Homeschooling

A few of you know that Cap and have been thinking about homeschooling JR beginning in the fall. I'd have to say that most people think it's "weird" and the first question we get is "Why?" followed by "How long?". Fair to say public comment was quite negative early on, however, we have since talked with many parents who are succeeding in their homeschooling experiences, and have been very encouraging. In our area of the state there are MANY homeschool support groups, including one at our Church. So, we've talked about, gathered information on it, prayed on it, and then thought on it some more. Well anybody who knows us has already learned we don't necessarily do what is "normal" and/or expected.

This wasn't a decision we dove into without research or soul searching. JR is already registered for another year of Pre-K at SMWN, in the event we chose not to homeschool. Several factors however, convinced us that conventional public Kindergarten didn't seem like the best option for us. For one, the town we live in closed two of its 5 elementary schools, including the smallest one - the one JR would have attended. All based on the towns financial problems they say. In closing the two schools however, they have re-routed the students to the towns "mega-elementary school" which has population that is well over 1ooo! 1000 kids in grades k through 5 - insane! That was biggie. The second was a notice we received from SMWN a few weeks ago announcing that the classroom teacher he was supposed to have next year was going to be teaching a newly expanded K program at the school, and they were unsure who would be teaching his class in the fall. The teacher, Mrs. Sylvia, is the teacher he has this year, and is AWESOME! If I had an hour I couldn't begin to tell you how wonderful she is. That was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back for us. And so, we have decided, happily, to begin homeschooling in September. Since our town doesn't require notification of homeschooling until first grade, we'll be starting our first year "unofficially" using a k5 curriculum.

Since it is our first year, we decided to use a published curriculum (Abeka), but will likely tailor it to fit our needs. Right now we are going to convert a part of JRs playroom/our office space to accommodate a learning environment, and I've spent many hours on the Internet finding ideas. We're sure there will be many who doubt whether we'll be giving JR a "balanced" educational/social experience, but it really doesn't matter. In our hearts we know this is right for us. So that will be my summer project: preparing for the first semester at the Holmes Discovery Center! Lots to do, lots to think about, and lots to look forward to. Hopefully soon the student population will increase and we'll have more than just one student. Hmmm, two or three sounds good to us.... ;)