Well, I figured it was time to out myself. I've made a decision and I'm ready to share it.
This fall I'm withdrawing Janelle from public school and going to attempt homeschooling her for a year. Are you shocked? It's something I've been considering since January, and it was a really hard decision to make. I was getting pretty excited for a little extra time in the fall, but then the idea of homeschooling popped in my head and it never popped out. I'm not doing it because I'm worried about Janelle being in public school, she would be completely fine either way. I'm mostly doing it because it's something that I want to try. We'll see how it goes and if it really doesn't work out, I can always stick her back in school. Plus I realized that kindergarten is probably the easiest year to try it. So it was now or probably never!
The cool thing is that home schooling is becoming more and more popular so there are quite a few resources out there. Our local gym offers P.E. classes for home schooled kids. The library has a home school reading group. There is a ton of information on the internet. There's even a home school group in our community that does field trips, classes, play dates, reading groups, etc. Plus as an added bonus I have the home school pro just 10 minutes away: my mom! Janelle is already taking piano lessons and I'll probably enroll her in swim team or gymnastics or dance, so there are plenty of socialization opportunities out there for her. Also there is another family in our ward that home schools with two girls close to Janelle's age which will be nice for field trips and play dates.
I have to admit I'm a little sad that she won't be starting kindergarten with all of her little friends, but it's not like she'll never see them.
So there's my big news of the year. I'm actually really excited about it. I'm going to use the Montessori method of teaching, I'm researching the Spalding method of teaching phonics, and I've already found the books I want to use. Wish me luck!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
14 comments:
what a great thing to try! i'll be interested to see how things go for you this year. i've looked into the montessori method, and if we could afford that kind of preschool, i think it's what i'd put christopher into. i've tried incorporating their ideas with stuff i do at home. good luck!
My sister loved the Montessori school her youngest son was able to attend. Good luck with this!
Wow! I'm impressed with your decision but can't say I'm surprised. I'm sure you'll do a lovely job. I know your Mom did, too. ;o)
Way to be brave and give it a try! I've still got a couple of years, but I've been seriously thinking of trying out homeschooling too. And I agree, it is a great time to try when they are younger, because if it doesn't work out, putting them into school will be no big deal. I have been considering starting a blog for sharing ideas for educational and fun activities for kids, because I'm always on the lookout for ideas. Sounds like you've got some great resources!
congrats on the decision! I've been trying to decide in this too...but I guess I have 2 more years to make my decision! Good luck with everything!I'm sure it'll all go really good!
Wow...what a challenge! I know that is something that I personally would not have the patience to do. But I know that you are up for this and will do a fantastic job!
You are so ambitious! I'm excited to hear how it goes.
I'm not shocked. I think you and Janelle will both do great with this!
Awesome! Good luck laura!
I agree it would probably be the easiest to try Kindergarten. Good luck! In the fall you will have to keep us updated on how it goes.
with your education and this being kindergarten..i say go for it. I was shocked when you told me only because I can't wait to have Rylei GONE, but i'm sure it's different with just sweet spencer home and not 3 crazeies!! You'll do great and she'll be so smart she'll have to skip 1st grade!
Wow! Good luck!!! I don't think I could do it unless I felt I had to. But I know you'll do great and you've been teaching preschool for awhile now, so I think Janelle will be fine too!
Laura I think that is soo great!! Homeschooling is actually becoming pretty popular in the US now. I too am really considering doing it as well. Although mine are a couple years out, before we really have to decide. That is everything that I want to do, (montessori method and such) I hope that you will keep us updated as to what you have found to be successful, or not and any other information that you discover along the way. :D
Thanks everyone!
Sarah & Celia - Yeah, if I had lots of money I'd just stick her in a Montessori school too...much easier! I'm really impressed with all that I've read about the Montessori method.
Duchess Sarah- I know, I'm not sure I'd be so brave if I hadn't had my mom's example to follow!
Shay- YES! You SHOULD start an educational resources blog! I would frequent it often!
Jessica- I'll let you know how it goes and if I'm just crazy out of my mind. :)
Cindy- I don't know about the patience thing, I guess we'll see. But thanks!
Ally- Thanks! Now we can take a field trip out to Midland. :)
Ginger- Don't worry, I'll be sure and put in extra time for princess lessons.
Emily- How 'bout some playdates with Janelle and Ben??
Melissa- Kindergarten is by far the best year to start...no calculus yet! I'll definitely let you know how it goes!
Becki- Awww...thanks, you're too nice. Trust me, Janelle will be involved with LOTS of activities to get her out of the house: book clubs, cooking classes, piano, art, swimming, anymore ideas for me?
Sarah- It's funny, if you had asked me a year ago if I was considering homeschooling I would have laughed in your face. I was so ready for a little more time. Now it's something I'm pretty excited about. It's nice to be putting my degree into use finally.
Hanah- I know, it's nice that it's becoming more and more widespread. It makes it so much easier for us than it was even 10 years ago. I'll keep you updated!
Post a Comment