I'll get back to you on that

Sep. 6, 2006

Hoping I made the right decision

Well, we're in the middle of our second week and I'm not sure I've made the right choice to homeschool. I've spent way too much money, put in way too much time and effort, and I don't feel like things are going well at all. DS7 seems to really hate it. DS9 loves it.

I don't know what I'm doing. I keep feeling like I need to be following along with ps. I'm scared they'll be classified as "behind" if I don't. I really want to go my own way with them, but do I have the nerve?

DS9 is much advanced for his age...read at a 5th grade level in 1st grade. DS7, I guess is right where he should be? Sadly, I didn't realize it, but, he doesn't even solidly know 3+2. Is this normal for 2nd grade level? Two different personalities and learning styles. I pray to God for the strength and ability to do this thing right.

I still don't even have our lesson plans laid out solid. I don't have a science curriculum. The history I chose is completely different than what they are learning in ps. That's this weeks main goal- to get my plans squared up and written down. I think I will let them do simple review and reading the rest of this week while I get my ducks in order.

I will tell more about our family next entry....Until next time.

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Comments

Sep. 6, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by midwifemom

I just wanted to encourage you. I have 2 boys that are 8 and almost 11. They have never been in ps, only Christian schools. This is our second year homeschooling. I don't like to use just one curriculum. I have been supplementing with various things. So, we didn't finish last years workbooks. Are we behind? I don't feel that way. The times I have the most trouble with them is when I try to force them into someone else's mold. My auditory learner freaks out if we do too many worksheets, so I try to give him tapes, movies, CD's, and computer stuff to balance him out. Keep things like that in mind when you are choosing what to use.

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Sep. 6, 2006 - You are at the right place

Posted by Anonymous

I have been where you are 4 years ago. I did school at home and now I home school my kids each one to their learning style and interests. You cannot screw them up, I know this is a real fear. You will find the blessings of them growing together after 1 year and then the benefits of your teaching will help them excell. You may have discipline issues as I do still but be strong and get through what you can in your teaching. Also remember that the curriculum is 2nd and learning with you and for God is 1st. Check out peoples blogs and their resources. I learned alot since joining this blog and I am confident about myself finally this year. I am ktneis as I have't logged in yet, sorry. You will be a great teacher as you love your kids and all will be fine.

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Sep. 6, 2006 - Hang in there

Posted by kphillips5

Hi,
Found you at random but I know that God doesn't do random.:)
Hang in there and know that what you are doing is making a mark on your kids and in the light of eternity is a good thing.
My first year was spent in much the same panic and even now 4 years later I still find myself panicing sometimes.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, love your boys and be flexible.

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Sep. 6, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

First year jitters? Insecure? Comparing your school to public school?
I've been there and I know it's hard to stop worrying. Please let me encourage you
to not compare yourself or your children to others. Your children are precious gifts from the Lord, each having their own areas of strengths and weaknesses. And possibly different learning styles. Take a deep breath and be patient. I know you're panicking. I've been there too. I took a step back and just realized I would meet my kids where they were at. If your younger son needs to master his basic addition, then go for it. He obviously did not get it in PS! How did PS do there?
You can teach him more effectively b/c you have him one on one (or two). There are games, flash cards, and other things to help him master the facts. Then you can move on to the next concept. You caught this deficiency and can help him in ways that PS cannot. It's okay to work below "grade level". Would you want him in PS plowing ahead when you know he doesn't have the right foundation to move ahead? They don't slow down in PS to help those that need to relearn. They go with a set time frame and lesson plan. YOU can customize your children's education to fit their own unique needs. It might take a very short while to catch your son up. Isn't it worth a try? Right now you are finding out what your children need/don't need academically. What a blessing to KNOW your children in that way. You'd only know homework in PS. I'm sorry to ramble on. Please give yourself and your children a break and a chance to make this work. As for history, if it makes you feel better, teach the same stuff they are. You can find many second hand PS books at used book stores. Or order one online. But don't compare! God loves you and will equip you for this job if it is His will. Don't be deceived by the Father of LIES! He wants you to despair and give up. But you have the Lord as your strength. If you feel it is truly His will in your heart, don't let the Deceiver steal your joy and convince you that you are not enough. That your children should be tossed into PS. I've been here and I know it is something you can move past with faith in the Lord to help guide you every step of the way.
If you are a Christian, please, get on your knees and ask Him what to do.
Take a break from school until you feel He has spoken and given you direction.
Please, give God a chance to transform this situation.
Michelle

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About Me

A blog about my family's experiences homeschooling.