Tuesday, July 26, 2011
This is my first homeschooling post.
Yes, we are planning on homeschooling our daughter. It still surprises me when I state this fact.
When I was younger - say middle school - I begged to be homeschooled. I don't really know why. I had friends. I liked my school. I wasn't bullied. I think I just craved to learn independently. Needless to say though this reality in my past did not particularly influence our decision to homeschool Bridget. We aren't overly fond of our public school district. Private schools cost more than we feel like paying. This seemed like the logical third option. After many, many, many months of debate, heated discussions, even a few tense quiet moments, we somehow embraced this decision and are really excited about it. Bridget's blooming personality really blends with the concepts of homeschooling. We are approaching homeschooling from a Montessori perspective. Use that link to find out more if you're interested. This method approaches children as highly capable beings who can learn just about anything on their own if given a proper environment which encourages learning. It is very hands on and active. There isn't a lot of sitting still and memorizing facts, but through activities a child will suddenly be amazed at how much knowledge they have gained.
This portion of my blog may not even be anything anyone else is interested in reading. It will chronicle the journey our family is taking as we begin homeschooling. We are starting a pre-school program in Septemeber. I'm wildly excited. Nervewrackingly nervous. Obsessed with getting it "right" even though I know I'll do a lot that is below par. And a little eager to buy our curriculum. On here I will document, photograph, and share our insights, highs and lows, and various information we gather along the way. Feel free to join us for the journey!
As of now I've done some prep on overall homeschooling. I purchased a guide to the state's homeschooling law which did a lot by ways of reassurance and matched my Type A personality.
I have a surprisingly high number of friends who are considering homeschooling or fully planning on homeschooling their children. Either way - being involved in a child's (doesn't even have to be your own) education is one of the greatest gifts you can given them. Learning is meant to be fun. We have the opportunity to make it be so.
