Blogging and Schooling and Life! Oh MY!

May. 15, 2007

Motivation!

What do you answer when people (supportive, not the mean spirited one's) ask why you want to homeschool? I have a few people in my life who I know are behind me but have recently asked me this question. It made me think more about why I want to do it.
I think my biggest reason is that I want to be the person that my kids spend the most time with, not some stranger who I barely know and whose values probably are no where near my own.
But it got me thinking, why do people homeschool? I'm sure we all have different reasons and I'd like to hear other people's :o)
ALSO I'm basically turning into a big hippy! I have just stared my Doula certification and already have my first birth lined up for early November! So now not only am I homeschooling, I'm also going to be a certified Doula. I promise I won't jump on the "free love" train next ;o)

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Comments

May. 16, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by crazybusy

Oh my gosh, April, that question is sooooo..... (searching for the right word) complicated. But a good one! There are SOOOO many reasons why most homeschoolers homeschool. You may think you know why in the beginning and then the more you continue in the journey, you find even more reasons.

For Kenton and I, it boils down to doing what God has asked of us. It's in the bible that we are to teach our children and it lists all sorts of times during the day we are to do that- which leaves no room for sending your child away to school. Plus by sending your child to school, you are giving your God-given responsibility of training up your children to somebody else (and for a huge part of their lives.) For us, that's the most important reason.

Also, I think it can be tricky wording this so that you don't offend others too. Depending on who was asking, I may tell them that (if it's a grandparent) or just that there are too many reasons to list- do they have an hour? (to someone whose children are in public schools)

I am reading an *excellent* book by the Bluedorn's called Teaching the Trivium. I've been meaning to review it on my blog, but I'm not done reading it yet. I got it because I'm really interested in the classical method of homeschooling, but the first few chapters are kind of an apologetic as to why Christians should homeschool. If you can get a copy, I'd highly recommend it. Another one is Homeschooling: The Right Choice by Christopher Klicka (I think that's right), but I prefer the Bluedorn's book.

That is SOOO cool you're becoming a doula! I think when my children are grown, I'd like to work in L&D in the hospital. :)

Love, Alyssa

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May. 20, 2007 - I am so glad for you!

Posted by 5atkins

I had read earlier when you were struggling with your decision. I am glad that you and your dh are able to be united in your desires! I first brought up homeschooling as an option with my husband. Now, he can't imagine it any other way and thanks me at least once a week for keeping them home!

For more on my reasons you can come visit my blog, but the main ones are 1) I feel I can best teach my children about God when they are with me full-time and 2) I don't want to be apart from them and 3)I worked in public school and saw that the bad overwhelms the good 99% of the time.

I used Veritas Press curriculum, but I had not seen Sonlight at that time. I have also been impressed with My Father's World. I have to tell you though that PreK-K is the easiest to do with very little. I had a friend who basically used Wal-Mart books and library books and taught her child K and 1st! Very economical that way!

Praying you really enjoy this new adventure! I am on my third year and I love it!

I am adding you to my friends list!
Blessings, Eva

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May. 31, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

I always say I do it cause I love it and my children have done so well with it that I don't see why to change a good thing. Is that evasive enough? Seriously, when they pry for more, I recommend books like A Different Kind of Teacher, by John Taylor Gatto or Saving Childhood, by Micheal and Diane Medved. I sometimes share a story of how I was homeschooled and saw the benefits of it in my own life.
I tend to keep it short unless I really trust someone's intent with asking. Maybe that's defensive, but like Alyssa I'm careful with those who would feel threatened by an answer that implicates the public school system. I think it's good to think that out..have an answer ready that you feel good about.

Cool about you becoming a hippie-lol. That's great you're doing that--good for you! I had a doula with Josh and I'm absolutely sold on them now. I'll have one with this next one, too. Wanna come doula for me? ;)
Lis

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Jun. 1, 2007 - What to say...

Posted by lovemy4babies

Well, Since I tend to be sarcastic in nature (bad), I usually answer people based on the way they ask. If its sortof a scrunched-up-face "WHY do you want to HOMEschool?" then I say "Aww... I think its mean to make kids go to school. Kids would rather PLAY all day long, wouldn't you?" Hee hee hee! But really... I listen to the Holy Spirit in my life. Every time I have that fleeting thought about how much free time I would have if I sent the kids to school during the day... I get that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach like its NOT the right thing. Even on my WORST day homeschooling - I did a better job than any teacher with 20 other kids to concentrate on could have done. I can stop everything and address an issue of fighting or anger where a teacher in a classroom would just give a warning or take away free time or something. Besides that, my kids love to read and they were being stifled in school. They were forcing books on them that were not wholesome and below their reading level. If you have a high reading comprehension - you can do ANYTHING in this world.
Blessings!!
Chrissy

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About Me

Hey! I'm April, wife to the wonderful Mark and Mommy to 4 little blessings. We are in our second year of homeschooling using Sonlight.