Friday, September 12, 2008

Home + School = Home School

Many of you have asked about (or expressed shock over) the fact that we are homeschooling at present. I wrote a post about it last night, but it was like two pages long -- you know, just detailing all the likes and dislikes thus far, etc. You know how I like to ramble. Anyway, I couldn't bare to put two pages of home school on my blog. I could only imagine how lengthy it would be in this skinny long format. So, you will not get all the details. If any of you care to know my many thoughts, I will happily email them to you. In the mean time, here is the quick and easy version:

Home school was always for very odd sorts growing up. Still, it seems that some people who do it are strange or just view it in a fanatical way, but up where we were living in WA it was really huge. People seemed quite reasonable about it -- it wasn't a religion. They used it for some of their kids now and then depending on their needs. Plus, I discovered that most of them used this super organized program that sounded very impressive. I had one or two years of school that were seriously awful growing up, and I liked the idea that if I had a kid struggling with a particular year of school down the road I could give them an alternative.

My kids have been in public school for the past two years and, despite the normal frets that most mothers have when sending their little ones into the world, I have been very pleased with their experiences so far. Still, when we found out we would be moving a few months ago, I knew that we might not be settled in a permanent (or semi-permanent) place for awhile and I really hated the thought of possibly moving my kids in and out of two or three schools in one year. I am sure they would have survived as many of your kids have probably had to do that and been fine, but I had been wanting to become familiar with the program anyway, so now seemed like a reasonable time -- particularly while I still had connections with so many people up in WA who had used it and could answer questions, etc. My plan is to put my kids back in school just as soon as we are in a home or at least know where we will be for a steady length of time.

As for how it is going -- It really is a commitment. I have to be far more there, prepared, and involved than I'd even realized. There are things (mostly fun things) that I see they clearly miss out on by not being in school, but it doesn't worry me too much since it is temporary. As for what they are learning, it is pretty amazing. I think they learn more each day than they generally did in a week or more of school just because it is so learning intensive and so one on one. One on two?

Anywho, hope that answers some of your questions -- no, I have not become a home school fanatic. Yes, it is pretty hard and some days I think it is way too crazy. Yes, they will be back in public school again, BUT I am very happy to know so much about how this particular program works now, and I amazed by the curriculum, and a good deal of it is pretty rewarding. I think I will use it down the road with a kid here or there if it seems like something they need. Whew, I tried to be brief, but I hate not really expressing my thoughts fully!

11 comments:

Salty Incisor said...

i didn't know u showed up in a place that was far nearer to my cyber unknowns than I had suspected. Congrats on hschool wow I have always wanted to but am way too chicken!!! also we have a great school nearby but I would if I was in a spot where I didn't.
TTYS

Anonymous said...

Good job Nancy! Keep it up. PS - I just clocked my mile run - 10 weeks with my program. I could actually run the entire time! Wa-hoo! And my heart was beating at a regular speed (127 bpm instead of 175 - I should have died with that first test). Is cutting 20 sec. off a mile good in a ten week period? I don't know - but I was happy about it. Have you been running in good ole Utah? Any Zebra cats?

jami v. said...

i'm proud of you nancy- i think it takes a lot to take on home schooling :) and i'm sure they are learning so much more having one on one time getting to learn it ... :)

i haven't read your blog for a little while and i loved your random thoughts :) and i especially loved penny in her pigtails and the picture of little bambino is AMAZING!! ah ... so cool!! xoxoxoox

Jana said...

First, I want the full version emailed to me - because I like you when you are unleashed more than restrained to a single column skinny little font. Second, I like you. Third, what is the weirdest thing you have had to do with home school thus far. Have you read ahead in the curriculum when you have to buy a real dead frozen animal, thaw it, and disect it with your kids? That might not be until they are a little older but if it is now, might I suggest you wait until Mike comes home....

Just for the record, I don't think you are crazy - for this reason anyway. I think you are an absolute great mom!

Perla said...

i'm so glad you are doing it and i am terrified that i will ever have to do it for my kids but am glad to always know all of my options available to me and especially glad that if i ever need to do it i can ask you about it. if one of my kids ever has a year like i had in 6th grade, i think i will homeschool them that moment

The San Diego Mills said...

Good for you, I say! I agree with you on home schooling your kids, instead of having them go to all those different schools. It seems like you have some great resources to do it with. Also, I meant to comment on your last post and never did. I really like Clinique make-up too, even though it's a bit more pricey than some other brands, such as Cover Girl. It also lasts way longer though. I've had the same Clinique make-up since before I got married. (Which is over 3 years now) I have some of their blush and all it says on the back is 04 pink blush. It's great though and I've liked it. Sorry for the long comment!

jocelyn said...

i didn't realize you were home schooling! that takes a seriously dedicated, great mom. good for you.

Nancy said...

Marzers, heck yah, 20 secs. is big news when you are talking about a mile!! Way to go! - - Although, you are so skinny that it might have just been that a breeze came along and blew you along a bit :)
Really, good job! What if you started to love it and could have been my running pal . . . now that will never be . . . unless you and John decide to move . . . ??

Tia -- Oh you are the best. I haven't had to do anything too weird except that I think every single math lesson is weird because I don't really get why I am explaining all these patterns and related facts just to have them do a sheet of subtraction . . . I do it though . . . who am I to question what someone who wrote a math textbook knows!

Karen said...

I home school one of mine. I would actually love to read the two page, realistic margins version as well.

Liz said...

I'm really impressed with your dedication. I picture you being the perfect little teacher. It's in your blood right? Your dad being a professor and all. I'm glad to hear you are enjoying it despite the work it takes. i would probably learn a few things myself if I decided to homeschool.

Nancy said...

Karen, I had no idea you homeschooled. One of your girls or your little boy? I would email you the whole blabbing page of mine but I don't see an email for you on your blog!! (Of course I don't have one on mine either since it uses my last name and I guess we are all trying to be wary of any weirdos out there). Anywho, if you want, leave me yours, or sometime post about homeschool. I'd be interested to hear more!

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