I'm back! - It's December already!

I'm back!

Dec. 2, 2008 - It's December already!

Well, it's already December, and I feel like I have not made much progress at all yet this year, but from everything I have been reading about homeschooling lately, it is going to take at least a year to "unschool" the kids. Frankly, it will probably take that long to "unschool" myself! I was raised by the old public school system. Though not as rediculous in it's methods as they are today, it definitely had it's illogical moments that used to drive my mom crazy when she tried to help me with my homework. As most of you know, this is my second attempt at homeschooling. I am hoping to make it work this time by trying to be more open-minded about curriculum and teaching techniques. Of course, this time I am also working full-time, but since it is for the family business, I am able to bring the kids to work with me a lot, and my daughter has even participated in one of our displays at a local Business Expo. She hasd a blast.

We recently joined a couple of local homeschooling groups, and hope to meet other homeschooling families in our area soon. Nolan is going to be in a spelling bee next month, and hopefully Nina will be auditioning for a part in a play arranged by one of the homeschooling groups. She has always loved being on stage. She used to take ballet & tap lessons, and has been in productions with those dance schools, as well as in church and private school. She even won a talent contest in public school a couple of years ago.

Well, let's see how long it takes for us to get motivated this week, after an entire week off from schooling last week.

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Comments

Dec. 2, 2008 - <em>Untitled Comment</em>

Posted by 2boysmom

Well, welcome back to the greatest, hardest, most rewarding task you'll ever attempt! As far as the ps mentality - I'm in my 11th year of homeschooling (my oldest is in 10th) and I still fight the urge to "do school". It's a hard habit to break; especially if you are naturally a structured person. I am trying to give my 15 yr old some freedom in scheduling this year. I've given him a list of expectations in each subject, with a basic timeline of when to be done, and am trying to allow him the freedom to work at his own leisure. I still ask him during the day if he's done such and such, but I'm not dictating to him when he has to work on it. It's a challenge.
As far as working, you were probably having to help them with their 2-3 hours of homework that the ps teachers love to send home, so hopefully that won't be too hard on you. The main thing is that your kids are safe and in a good environment. Nothing can beat that! Good luck in everything. I would encourage you to make this a lifestyle choice, not a yearly option. That way you're not tempted to send them back, when the going gets tough. And we all have those tough days when the yellow bus looks tempting - but it's not worth risking our kids.

Edited by 2boysmom on Dec. 2, 2008 at 6:51 AM

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About Me

I'm back for a second attempt at homeschooling my kids, since all of the schools here in Arkansas (public & private) are totally clueless on how to teach! I'm certainly not an expert, but at least I can protect my kids from bullies (both students & teachers), and try to offer them a safer and calmer environment in which they can learn. The only problem is that I now have the further challenge of my working fulltime now, and since I am the main bringer of the bacon now, I cannot quit. It is hard to get my hubby motivated to get involved in this endeavor, but I think that my 10 & 12 year-old are old enough to take responsibility for themselves, but first I have to "un-school" them, and teach them how to think for themselves. That alone may take a entire year, but I see this as an opportunity for them to develop into free-thinking, well-educated individuals. I just hope they still do well on the annual tests required by the state.