I don't know who this is for, but I hope that you will find it helpful!
In 2007, we were living in PA, my husband decided we should homeschool our daughter. We pulled her out of the church preschool program and the journey began! My husband was impressed with a homeschooled family that we had met and he wanted to control what the girls learned and who they spent their time with. I was not crazy about the idea. My first response was "what about socialization?" However, in order to be a submissive wife, I accepted the idea and moved on. Plus, my thought process was like this-"Faith is only 4yrs old, what harm could be done at this early age?"
I set myself to researching this whole homeschool thing as much as I could in my spare time (which was very little). I didn't purchase a curriculum, as I thought it not necessary for preschool. We unexpectedly moved to AL in 2008. It turned out that a neighbor homeschooled her children. I found her a helpful resource. She would answer my questions as they came. She convinced me to join a group for 4-6yr old homeschoolers. We went on field trips, park play dates and had a weekly Co-op.
It turned out that there was plenty of socializing to be done in the homeschool world! I continued my researching (the internet is amazing) and teaching as we plowed on through pre-k and into Kindergarten. Still, I didn't purchase a curriculum.
Then, 2009 brought another move for our family and I realized that homeschooling was very convenient for our lifestyle. We didn't have to take Faith out of one school and put her into another.
I soon began to enjoy planning the lessons. I decided not to purchase a pre-packaged curriculum. I created the lessons myself. I enjoyed deciding what, how, and when she would learn. I loved spending time with the girls. I liked getting to know them and how they learned, what they liked, what they thought, etc..
Now, there were plenty of moments along the way that made me want to cry, scream, and quit! Prayer, along with support from other homeschooling moms, is the reason we still do it.
In 2010, we connected with an amazing homeschool group after we moved again! I just soaked up the information from these experienced women. I continued to read all I could and I began to go to seminars and conferences. But, I still did not purchase a curriculum. I was just creating the lessons based on the girls interests.
Through the years, God changed my heart and attitude toward homeschooling. It was a long, slow, painful process. I no longer worry about socialization. God has worked in me through many different ways to realize that I am doing Kingdom work in homeschooling our children. This is not about test scores or comparing the children to others.
I learned that in order to succeed and continue this journey, I needed to have solid answers to three questions:
1. Why do we homeschool?
2. How will we teach our children?
3. What will we teach them?
It is in having a firm answer to these questions that I have found comfort in our decision to homeschool. I have gained a lot of knowledge over the last three years. And, I have finally purchased a curriculum--after many days of searching and browsing what is available.
I have learned over the years that yearly plans may not turn out the way you hoped. I learned that daily plans may not turn out the way you want. I learned that your house may not always be tidy. And in these lessons, I have learned to go with the flow. See the bigger pictue and let God be the leader of the homeschooling!!
Advice from me to you:
~~Know your anwsers for those three questions
~~Pray every morning for wisdom and direction
~~Be patient with your children-if they have a strange look on their face, that method is not working
~~the curriculum is your servant
~~Be as flexible as possible-you will deviate from your schedule
~~Expect that your plans may go wrong
~~Know how your children learn
~~Have fun!
~~Get connected
~~Read--interent, books, blogs, etc
This journey can be trying, but I assure you it is worth the effort!
Have a great year!
