I feel the need to write, the need to reach out, the need to share. I am single and homeschooling an only child, a 6-year-old (soon to be 7) son in the state of Illinois. We began with public school at home in September which did not work out well for us; the school required that I teach him a minimum of five hours a day at home, along with attendance at a science class for one and a half hours, one day a week, at a downtown Learning Center. Since this was "public school at home," it was mandated by the state that I teach for five hours (too much for my first grader).
We began "authentic" homeschooling on November 13 which is what I wanted to do from the beginning (just didn't know how back in September), and this works out well for my son. He is learning a lot more, although he did have to get used to the idea of not going to a "school." He was used to attending home daycares, public school pre-kindergarten, and a private Christian home learning center for kindergarten.
Right now, I am looking for support in homeschooling, as I am beginning to feel very isolated. Most of the Christian homeschool support groups are out in the "burbs" or in some remote town that's not accessible to me. I use public transportation (buses and trains) which will take me pretty far, but not to some distant land. My son and I have gone on two field trips, and he will also begin a sports class in January. Additionally, my little musician will resume a percussion ensemble class at a music conservatory.
Me? I think I just need to get out there and meet other homeschoolers. I have thought about starting a Christian homeschooling support group for single parents. Somehow I think the single parent emphasis might be too limiting and perhaps it should be a Christian homeschooling group open to all. Believe me, there are not that many (virtually none) single or two parent family homeschoolers in my area. Meanwhile, I have found a secular homeschooling group that meets on the first Friday of every month; my son and I will attend the first meeting in January 2007, God willing.
Please pray that the Lord will direct me in founding the support group.
Bye for now.
Ms. Phyllis