When you think you want to homeschool...
So, when you're deciding on Kindergarten, what to you do? Of course you think about the fantastic school less than a mile from your house, maybe a private school, and if you're me--you immediately think you can do it better.Let me clarify: I don't think I'm better than teachers. I am a teacher. It just so happens that I have found my way into a homestudy position (that I LOVE) and that my son is heading into Kindergarten. No brainer, right? Well, not quite.
Is this going to be the right fit?
As much as I wanted to, I really had to see if this would be the right fit for not only me (hello! It's another full-time job on top of my homeschool position, being a momma and wife and just life!) but will Cub respond to me as his teacher? Will this work for our family?As far as scheduling, we have it made. I can take him to work with me, he would take some classes, Daddyguy has varied hours so this would actually give us MORE time as a family. So, check this off the list as a "pro."
Will Cub respond to me as his teacher? That's more complicated. He knows I'm a teacher--he's been in my classrooms since he can remember, he has been to my classes this year and has gone to a meeting or two with me. He gets that part. It's been a transition to bridge that momma-teacher relationship. This is something that we have already started to work on. I was surprised Cub took to it as quickly as he did! So, check that off as a "pro!"(Just know it's a day-to-day process, we are always working on it!)
I am confident it will work for our family. Cub loves to learn, I love to teach. Works for me!
Getting Daddyguy on board...
Don't think Daddyguy was an easy mark. He was not.Cub and I came home from a Rainforest class I was teaching at the time, and he yelled, "DADDY I WANNA BE HOMESCHOOLED!" To which my dear sweet husband replied, "YOU WILL NOT! YOU WILL GO TO 'REAL SCHOOL!'"
Yes, homeschooling is "real school" and we both know this. However Daddyguy was taken SO off guard and felt trapped. I completely swear that I had nothing to do with it--Cub had a spontaneous confession! He knows what he wants, that's for sure.
After this, I went about my duties of checking with the public school he was slated to attend. We went up, I filled all the paperwork out, I went to the parent info day. I wasn't sold. This is not to say that it's not a great school (it is) and that it's not a good fit for most kids (it is--I only hear great things from people!) In my heart, I knew that this wasn't for us.
I started working with Cub. Just here and there, little things. He picked them up in minutes. One night we went out to dinner. Cub and I played "I Spy" with letters and Daddyguy was amazed. He softened a little to the idea...
Another night a couple weeks later, we were sitting at the dinner table eating and Cub started using crayons to "build" words. Then he read them. Daddyguy threw his hands up, told me I've done amazing things and told me I could make the decision on schooling. So I did. Homeschool it was!
Making the announcement!
I have a loving mother, a wonderful pair of in-laws and fabulous friends. Of course I was thrilled about our decision but I had a feeling people wouldn't all be super supportive. I was correct.My mom? Totally ok with it--she's seen the process, watched me teach Cub, and is always supportive. My in-laws? They didn't say it to my face, but I could tell they were a little skeptical. They might still be, but they're supportive. I find that "socialization" comes up A LOT. I have several things to say about that--but that's a whole other post! Friends have been pretty quiet. I admit I have been defensive about it because I assumed people would fight me. But I've realized that he is our child and as long as we know it's working, we don't need any validation from others.
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