Sep. 14, 2007 - Hunting for a Homeschool Group.
Last night, I went on my first foray into finding a homeschool group that we might fit into IF we decide to continue on this homeschooling path. A friend, interested in homeschooling also, invited me to a group that a friend of her's belongs to.
I do not think we are a fit for that group.
The meeting started at 6:45 pm and would go until at least 9:00 pm. That meant I needed to take my youngest, 10 1/2 month old Little Rabbit, with me because she still nurses at bedtime. . . and Chad had to take the two boys to a soccer practice during that time. I gave my friend's friend a heads'up before I brought Little Rabbit, and there was NO objections from her.
But once I arrived at the meeting, the lady in charge seemed to be a little perturbed by it. She didn't receive me with warmth at all. She hardly smiled. I noticed there were older homeschooling moms there, some teenagers, and no younger moms. (By no means am I "young" - I'm 34, but there didn't seem to be any mothers that were still having babies and rearing preschoolers.) Of course, I'm sure the whole, "I locked myself out of my van just before I came here," debacle didn't give her a favourable view of me. . . along with the fact I had baby in tow.
At the beginning of the meeting, she even told the teenagers that they needed to sit away from one another with their parents. Then she said, from now on, there will be no children at the meetings. At that, I felt uncomfortable. I ended up getting up and going outside with Little Rabbit so she wouldn't be disruptive. I understand why she wouldn't want kids there.
Chad came and picked Little Rabbit up and gave me some spare keys, and I was able to return to the meeting without her. I tried to be inconspicuous when I went back in and sat down. The lady in charge started going over some "break-out" classes they were going to start, but it seemed they were all geared towards older kids. She said she was a big "unit study" person, and she was building the classes available around that sort of method. One class was a science class - and I thought, "Oh goody! My kids love science!" - but then she quelled my enthusiasm when she said,
"We'll try an experiment using the microscope. I'll bring one in. And we'll obtain sample water from the toilets, rivers, sink, etc. and have the children hypothe- hypothe-, oh whatever. . . we'll have them GUESS which sample will be the dirtiest. But that'll only be for students in the second grade and older. Besides the younger ones don't even know hypothesis, and you don't want them playing with the microscope.
I TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH HER. Even if she is a 14 year veteran of homeschooling.
(I think my children would totally get it and have the best time with such an activity. Our children's curiousity would see them there. We've been amazed at what they can learn. . . And a microscope? A real one? They would love that, and that would spur them to know more.)
And then the lady in charge says she'd like to do an art class. ART! Yes, I love art, and I think children are naturals at artwork because they don't have all those pretenses about what is "perfect art" and so forth. The lady in charge was even an art major in college! So that was great. But then, she quelled that enthusiasm when another visitor asked if that group would be open to younger children. . . The reply, "I don't know. I haven't thought that far in advance."
So that means to me, probably not.
I don't want to criticize them because all it is - is that I haven't found where we belong yet. I'm hoping to check into a Classical group soon. I wrote the director of that, and it looks a little more promising as it is open to Pre-K 4 students.
Comments
Sep. 30, 2007 - To encourage you
Posted by lizzyfay
You poor lady, I truly feel for you and your feeling of alienation. I just wanted to encourage you to keep searching for some like-minded folks because they are out there. Ask the Lord to bring you together. I just wish you you here as we're part of a very friendly and welcoming Christian group, but I'm afraid Australia would be a little too far for you to travel.:0 Be encouraged to continue in your journey. Your friend sounds encouraging so her friendship may be all you and your little ones need right now. Isn't it wonderful to know that the Lord knows exactly what we need.
Nov. 19, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Suzanne
I'm saddened to read of your experience with this homeschool group. I hope the meeting with the "classical" group went better.
Nov. 20, 2007 - Wow...
Posted by smokeybutter
sounds like you stumbled onto the wrong group. Hang in there though. You will find the right group soon enough. I've been at this for 6 years, some years with a group and some without. There are good points and bad points about being a part of a group and not being involved with one, but it can be done without a group if you don't happen to find one right away. Best of luck to you in your endeavor.
Blessings,
Missy
Nov. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Mommaofmany
I'm so sorry for your experience! Sometimes moms of teens have forgotten that joy and wonder. I'm 35, myself, and also do not really "fit in" with the teens moms. I do not use any support groups, though...I just see the moms sometimes on Park Day and at our Homeschool Fair.
Do let your dear little children explore with everything they find! My two year old uses our microscope RESPECTFULLY! I think you should explore the Charlotte Mason branch of learning. I'll include some links.
Be encouraged here at HSB and around the Internet. There are SO many great sites! Here are a few I really like:
http://guiltfreehomeschooling.org/blog/index.html (read your heart out here...it's the best! Look especially for the "First Time Homeschooler section on the right sidebar))
http://www.amblesideonline.org/New.shtml (this is our curriculum. I think it's the best thing out there!)
http://www.oldfashionededucation.com/ (another free Charlotte Mason curriculum)
http://www.fiarhq.com/ (Five In a Row is wonderful for young children like yours. We "row" a book once in a while for fun!)
www.simplycharlottemason.com (lots worth reading here!)
http://www.101reasons.org/ (remember why you are doing this)
I guess that's enough of the links already! Please stop by and say hello when you've a minute!
Mommaofmany
