Having the kids home for summer vacation has been so wonderful! I missed them when they went to preschool! I often wonder if I should have waited another year to send them. But that would have been more about keeping me happy and not about if they were ready. They thrived in preschool-they LOVED making new friends, learning new things, learning to swim and getting to run around and climb the play structures:) It was amazing timing for me in regards to Renn the newbie. She was 5 days old when they started school last year. It gave me a few hours a day that I could really get to know my new little tidbit, before the twingers arrived home with their loud stories and rambunctiousness!
But now that they are home and we are sharing every moment of every day together, I am beginning to wonder…. I really would love this routine to not change a bit…. I have started looking into homeschooling. Yes, I know, I know… another huge task that I know nothing about yet “feel” I would love! I already hear the comments!:) haha! Actually I helped home school my sister. And I home schooled myself here and there over the years(another story…hahaha). Yes, I am a space cadet lunatic, (with the punctuation of an ESL kid at times) but I was actually was a great student.
So I got a few preschool study books a week ago and decided to give it a try. We have been ‘playing’ school every morning after breakfast. They have been practicing their letters the last few days. Just tonight with his tiny little hand, Raimy slowly wrote out his name! I was so excited I started screaming! We took pictures and danced around the kitchen. He was so incredibly proud! Shortly after, as not be outdone, my little Saylor wrote out her name too! It was a huge milestone for my little 3 year old twins and I saw their confidence grow right in front of my eyes.
After putting them all to bed I went back in the kitchen and held their little chicken scratched names in my hands and it brought tears to my eyes. How could yesterdays pink, new and naked beans be todays big kids. It goes by SOOOO fast and I don’t want to miss a second of this adventure. I know that this is an occasion I would have missed had they done it in school. I am so happy I was there to experience it with them. What else will I miss out on with them in a classroom? Am I crazy? Do we know any homeschooling moms out there?
I found your blog on bloggy moms and I can't wait to follow along. Would love to have you as a follower over at mine http://www.johnsfamily-angel.blogspot.com
Have a great rest of the summer 🙂
Hi Angel, You have such a cute family! Nice to meet you:)
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This is terrible to say–but from a teacher's perspective–if you have the time and the opportunity to do it…homeschool. Your children will learn so much more when they see how important it is to you…and you will get to witness them grow into these amazing educated little people before your eyes. I would kill to be able to stay home and homeschool my little one!! The only time homeschooling is a problem is when the kiddos don't have any outside interaction with others their age, or time away from their parents to learn some independence. My advice is to homeschool them, and when they are old enough get them into sports, or into a once a week art class, etc. where they can work and play with other kids!! 🙂
*sorry about the deleted post, I had to copy and paste it so I could log in, and it pasted wrong
Haley, I think you should ask Lisa Whelchel @LisaWhelchel http://www.lisawhelchel.com/
She homeschools her children.
What is good about homeschooling is that if you want to travel with them you can. They can learn about the world around them more by seeing then by reading.
But like Millie I say that they do miss out on the interaction with other kids. Also, do they won't memories of school like Homecoming or Prom, school sports or the school arts programs like band, chorus or theater. It's been a while since my niece & nephew were young (they are now in their mid 20's) & don't know what has change plus they went to private school. My niece Ashley was into all school activities & my nephew Adam only did what was required of him. If you homeschool they do miss that. Just something to think of.
My daughter is home for summer vacation as well and we are enjoying it very much. Even though most of her friends are still going to school for summer camp, I decided to keep her home so we could spend more time together.
I agree with Millie about kids learning more at home than at school and the need to interact with other kids. In my case, my daughter is way ahead of her friends academically (I'm always teaching her something new when she is home) but I still send her to school just for the social interaction.
You are doing a great job by teaching them regardless the school and it is awesome that they are already writing down their names!
I hope you find the right balance. There is no right or wrong when it comes to our family. We just need to figure it out what is best for us!
Hello Haylie, my Dear, found you on FTLOB and it's a good thing I stopped by… my Darling friend AskTracyAboutHomeschool.com has helped many people in the homeschool community and probably would have some answers for you. Good luck, and Happy 4th… Cups Up! xoxo
I have a nine month old. So, it's a little early to discuss home schooling. However, I am a working mom and I miss every moment that I spend apart from her. I can appreciate your desire to spend every moment with them. I also believe that your passion for your subjects would help them learn a great deal. I bet if you approach it like a job you'd excel at it. What I mean by that is look at the important skills that children need to acquire from pre-school, the social interactions, subject mastery, etc. Then, structure an appropriate program whereby you ensure that they get exposure to everything. You could send them to a program one day a week or something to ensure that they get appropriate structure and social interaction. I think that all kids need to learn that life isn't just about them (and their family) all of the time, but nothing beats the lessons they get from a loving mother! Following you from http:// chatonsworld.blogspot.com (Please follow me too!)
Hi Angel,
I've been homeschooling for almost 14 years! It's not easy but it's worked for us, and each family has to figure out what works for them.
I found your blog on Bloggy Moms and now I am your new follower. Please check out mine and follow me too @
http://westvistaurbanfarmschool.blogspot.com/
Hire me to be your in home teacher!
Ha! How awesome would that be???
Hi, I am from the Haute Mom's Blog Hop. I wanted to homeschool our two boys, but am respecting my husband's desire to send them to public school. It is mainly for the socialization. I also have an online store that takes up a lot of my time. It is not more important than our boys, but it does provide income so I can stay at home. I suggest to pray and both you and your husband seek what it best for your family.
http://sewpizazzed.blogspot.com/
http://milestonesoffaith.blogspot.com/
Kerry
I found you at bloggymoms.com
I have always homeschooled my children. My oldest is almost 9. Now we 'world' school, I guess you could call it, because we wander the world.
I love educating my children. It brings us closer, we have so much fun together. And I get to share those moments of discovery that are soooo precious. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Thanks everyone for all the great info!!! I am looking into it all!! And wow I have so many new blogs to check out. How fun to meet other moms randomly over the internet with shared interests. Nice to meet everybody!
Rachel D!
I LOVE your blog, I've had such a great time reading about your family. If you guys are ever in LA let me know! I'd love for our kids to hang:)