Jun. 12, 2006
Homeschooling expectations

My expectations for homeschooling weren't much to begin with. I actually considered the first year a test to see if I was capable of educating my child. Now, looking back, I find it so strange that I ever thought a public school teacher could teach my child better than I could. Did they know my child better than I did? Did they care about my child more than I did? Did they have more individual time and attention to give to my child than I did?

Yet, at first, I didn’t consider any of those questions. Instead my question was: Will I be able to teach her everything they say she needs to know?

I didn’t always plan to homeschool, however, I feel that God began to work on my heart long before I began to think seriously about homeschooling. By the time my daughter was school age, the only thing I was sure about was that I didn’t want to send her away from me all day.

Four years later, I have learned so much more about homeschooling, although our experiences really haven’t changed that much. We still read together, study nature together and the rest of the stuff just changes as the children are capable of doing more.

Homeschooling has more than met my expectations, but not how I expected. When we first began I imagined the learning would take place in a specific place at a specific time with the right materials. Now I see that it is so much more than just educating my child. It is about building relationships, spending time with my kids every day, all day and doing fun things together. I can’t see ever wanting to change this way of life for our family.

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Comments

Jun. 12, 2006 - so true

Posted by ClagettsFLStyle

So many times people ask me - are you going to keep homeschooling or when I haven't seen people in awhile- oh your still homeschooling? When I'm in a bad mood or just a sassy one - I fight myself from saying - oh yes, and your still sending your kids to be under someone elses authority for longer periods of time then you have them in a day?.. I know I know.. it's so bad.. I don't say it out loud though. ;-)
My thoughts on homeschooling have changed a lot. Each year brings new things, good and bad, but I wouldn't give it up for anything. I mean, come on - how many parents can say that their kids actually LIKE to be around them more then their peers. I LOVE being with my gifts from God.

Wow. Don't know where all that came from. But thanks for putting your thoughts out there.

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Jun. 12, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by writmm

Okay, after careful consideration, I picked a humor winner! Well, I picked four! Come by and let me know your top four book choices. Be sure to email me melissamarkham at takethemat dot com and send me your snail mail address along with your choices!

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Jun. 13, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by tdaiken

Your thoughts touched my heart. We began homsechooling when our oldest daughter reached school age and we continued until our youngest was ready to enter kindergarten. Then, due to various circumstances we put them in public school. It is one of my biggest regrets. We are returning to homeschooling this summer/fall. Our oldest will stay in public school as she will be a senior this fall and she is taking dual enrollment classes - meaning she is getting college credit, as well as high school credit for the classes she is taking and overall, she has done well in public school. I credit a large part of her success there though to her years of homeschooling first.

So, I guess what I am trying to say is that I am so glad you have been able to see the blessings and the wisdom in keeping your children home to educate them, as I wish I had been able to see that more clearly myself. I know God will truly bless you in this.

Hugs,
Donna

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Jun. 13, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by smlltwnmmmy

Oh, thank you for this post! We truly are blessed to have our children at home! A close relative of ours is convinced that we will not stick to homeschooling and that my kids will end up in the public school system. She is supportive of us, always sending us little workbooks and school supplies, but I think deep down she is crossing her fingers and hoping for a conversion! :0) Thanks for these encouraging thoughts!

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Jun. 13, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by eyecorn

And, your children have a happy, peaceful look in their eyes .....obviously, homeschooling and your wonderful lifestyle are a good thing!

You have bubba teeth photos...and you're not sharing? tsk tsk!

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Jun. 13, 2006 - You've crossed over....

Posted by mijubrifarms

and become one of us. That's one of our favorite lines to describe that beautiful point in time when families finally get it. My son refers to this phenomenom as the point in time when we stopped "SchoolHoming" and started "HomeSchooling" (the emphasis being the first word in the phrase). Thanks for the reminder of why we do what we do. May your future years of homeschooling be as blessed as all mine have been.

Julie

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Jun. 13, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by LadyMother

Wonderful discription of learning and a great attitude. Nothing like peace and graditude to aquire that longed for contentment and significance.
Be blessed,
Miss Meg

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