord and Savior in the worship ministry in two churches.