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| Our "school" area. 1/2 of the dining room :-) We also use the couch, J's bed, his floor, the front porch.... |
When we first took J out of school (after 4th grade), it was to help him catch up on things but also to take school at his pace. Due to his physical limitations, he ended up behind on things in public school (ie...he would miss half of math when he had to use the restroom b/c it takes him awhile). We didn't have many issues with the school itself, all of our teachers had been fantastic (we are still in touch with most of them), the principals worked well with our needs and he had never been bullied or tormented, kids have always liked being around him. It was mainly to help him learn in a more relaxed environment. J also wanted to learn more bible, which he couldn't do in public school and by the time 4pm rolled around and homework was done each day by sometimes 5:30, we were both too tired for any "extras".
Well, going into our third year of homeschooling, my views have changed somewhat. Those closer to J (grandparents, close friends...) have noticed the improvement in his learning so that is still a reason for us to homeschool. But I have learned that I am enjoying being the one to see him reach these milestones. I am also the one he comes to for help (well and of course his dad, especially with the 13 year old "man" stuff that I just want to close my ears to!). Granted, I am also the one who has to hear the complaining when he doesn't like school sometimes (which has actually decreased over the last 6 months now that I'm finally figuring things out). Ok, we both complain sometimes but whatever. I
am the one learning how he learns and since we are at home, I can focus his work and assignments to that learning style which can't be done well in public school because they just don't have the time (thanks to the government). We can also focus on subjects that might be a future career path for J (computers/game design...) which even in middle or high school he physically wouldn't have time to accomplish in a more detailed manner. And why do we start in early August? 1...because we can ;-), 2...because it's stinkin' hot outside, 3...we take our breaks at different times in the year.
Watching James interact with friends in more quality manner rather than quantity has been wonderful. He has been able to actually cultivate longer lasting friendships. He treasures his brother I think because he gets to watch SP's milestones and is home to watch him grow (he misses SP when he's away from home more than he misses his parents!). He is comfortable with his parents (can I get an amen to that!), enjoys being around us most of the time. We are closer as a family, not just me and the kids, but T too because we enjoy telling him what J's been learning and because I think we are all more relaxed and "ok" with being home, not having to be 20 places everyday. T is happy we are able to be with our kids each day, not that he wouldn't enjoy the income of two working parents, but I'm so grateful he wants me home with the boys.
Another great thing for our schooling? I am able to point J back to God's Word before, during and after our lessons, which has helped us both grow in our faith. T and I are the ones sharing our beliefs with him, but at the same time, letting him figure things out for himself. We are helping to shape his worldview, biblically.
Is it all sunshine and rainbows? NO. Do I still get frustrated with him? Yes, he's a boy. He's 13. He's a lot like me. He's my son. YES. Do we get tired of school around Feb/Mar each year? YES. But it is working for us and we are sticking with it. As Voddie points out, homeschooling not only enlightens you to the sin in your children's lives, it quickly points out the sin in your own life (no patience. Me? why, yes, sadly). Will I homeschool SP? Not sure yet (and yes, while he is only 16 months old, I have been asked that already about 10 times!), but I'm hopeful I will because I truly enjoy it. We are one of "those" families now...funny thing is, there are more and more of "those" families every year in the homeschooling realm, and a smaller amount of them each year see to actually wear denim jumpers ;-)
So...our philosophy for homeschooling? To educate our children the best we can as Christian parents, because that's an imperative in the bible from God. To help them explore their interests and things they might not know they are interested in. To raise up a son who is not afraid to speak to adults, who is not afraid to show love for his sibling and who is not afraid to tell others why he believes what he believes. To help shape their worldview and expand their opportunities.
Do I think it's a choice for everyone? No. I think you have to follow what you feel God calling you to do in your family.
You can call us crazy for being homeschoolers, it's ok, most people going outside the box are called that (remember Jesus?). ;-)
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