It is the end of April and I am starting to think about my homeschool journey this year. Yes, we do still have a month left. However, we have covered a lot this last year.
I have known for probably the last 6 or more years that I planned to homeschool. I decided that after my own educational experience. My parents had me attend public school, a fundamental school, a Christian school, and homeschool. This allowed me to experience several different theories on education. I then started working at a public school as a teacher's assistant and going to college to gain an education degree. Both of those experiences, just increased my desire to homeschool.
I worked as a teacher for several years while Lily was little and I loved it. However, I knew more than ever that I wanted more time with my kids.
I also found that as I prepared for this, God opened doors for me to meet some other amazing homeschool moms. I love that my friend Kelly is starting homeschooling this year because her daughter Boston is just 6 months younger than Lily and we will be able to do many activities together.
I also learned of an amazing co-op that was only 5 miles from my house. Faith co-op has been such an encouragement for me as I started on this journey. Besides making great friends, I have been able to learn about different curriculum and what other moms have experienced in homeschooling. Also this is a great social activity for my girls. Co-op allows the girls one day a week to be in a classroom. They do all sorts of group activities. Lily's class consisted of one hour of physical education, one hour of science, one hour of art, and one hour of drama/music. She loves it and all of her friends. Her class has seven students in it which also makes for a nice group of friends. Lily also loves any chance she gets to be with the older girls. I really love her having positive influences in her life. I also love that the girls get to go on a field trip every month and they have a Christmas and Spring program. They also have year books. It is a great asset to our homeschooling.
I also joined MOPS which gives me a break and time to spend with other fun moms. Lily and Valerie love their Moppet classes. They use a curriculum there called Bozz the Bear and it is a Christian curriculum.
Since this is getting long, I will probably take a break and continue with more of this later. Before I take a break, I want to share the top 10 reasons that one of my friends homeschools because I love how she wrote this.
Although not everyone is able to homeschool, here are 10 reasons why we do:
1. We feel obedient to the Lord for our family.
2. Education is not limited to a classroom...the community/world becomes a living classroom.
3. Education is not limited to a grade level...the children can advance according to their readiness.
4. Based on research, the smaller the ratio of students/teacher the better the results...especially when the child is greatly loved by the teacher.
5. More time to enjoy our children.
6. More time to influence and train our children.
7. They socialize with all age groups not just their own, including witnessing in a variety of venues.
8. We are in control of our schedule...travel, sleep, field trips, grandparent time ect.
9. The children learn the importance of family and long term relationships.
10. We are in tune with the children and can keep their hearts more effectively.
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