This week I'm joining a few other bloggers (Randi at I have to sa... is the instigator) to discuss homeschooling and what we're doing. Each day will have a different topic. Since I'm in the midst of reorganizing our homeschool, this will be an excellent tool for me to learn what others are doing.
Day #1: What led to your decision to homeschool?
Why do you do what you do? What brought you to homeschooling? What factors played a part in your decision?
We began homeschooling in 1996 when we moved to Canada and Ian was starting kindergarten. I didn't hear the best reports about public schools in Vancouver and we knew and admired Sonlight Curriculum for so many years, in was kind of like a no-brainer. The Holtzman's, who established Sonlight, were acquaintances of ours from way back. We saw their family, and other homeschooling family's, and were in awe of their kid's intelligence, creativity, forthrightness and amiability. I'm sure a lot of that has to do with family discipline structures yet I think a lot reflects on their homeschooling.
Our main impetus for homeschooling has centered around academics. We see the time and effort in public schools parlayed out for discipline alone (you try corraling 25 squirmy 8 year olds!) that one-on-one attention and the assurance that my kids/my student is comprehending grammar facts, the multiplication table, or our the history of our country's founding was waning.
I wanted to ensure my kids would love to learn. I love to learn and I wanted for them to get excited by history, geography, and even math.
I enjoy my kids and have fun with them at homeschooling. We can tailor our lessons to what intrigues them. Aidan loves military history. Whether we're looking at U.S. History, Eastern cultures, Bible study...with homeschooling we can look deeper into the areas of his particular interest.
Where my kids are struggling I can ensure they get the attention they need to work through their ignorance and see them come out on the otherside with understanding. There is nothing like teaching your child to read and see that lightbulb go off when they finally read an entire book (no matter how small or large) by themselves.
I said my main reason for homeschooling is academics but I have found that our daily Bible times have been so rich. We sit and read and talk and question and discuss and research for an hour each morning and then pray. We pray for family members, each other, friends and events around the world. I know this is my favorite time of the school day.
So there you have it--what led us to homeschooling! Tomorrow: How do we homeschool.
7 comments:
Good reasons! They are fun, aren't they? We have so much fun together. Thanks for posting.
Ha! I love being called an instigator! ;)
This year I am teaching my youngest to read and she is just loving it. She loves going to the library and packing her backpack full and then sitting on the couch and reading to me!
Just wanted to let you know I have a dare up for all the Hot Mama Revolution soldiers. Come by and see if you are up for the challenge. :)
I so admire homeschoolers! You moms rock!
We would gladly homeschool if it were not for our student loans that need paying. We just try our best to supplement our kids with information and experimentation at every chance we get.
We also started homeschooling in 1996. My son and yours must be around the same age because he was also in kindergarten at the time.
Like you, I've always wanted my kids to love learning, and I never wanted education to be a chore.
I have found that the Joy of learning is wonderful to see in my children. It seems that so many kids "hate school" "hate learning" I never wanted that for my children. Although they do grumble every now and then. TEST DAYS!!!
That is a pretty awesome lego guys on your header. My son is also a lego freak. I told him, he is NEVER to old to do lego's.!!! Enjoy
The ability to individualize instruction is a very special aspect of homeschooling. Thanks for sharing!
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