More so-called than ever
Well, looks like my so-called homeschool will be more so-called than I had planned. With the new baby on the way, and with my laid-back style of education, Squid has really pushed to put the girls in school this year at least. He is on board with the basic idea of homeschooling, but concerned that they may be falling behind. My view is, I have 18 years to get it all in, so I don’t need to necessarily do things in the order that school would. His view is panicked that they’ll turn 18 and won’t know anything. I really do respect his concerns, I am just coming at this from such a different direction!
So, after many, many, many conversations, I finally gave in and agreed to look into it. And wouldn’t you know, the day I decided to do that (and blogged it), a friend of ours from church reminded me that his wife teaches in a Montessori charter school. First through third grades are taught together so the girls would be together in class, our close Christian friend teaching, their dance teacher is an aide there, Montessori mindset — what could be better (except homeschooling of course!)? I filled out the paperwork, took it in, then waited for a call.
Well, it’s August and no call! “Oh, darn, I guess they’re full,” I told Squid. I told God “If you wanted them in school, I guess there would be a place for them. I’m taking this as a sign that they should be at home.”
Thursday — call from the school. “Mrs. J made a note that they were her dance students and it somehow got coded in the computer that they were current students here! So we didn’t get you the new student packet last month. I’m going to mail this to you; I need you to fill it out and get it to me on Monday.” Sigh. OK, definitely NOT a sign from God. I haven’t seen the packet yet, but I am not looking forward to this. Vaccination information — I’ve been a little laid-back in that area too — forms to fill out, supplies to buy. Yech!
I like our laid-back schedule routine lazy days. I like having the girls with me. I like knowing what they’re learning and learning along with them. I like knowing all their friends and friends’ parents. I don’t like the idea of them only studying what the teacher wants. I don’t like the idea of homework. I don’t like this one bit. I do admit that I am overwhelmed and getting more so by the minute. I do admit that I may be a bit TOO laid back when it comes to our homeschooling, enough so that Squid’s getting worried. So, I’m going to fill out the paperwork, take it in, and pray, pray, pray!
I’ll still have my little Monkey-boy at home. He’s just soaking up learning like a sponge — and I haven’t even “taught” him anything. At church the other day, he picked up the kid’s worksheet and showed me all his numbers — they weren’t even in order — and he knew them all by sight up to 10! I guess technically we’re still homeschooling so Ron and Andrea won’t kick me out of here. It’s going to be an interesting new school year.
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I can imagine how hard this is for you! I also respect you for the respect you are showing your husband on this one. I will pray for the girls and also that you will be able to homeschool again soon.
August 19th, 2007 at 9:57 pmOh we’d never kick you out.
Aside: when I was pregnant with emma, everyone aroudn me, it seemed (other than Ron) pushed to put the kids in school because it would be “easier”. It would not have been. Really.
But you do have to go with the husband. (and pray)
August 20th, 2007 at 6:51 amFor everything there is a season.
Maybe this is the girls’ season of being in school. And if they have to be in school, it sounds like where you are putting them is as close to you being in charge as you can get.
One thing that I did when I had an opportunity something like this one. I used it to concentrate on my younger one, who had never had Mommy without his brother. I think it made a difference. So maybe you and monkey-boy having one on one time is really important to God right now.
Hope all goes well with the new baby.
August 20th, 2007 at 7:51 amCarrie (and everyone) — Thanks for the prayers and kind words!
Andrea — I know it won’t really be easier, I am so dreading having to get up before 8!!! We are putting the house on the market, so having two less mess-makers *should* make it a little easier to keep clean. Of course the one who will be home is the biggest messie ever!
Suzi — I am really looking forward to having a little time with just the boy before the new baby comes. He’s at a rough transition age anyway (3 1/2), and I think the new baby will make him feel a little put off. I’m hoping having a couple of months with WAY more mommy-time will help ease that!
August 20th, 2007 at 9:35 amI know it may be hard for you, but this might just be the right thing for the girls AND monkey boy at this point in their lives. It’s not a 8 year committment or anything. I think he’s going to appreciate having you all to himself for a few hours before little sissy arrives. Best of luck, no matter how things turn out. Someone greater than you or I is watching out.
August 20th, 2007 at 3:44 pmHi Gem,
*sigh* I know how you feel. It’s my dad who pressures me to put Emme in school. He thinks she is behind as well — even though she isn’t! She was just a late reader, but she has since caught up to her appropriate “grade level”. (Although sis Jennah reads at a 12th grade level, so according to my dad, Emme should be way ahead too….(sigh))
I went back and forth and was going to put her in school and then Michele and Rose both talked to me and I changed my mind. (I know it’s different since it’s Squid)
If they are going to be in a school — could there BE a better situation than the one they will be in? Together in class? Friend from church? Dance instructor? They’ll be ok. And if they are not, I’m sure Squid will be back on the homeschool bandwagon!
Hugs,
Sherry
ps Emme wants to PLAY!
August 21st, 2007 at 12:45 amI responded to you via W@H. ((hugs))
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:49 amIf all else fails, you can use the LifePac approach. It’s all self-paced learning. You can spend as much or as little time teaching as you want (my kids now prefer that I just check their work - they take pride in doing the reading themselves, researching at the library, etc.).
You can buy the LifePacs as a whole year or individually (VERY cool).
Just a thought to file away in the back of your mind.
August 23rd, 2007 at 8:39 pmTo encourage you in your idea of homeschooling, I think you need to read When You Rise Up by R.C. Sproul, Jr. I read it before I started this year. I have 6 children and another on the way! I am homeschooling 4 and running after 2. May you have a blessed year however God designs it for you.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:57 pm