Written by contributor Sarah Small of SmallWorld at Home
A note from Jamie: Now that we’re in the swing of another academic year, it’s helpful to remember the reasons why we’ve chosen this homeschooling lifestyle. Sarah sums it up so beautifully in this post, which originally published on August 12, 2011. Enjoy!
Where I live, the public schools begin in early August. Summer still—the hottest month of the year—and kids are sitting in slick chairs, pencils sharpened, new shoes still a little tight. I imagine a little boy just my son’s age watching a fat bee hover outside the window. He can’t hear it buzzing, of course, because the air conditioner drones at high speed, drowning out the sounds of bees and the smell of sunshine and dry grass.
We started homeschooling 12 years ago because…
• We thought it was silly that our then-first-grader spent time each week in public school devoted to filling in bubbles on a test page. He and his classmates were practicing for the standardized tests they would have to take in second grade.
• We didn’t like being warned that we were not to go away on vacation—that doing so would be an unexcused absence. But, we asked, what about all the learning that comes with traveling? They’ll miss too much at school, we were told.
• Our six-year-old would come home from a long day of school and have to do homework. He would sit at the table, folder of worksheets in front of him, looking stressed out.
• Our state ranks near the bottom of the barrel, year after year, in education. Even the “best” schools, when held in comparison to other states, are only mediocre. And we do not strive for mediocrity.
We started homeschooling for a bunch of reasons, and the list has grown year after year.
But sometimes it is just one reason that stands out above all the others. Forget academics, test scores, long days, busy work, and tedium. What we give them now is this: an August day. A river to wade in. The feel of dry grass beneath our feet, and a sliver of silver moon at night.
Sometimes that whole stack of “reasons why” comes down to a knowing feeling—a conviction that this is the way life should be.
That’s how I like to start each new year of homeschooling: knowing that for every tangible reason why, there is an intangible one as well. For every study that points to higher ACT scores among homeschoolers, there is my own memory of my three little ones playing in the sandbox while I read The Witch of Blackbird Pond to them. For every argument that homeschoolers become more responsible adults, there is an afternoon spent hiking in the glorious autumn sunshine.
As I prepare to begin my 12th year, I hold on to the conviction that we are made to hear the bees buzzing and smell the late-blooming flowers. And sometimes that’s reason enough to homeschool.
What intangible moments have made you grateful to be homeschooling? What reason do you give most often when asked why you homeschool?
yes. yes. yes. this is on the very same wave length of my post tomorrow!
thanks you!
lisa @thebeadgirl’s latest post: Tips from the road – traveling with kids
I love this! My kids would tricycle as I read the Little House books to them last year. They absorbed every word! We are definitely made to enjoy the out-of-doors. When the weather’s nice, we do EVERYTHING outside.
Thank you! What a beautiful post 🙂
Love this post!
We tried public school twice. Once for Kindergarten for half the year, where the teacher was never there, the subs were never consistent, the children seemed to not learn anything, lesson plans were not followed. The school also had counselors we had never met, nor were we made aware of them, that came into the classes weekly to speak to the students. We found out this counselor even asked questions like “are your parents mean to you?” In what world does a person ask a 5 year old a question like that? If you tell a 5 year old they cannot play outside for another 5 minutes you are the meanest person alive. *sigh*
We tried it again, against my will, for 1 month in 1st grade, stuck with a teacher that was known for not being parent-friendly. She wouldn’t answer simple questions. She couldn’t give me an idea of what the students had been working on so prepare our child for her class. She looked down upon homeschoolers and said many times that she was sure he would be behind.
We saw children bullying and nothing being done about it. We saw our child getting up at 8 in the morning, eating breakfast, getting dressed, going to school, getting home at 4pm with a pile of homework. I tried to help him as I cooked dinner, we ate dinner, he had a half hour to play, then off to the shower and bed. I missed our son. I felt like I never saw him.
Public school is most certainly not for our family.
Sounds like homeschooling is the perfect fit for your family! So sorry you had to have so many struggles to find out.
Sarah at SmallWorld’s latest post: Reason Enough to Homeschool
I stand at my kitchen window, washing the breakfast dishes, enjoying the squeals coming from the 2 year old as his older sister and brother chase him around the house. I smile, as that sounds smoothly transitions into a shriek of “MINE!” and the tug-of-war begins with older siblings attempting, in halting steps, the art of compromise.
I smile, not because the ear piercing sound is soothing, nor because I enjoy listening to the daily squabble that multiple children bring into the home. I smile thinking – as I watch the school bus rumble past my window, belching it’s noxious way down the street – that I’ve got the better end of the deal.
Beautifully said, as is this post.
Well said!! I agree with this comment as well as the post!! It makes me sad to hear parents who can’t wait to ship their kids off to school and then to a bazillion activities… I love being with my kids everyday and wouldn’t change it for a minute!!
Amen!
Jenny’s latest post: Wordless Wednesday: From Abby
This is awesome! I admit, I love having my kids home! I wish that I was more…relaxed though. I really admire those that have a better balance then I do. Thanks for the post!
You know, I get more and more relaxed every year. By the time I finish (8 more years), I may be a bona fide unschooler. 😉
Sarah at SmallWorld’s latest post: Reason Enough to Homeschool
Glad to know it gets better!
Yes! All of this! That knowing feeling — I had to ignore that feeling when sending my oldest to public school for two years, and was so happy when we got to bring him home beginning in second grade. Sometimes it is hard to explain to others about that feeling, but it is so obvious to me now. Sometimes people ask if I will send my second child to public school for kindergarten, but why in the world would I do that? And miss all the amazing moments we get to have together? All the fun things we get to do that just so happen to include learning? Thanks for putting this all in words.
Jennifer’s latest post: Vacation and Reentry
Great post. I have an intuitive personality type. Often I will feel something is true, then find the research that backs me up (and yes, occasionally I have to change my ideas when the research does not back me up). Homeschooling is one of those areas where I ‘felt it’ first, and the research is overwhelmingly in agreement.
When people ask ‘why?’ I cite the personalised education to match my children’s strengths and interests.
Your answers sounds like something I would say. I’ve never known anyone who’s been homeschooled but like so many other things in motherhood, it’s like a little voice whispered it to me and I can’t shake it. I trust it and it just feels right. Glad to know there are others out there who listen to their intuition =)
Carla’s latest post: How To Compliment Little Girls
Yes! I initially homeschooled for academic reasons. But now we homeschool because it is better for us as a family – we are all happier!
Good post! When asked why we homeschool my reply can often be long-winded, though it really is simple.
My husband and I decided a long time ago (when we were engaged) that homeschooling was our path. We want the best for our children (doesn’t everyone?). We live in a place where we simply believe that we can do it better than our public schools. We tried public school for a year, due to our family situation at the time, and it just didn’t work out. The one child thrived but would come home completely exhausted and worn out (that was only Kindergarten!). She now hates the idea of public school, “because the days are soooo long!”. The the child just works better at home without 18 other children to distract her.
For now, they (all four) attend a Montessori center 3 days a week for 3 hours a day. We have found a great way to merge what we do at home with the work of the center, and feel it’s the best of both worlds. The kids all LOVE the shorter days and ease of homeschooling; as well as the freedom to choose, the “cool science experiments”, and the beautiful friendships formed with other homeschoolers at Montessori.
So when I see them inspired by positive peer influence to make a timeline of the history of the world, I know it’s all “working”. When I see them cuddled up in a blanket at home with a yummy snack reading their history lesson, I know it’s all working. We homeschool because it’s the best thing for us right now.
That does sound like the best of both worlds!
Sarah at SmallWorld’s latest post: Reason Enough to Homeschool
This brought tears to my eyes! You know, I can try to explain my reasons for homeschooling to my most severe critics (my MIL 😉 until I’m blue in the face but really it all comes back to a feeling that these intangibles ARE important. Some people may just never “GET IT”
Becky @ Sowing Little Seeds’s latest post: A Charlotte Mason Education
So true! It makes me sad sometimes what others are missing out on!
Sarah at SmallWorld’s latest post: Reason Enough to Homeschool
This is a beautiful post. Although we aren’t “officially” homeschooling yet, my daughter is able to go to pre-school. I decided that I would rather have her at home with me to enjoy life and get outdoors instead of trying to prepare her for a school system that I am not comfortable sending her to. For now we try to read as much as possible and get outside to enjoy all that sunshine!
Heather’s latest post: My week in pictures
Not having to wait for the school bus when it’s minus 5 degrees out is my “reason enough” 🙂
dweej @ HouseUnseen’s latest post: 7 Quick Takes Friday: week in photos
For sure!
Sarah at SmallWorld’s latest post: Reason Enough to Homeschool
I don’t have kids but I think if I did, I would homeschool– for all these reasons. Kudos to you for hanging with it for 12 years- impressive!
Perfectly put, it really does come down to a feeling of being ‘right’. I have spent so many glorious days, in the sunshine with other home schoolers, thinking just how lucky we are to be doing this. A wonderful post.
Emmalina’s latest post: Oh So Tired
So wonderfully said. As I have read posts on facebook all week of mothers celebrating their children’s return to school, relishing in the fact that they have their free time back, and even throwing morning “momosa” parties I am reminded that I didn’t have kids just to be excited to get rid of them. I had kids to love on them each and every day!
Momosa parties–wow! I haven’t heard of that one!
Sarah at SmallWorld’s latest post: Reason Enough to Homeschool
This actually brought tears to my eyes. These moments I spend educating my children through actually trying some of the challenges we’ve read about such as building a lean-to from the book My Side of the Mountain, are not only teaching them but building positive memories. Unfortunately schools have not caught on to what it takes to get a child excited about learning.
Vanessa’s latest post: My Happy Little Place
I would say the first and foremost reason we homeschool is because we believe that God has called us to do it. Secondly, would be all the freedom that homeschooling affords. We are able to choose what to study, when to do it, when not to do it, how to do it, and etc. We can make up our own schedule and go on vacation when want. We can have an hour lunch break or an hour recess break. Just lots of freedom that there would not be when tied down to a governmental system.
My kids are 3, 2 and almost 1 and those are all the reasons we are going to homeschool. The simplicity of it all!
Melissa’s latest post: Displaying Kids Artwork
Love.Love.Love!!!!!
Thank you for writing and sharing this!
It is such a comfort to me to hear families who’ve been doing this longer than we have still say they are confident they’ve made the right choice to home educate!
Nikki’s latest post: Highlights from the Boy’s Birthday
Excellent post, thank you!
This is our 9th year homeschooling and I find that the longer we travel this road, the less important some of the first reasons we chose to homeschool have become.
Some of the most important factors have become things like time- time for my daughter to sit for hours at the keyboard practicing a song, time to read countless books (and not have to suffer through writing a “book report” for each one), time for all 3 of them to try all sorts of different artistic mediums and discover which they enjoy working with most. Opportunities to be out in the community, meeting new people, serving others, making friends who aren’t the exact same age as them. Exploring nature or a new city, and any other opportunity that presents itself as a good learning experience, or maybe just plain fun!
Simply learning to live well and love others in this world of ours is the best sort of education for us, I think.
Blessings,
Catherine 🙂
Catherine’s latest post: Beauty in Differences
“Simply learning to live well and love others in this world of ours is the best sort of education for us”–so true! Well said!
Sarah at SmallWorld’s latest post: Reason Enough to Homeschool
Yes! Thanks for this. It gave me a good pick me up (which I was needing). I agree wholeheartedly!
Stacy’s latest post: Homemade Moisturizing Body Scrub
Nailed it! Love the post.
Perfect reasons to homeschool. We have the same ones. =)
I like this post! Shared on Facebook!
Tracy @ Hall of Fame Moms’s latest post: HLN’s Howard Clark recommends ZenniOptical for affordable eye glasses.
What a beautiful point! It often comes down to those feelings for us, those lovely moments, and I know we’re on the right path for us.
Love this! yes, yes and yes!
Leslie’s latest post: Making Giant Bubbles
I smile a little smile every morning as I hear the bus go by while I read and my children are all still sound asleep. Some days, that’s my reason enough : )
Paula @Motherhood Outloud’s latest post: An Uncomplicated Life: Cleaning
Absolutely!
Sarah at SmallWorld’s latest post: Reason Enough to Homeschool
Lovely post. 🙂 Couldn’t have phrased it better.
Crafty Mama’s latest post: Homeschooling Soon
Last October, we went to the farm for corn mazes and pumpkins and all the glory that fall should be. On the way back, we drove through a canyon in the upper corner of Arizona and saw the Virgin river. We stopped to hike around and since this is Arizona in October, it was hot. We literally sat in the river, surrounded by unbelievably beautiful rocks and desert foliage, and I just *knew* that this day was exactly why we homeschool. I don’t even care about the tangible reasons very much anymore…my life is just so beautiful and full. That’s enough.
Sounds wonderful!
Sarah at SmallWorld’s latest post: Reason Enough to Homeschool
Amen!! No one could have said this more perfectly! Sharing this with everyone!!!
Michelle’s latest post: Homeschool Mother’s Journal #11: Meeting Challenges
*exhale* THANK YOU!
I always cherish August when everyone goes indoors and we can stay out! Although I love the whole school year for that! I think that is one of my “top of the list” reasons to homeschool, going so many places with no crowds during the “school year”! 😉
Things like: Unrushed, stress free mornings. Being able to read the Bible a lot together. Better control over my kid’s influences and association. I like my kids too much to send them off for several hours a day. I would miss them too much. And they wouldn’t like it either. (Mine were in public school for a few months. Hated it.)
Carrie’s latest post: Clothespin Mom Hacks
Perfectly said! Homeschooling was always what I wanted to do (even 20 years befor I had kids) and the more we get into it, the more reasons I discover! God said to; kids get a better education; we don’t follow someone else’s arbitrary schedule; he learns about God on a regular basis; there’s no “homework”; we’re done in 2 hours; we’re learning all day long (more than academics); wordly indoctrination is minimized; we don’t fight about getting up and getting ready in the morning. Shall I go on?
Kelly’s latest post: Operation Christmas Child-Gearing Up
THANK YOU! One of our pediatricians, while supporting homeschool in general and homeschooling for academic reasons, is suggesting public school because my son with asperger’s needs more time interacting with his peers than the twice a month co-op and a couple playdates with friends is providing. I am scrambling to find more things for him to do where he would “fit in” and it isn’t easy. There is NO WAY we can find, or would want to do, enough things to fill eight hours each day like public school does. I want to help him, but I’m struggling with knowing the best thing for him. Not just what I want the best thing to be.
Zekesmom10’s latest post: Go Daddy, Go!
My response to your writing is a resounding “YES”!! Living is learning!
I also love this post! Especially the visual you gave about sitting in a room where the a/c drones out the buzzing bee outside the window. Wow! That’s it! As we sit in our homeschool room, we have two windows looking out into our yard. Many birds frequent the tree by our window and my son has the freedom to admire them and ask questions, etc without being labeled a “daydreamer” if he were in some classroom. I don’t know, I think I want my kids to be daydreamers…to explore and desire new things. I love that we can interrupt our studies to check out the birds, etc..or better yet, run outside and witness first-hand the sounds and smells of the world around us. We did this just today. We grabbed our bug catcher and headed to the garden. There were squeals of delight as we chased a butterfly and caught a giant grasshopper! We talked about the weather conditions and how they affect bug activity. My children are just soaking it all up and I’m right there with them, storing memory after memory. I love homeschooling!!!!
How lovely to be able to have a childhood in which daydreaming is encouraged!
Sarah at SmallWorld’s latest post: Reason Enough to Homeschool
Thank YOU. My hubby and I recently decided to homeschool our boys. Our oldest is two so I feel fortunate to have time to prepare for such a responsibility. I look forward to sharing some of my experiences.
Great post. I can never give all my reasons for homeschooling because there are so many. Still, many people don’t understand it. I love the closeness I have with my kids, and that they have with each other. I love that they can get the sleep they need. I love that I control the educational agenda. I love it that they are not tied to learning what “the state” wants them to learn, and no more.
Margaret’s latest post: The 31 days blog challenge
My children go to an excellent public school, with loving teachers who help share the raising of my sons into excellent boys and men. The idea that me as a mother could provide my children with all the experiences and knowledge that they need seems rather narcisstic. The idea that I would miss them too much if they went to school is a selfish comment about me and my needs not the needs of my children. I enjoy the relationship of mother to my children, supporter and guide but there will be a time when I am not with them and they will need to learn to navigate the world which can be especially harsh and unforgiving but also filled with good and supportive people. As they go to school they learn for themselves who can help them, who can hurt them, how to ask for guidance, get along with many different people and yes be exposed to a world beyond the one at home. But that is the world they will live in and I would rather they practice in it now with me to help rather than be thrown into it on thier own unknowing how to be happy in the world.
You are obviously against homeschooling, so why are you on a homeschooling site? … That aside, I don’t understand how it would be “narcissistic” to feel that a mother could provide all the experience and knowledge their child needs. Teachers are just people, like mothers. They don’t have some great connection to the world of knowledge that others aren’t privy to. They are human and limited as such just like everyone else. If they don’t know something, they look it up and help the child do the same. I am not saying there aren’t wonderful teachers out there and I am glad that you are happy with your children’s school. I myself am a teacher by trade and I know that I don’t “know it all” but I try to help my students learn how to find out information on their own. Any human can do this, even a mother, and really who better to do it than someone who has everything vested in that child? I would love to see more parents rise to this role, whether the child is homeschooled or in public school.
I’ll add my voice to the chorus of applause!
For me, it’s seeing two or more of my kids snuggled up on the armchair together at an hour when they “should” be in school. Knowing that they’re becoming best friends is just as important as every detail of the well-rounded education I hope I’m providing.
Hannah’s latest post: Apps that Make Us Smarter
We’re thinking of starting homeschooling with our daughter for the exact same reasons!
Lorarian89’s latest post: לימודי שיאצו
Makes me want to go blow bubbles with my kids!
I just blogged about testing…to test or not test…(we did, modifyngly for a few reasons explained in the post) but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that it is MY choice and no one else’s! I love that I know my children and that I am not listening to some teacher’s opinion of them (no matter how nice she is!).
Hooray for August and taking play dates whenever the mood strikes!!! We are technically schooling right now and planning on taking a big fall break…right when all those other public school kids are staring longingly out the window on that gorgeous 70 degree fall day wishing they could jump in the leaves too!
Amy @ simply necessary’s latest post: To Test or Not to Test…Should I Test My Homeschooler?
Yes, we are schooling too! It’s HOT here in Georgia, and I am getting 5 full weeks of school lessons under our belts so we can be outside every minute of the day when the weather starts to cool…which is not to say we won’t be learning or schooling then, of course….you all know how that goes.
Around here school doesn’t start till after Labor Day, but I have been doing little lessons with my girls (pre-k) throughout the summer and yesterday we did our lessons on the beach! The girls listened intently as I explained why the tide goes in and out. They wrote their names in the sand and practiced counting seashells. I loved it and look forward to the time when I can be home with them full time and all of our school days can be filled with fun and adventure!
I needed this… we’re starting our first year tomorrow. Belly full of butterflies, but with a big smile on my face.
The reason we started? The boys wanted to learn more – simple as that.
Karen’s latest post: How-to videos in Spanish
Your imagery is beautiful, and gets to the heart of why I’m in love with homeschooling. So glad I found it!
Kelly’s latest post: Reading Magic for Homeschoolers: Creating a Reading Nook
So simple yet so profound! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Very heart warming, confirming and encouraging!!! :o)
I love homeschooling so much that I just can’t believe everyone doesn’t want to do it. The main answer I give is time – precious time spent with my kids. They are only in our home for a short time – 18-20 years or so before going out on their own. I am thankful for every moment I’ve had with them.
Karen Woodward’s latest post: Not Back to School – Student Photos
“I love homeschooling so much that I just can’t believe everyone doesn’t want to do it. ” That’s exactly how I’ve always felt! Why would you NOT want to do this?
Oh gosh…I admire all the Mama’s and Dad’s who can and do homeschool! Unfortunately, my husband and I work full-time; therefore, I must think outside the box. For example, I strive not to meet the academic standards set forth by our local public school. Yet, I keep in tune with my daughter’s needs, wants and desires. In addition, I encourage her to explore personal inerests, and remind her (and myself!) that the world does not stop on the last page of a text book!
I applaude all of you who do make homeschooling a possibility for your own family; which in return, allows me not to become a voiceless bystander with the relm of the public school system. We always have choices! Thank you.
Thanks for the inspiration! My oldest is 12- and we have always homeschooled
Those are some pretty powerful reasons. I’ve always wished I was homeschooled. I’m gonna pass this post along to my sister, so maybe my tiny nieces can be luckier. 🙂
carly’s latest post: My Irvine dentist
Well said!
It’s not an easy choice to make. While we won’t start our year for another week–it is the only option that fits our family.
Conversation and creativity are very important to us!
Jessica Nunemaker from little Indiana’s latest post: Vevay, Indiana Swiss Wine Festival: Good to The Last Drop
Of course I’m coming to this really late, through the newsletter but you say it so well Sarah.
Love this post!!! Even the tiny illustration of only seeing the fat Bumble Bee but not hearing it! We are in our second year of home-schooling and while we have had some struggles we wouldn’t change it for the world. (Actually the thought of sending them back to school makes me panic) I am just so thankful for the time we have as a family and seeing the relationships flourish and grow deeper among my children (11, 9, 7, 5 , and 3) I know in my heart of hearts that they wouldn’t have such deep love for each other if they were still at school!
Sharni’s latest post: Paint and Rainbows
I loved that bumblebee word picture as well. You painted it beautifully. Thanks for sharing.
CharityHawkins@TheHomeschoolExperiment.com‘s latest post: What’s your advice for a first time homeschooling mom?
Wow — just a few of the many reasons I try to review often for why we homeschool. I think that review is as important for longtime homeschoolers (I am in my 12th year as well) as for newcomers. It is so easy to doubt ourselves! Thanks for this post.
Jen @ anothergranolamom’s latest post: September Reading List
” I think that review is as important for longtime homeschoolers (I am in my 12th year as well) as for newcomers.” So true!
Sarah at SmallWorld’s latest post: Truly Wordless Wednesday: Butterfly Catching
So totally true!!! Sometimes as a homeschooler it is so easy to get caught up in the “What we should be doing” … but just a day out doors always tends to get our perspective back on track!!!
se7en’s latest post: Se7en Would Love Help to Save the Rhino…
The most common reason I give to why we homeschool/unschool our daughter: we want to be with her. We want to BE with her. We love her so much and we’re preparing her to strive for what inspires her knowing full well her dreams and desires will take her all over the world. Those are the times when we won’t necessarily be with her, so we choose to be with her now.
Claire’s latest post: Catalog Copy.
I really appreciate all the encouragement and gently reminders that Simple Homeschool sends my way. I am a homeschool graduate, so it’s all I know. However, last year, my Kindergarten year with my oldest, was terrible- not because of school, but because of the awful curveballs that life threw our way. This year, I wanted to throw in the towel and send him to private school. Now that we’re a month in, I’m really happy that I made the decision to homeschool, and I’m grateful to all of you for helping me keep going.
Jennifer Campbell’s latest post: Knobby Crocheted Gnome Baby Girl Hat (Preemie/Newborn, Organic Handspun Merino Wool, Wood Slice Button) by MadeleineAndCo
At the end of January or middle of February, my reason for homeschooling looks like this: I’m standing in my toasty kitchen with a mug of hot chocolate wrapped in a comfy sweater watching all the school kids trudging through the snow all bundled up, books and homework all checked and stuffed in their backpacks, hair brushed, breakfast gobbled already… and it’s only 7:30am!!! Maybe around 8:30 my munchkins will wander in wanting some warm apple-cinnamon oatmeal. Then we’ll snuggle on the couch with our schoolbooks and hot chocolate for each of them. Maybe after lunch, when “school” is done, we’ll go build a snowman.
That’s reason enough to homeschool.
Agreed!!!
You must be from Mississippi. Starting school in August and VERY low preforming state schools kinda gave me a clue. At the very least you must be in the southern states. Mississippi ranks #49 this year with public education (last year it was #50). We also don’t strive for mediocrity in our homeschool. Love the post. This is one of the many reasons why we homeschool. Another reason is that my husband and I are homeschool graduates. 🙂
Nope, not from Mississippi, but from another southern state that often trades last places with your state!
Sarah at SmallWorld’s latest post: Truly Wordless Wednesday: Butterfly Catching
I was thinking about this just this morning as I cuddled for an extended time with my two (almost three) kids in our bed. No pressure to get going unless we wanted to, plenty if time to discuss the difference between an ocean and a sea, and then how big a book would have to be to “actually go inside”… Eventually we got up and got our day going. Now it’s just after lunch. School work is done and our day just keeps unfolding. Little pressure to be or do. Mostly we simply enjoy. We are human Beings not human Doings.
Another-Mom’s latest post: Allowance At Six
Practicing filling in bubbles? OMG. You gave me one more reason why I’m glad we’re homeschooling! And I hear you on the other points too. I’m especially thankful we’re homeschooling right now because the weather is so beautiful, and I’m glad my son isn’t stuck inside a school building most of the day!
shelli : mamaofletters’s latest post: Homeschooling and Socialization
Loved this post. We home school, too.
Does anyone have experience / advice on pulling a child out of public school mid-year and beginning homeschooling? We are in SC and my son is in first grade. He is so not happy at school. We had great experiences in preschool and K5 at a small 10 student half day private program, but public school has been a major change. My son says he feels invisible and just like he is herded around all day.
Love it! And I totally agree. Sharing this on my page.
Yes, reason enough!
Jennifer’s latest post: Collecting Firewood: Tips for the Best Wood Stove Wood
So true. We started homeschooling for a list of reasons to do with academics and public schools. Somewhere along the way I realized that our reason became living life as a family and learning along the way.
When I taught we did a unit on butterflies. Below I illustrate the difference between when I did them with my class and how I have been doing them each year with my children.
caterpillars delivered in a box to my classroom…placed in plastic cups..brown goop placed inside for them to eat…watching them eat the goop and eventually turn into their chrysalis in the cup. They turned into butterflies and we were not “supposed” to let them go free. They were not “native”.
Homeschool….
Watching a butterfly land on parsley my children planted in the garden they planted. Seeing it bend and lay eggs on the underside of the leaves…going over and finding the eggs. Waiting and finding little caterpillars have hatched a few days later. Checking their growth each day. Handling them, watching them eat and bringing them inside when they are at their fattest to be placed in a net. Seeing them turn into a Chrysalis and waiting till that special day when you wake in the morning and they are coming out. Having them fly around the kitchen and letting them go outside. Watching them land on the butterfly plant you planted and drink its nectar.
The world is our classroom. We are not limited to four walls.
And today my son called out numbers off the back of a truck. And I have not formally taught him any numbers. I had no idea he knew them.