We are a homeschooling family. We started when child #1 was in preschool and thought we’d give the kids a strong foundation in reading, writing, and math before sending them off to public school around third grade.
Child #1 is technically now in 7th grade, but in some subjects has advanced on to 9th grade. We are still homeschooling.
Homeschooling quickly became a lifestyle. School is no longer confined to the hours of 8-3 with homework piled up on top. Learning can be spontaneous. Book learning can be set aside to allow time to visit with grandparents and develop other important relationships.
We enjoy having the freedom to pursue what interests us, whether it is in the curriculum or not. I enjoy having control over the curriculum, choosing the programs that fit best with my children and their learning styles. We can slow down and speed up depending on the comprehension and mastery level they are achieving.
If you are not exposed to homeschooling, you are probably wondering about the socialization? Well, as I type this, I’m waiting for my daughter at her math club where the kids, who have just finished for the season, are learning to play cribbage.
This morning, we went to a fitness class (for all ages) and then a conversational Spanish class. Later in the week we’ll be at our science co-op classes where the moms take turns going over the experiments. Toss in First Lego League club, AWANA clubs, youth group, an all-day, once a week, public-school enrichment program, Sunday School, and sleepovers, and I think you can see socialization is not a problem. I forgot to mention park days, the once-a-month field trip… I could go on, but now I’m tired!
So, yeah. H is for Homeschooling. The schooling doesn’t always happen at home, but home is our base. Maybe I should call it Alternative Schooling. Some are calling it Hackschooling. No matter what we call it, so far so good, and it is working for us.
Stopping by from the hammock!
I teach quite a few homeschooled students, and for the most part, they are highly intelligent and advanced in their knowledge and skills. Sounds like a great learning environment! I sure wish schools could be more like that as well.
Carrie, it’s usually a great learning environment…don’t want to sound like we don’t have to deal with discipline/motivation issues on occasion!
It will be interesting to see how well schools do with the new “flipped” school models that some are trying. That’s where students learn the lessons at home and then do the homework at school. Here’s an article if you are interested: http://www.thedailyriff.com/articles/how-the-flipped-classroom-is-radically-transforming-learning-536.php
I’m happy to hear it’s working. Learning to be decent people and developing the skills they need to achieve their full potential is what it’s all about.
Some days, I wish I was able to homeschool my grandson.
Best of luck with the challenge!
You are exactly right – homeschooling is a way of life. It’s so much more than sitting at a desk listening to a lesson. You can incorporate learning into everything you do during the day. That’s what makes it so special. That’s why I love it so much! I homeschool my young son as well and it has been an experience I feel so blessed to have had. Great post!