I Think My Brain Is Full Now, May I Be Excused?
The internet is my gateway drug to the hardcore information found in published magazines and books. You know my interest is serious if I’ve bought a book off of Amazon or gone and spent an evening reading at our local bookstore. The fact that I have so many books I just have to read that I’ve already done those things multiple times and checked out (and read) a stack of books from the library means that I’ve reached critical mass. Armed with the kind of information that I’ve been inhaling the past few months, I am now pretty well sold on homeschooling.
I’ve always been like this. If I have an interest I just have to research the stuffing out of what ever topic I’m currently stuck on, be it hamsters or educational theory. When we were deciding to start our family I read more pregnancy and baby books than I can even remember, and then proceeded to develop such obscure complications that they weren’t even mentioned in the scads of information I’d processed in preparation. Kind of figures, doesn’t it?
The great thing about being weird like this is that in the process of all of the insecure, perfectionistic searching for answers is that by the time you make your decision, you really know why you are doing it. You know exactly where you stand and you can articulate your reasoning. Being a very verbal person, I need to be able to completely verbalize my reasoning to myself. I do not do well running off of gut feelings and instinct; I like my facts cold and hard, and I like my opinions to make a heck of a lot of sense when argued.
The trouble with needing those facts and logically reasoned out excuses is that sometimes I don’t jump on a gut feeling that does deserve some attention. Sometimes I take longer in making a change than I really needed to or even ought to have taken. However, I am pretty comfortable with myself, knowing that it is better for me to be a few weeks off with my head on straight and my eyes on the target and my heart in a happy place on the matter.
I think the biggest reason why it took so long for us to come to this place is that I don’t have one solid reason for wanting to have him learn at home. I have many reasons that span all the way from knowing my son’s temperament to disagreeing with some of the very fundamental principles that public schooling uses to educate. I will go more into those reasons later.
So, we will remove Jonas from school. We are not 100% certain if we will do this before the school year is up or wait out the last five weeks. We will be finding out in the next few days if Chris will be able to take leave for a two week vacation that we would like to do in May. That is one of our largest deciding factors, as well as Jonas’ increasing dislike and frustration with school. We are on our third week of a substitute who makes Jonas’ regular teacher look like a saint, and he is already growing by leaps and bounds through our efforts to work with him at home. So we will see. An early exit might be just what he needs.
I do plan to blog about many of the reasons why I am choosing this course for us for right now. Because there are so many different facets to my choice, I’m sure it will take a few posts. If you have any questions, do ask them here, and I will answer them.
I get so frustrated when I read aout this - not the home schooling bit nor your intense search for facts (I see myself in you tehere, again) but the teachers without empathy or (as it seems) proper education.
I wish you all the best - I am sure you’ll be a GREAT teacher - I only pity all the other kids who get to stick with the old one. *smiles*
Hey. I thought about you and your kids the other day while reading some research on aspartame and monosodium glutamate - it seems they have the same effects on people (mainly children) that you stated with colouring. You’ve probably already read all about it - but if not, you might wanna look into it - it’s scary but interesting.
Love/Z
Comment by Zarah — April 30, 2008 @ 11:17 pm
…you made me knowingly chuckle to myself when I saw the piles of books all stacked up! I am a researcher too, I really cannot nor would I want to do anything by halves. If I embark upon anything, it’s 110 % all the way!! I would just like to wish you and your family all the best for this project! x
Comment by Lisa the librarian — May 1, 2008 @ 2:12 am
I know exactly how you feel. We took our son out of school after the 4th grade because my husband was moving to Florida for a job and we had to wait to sell our house. So we decided to take him out so we could travel back and forth and not worry about him missing school. I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to teach him and that when he went back to school, he would be behind and not know anything. The first year, I did the Abeka program and really stuck to it day after day. (wore us out!) Then I realized that we could do more things that he liked to study and just make sure we did math everyday. We kept him out for 2 years and he went back to school for the 7th grade. He was put in advanced classes. Just don’t get overwhelmed with everything that you read. Find someone that homeschools and talk to them. You will have to find what works for you. You might do a lot of work one day and then the next day something will come up and you might just read or do something else. You do what suits you. It is so flexable and there is no right or wrong way. Just don’t be so structured (with yourself) and find out what works. Good luck!
Comment by Melanie — May 1, 2008 @ 3:06 am
Oh, I just love my research too. The difference between us is that you manage to come to a decision once you’ve researched, whereas I end up vacillating and never quite getting there…
Comment by Janine — May 1, 2008 @ 4:55 am
Oh, man, I’m exactly the same way. I research everything ad nauseum!
I admire you so much for what you’re doing. I think it’s one thing to have the courage to do what’s right for your child—but to also be brave enough to articulate your thoughts on the subject is not only an incredible quality, it’s also inspiring to others. So please do keep writing about your experiences—I’m filing it all away for when the day comes for me to research these things myself. I wish you all the best!
Comment by Mome-rath — May 1, 2008 @ 5:50 am
We are also going to be homeschooling this summer and then Nathan will be homeschooled next year as well for preschool.. I need to get on top of things and head to the library this weekend..
Comment by linda — May 1, 2008 @ 6:21 am
I am a second-generation home schooler. I have 4 girls, ages 8 to 16. I love having them at home, and they like schooling as well. I like the philosophy of Dr. Robinson, and we apply it mostly for our schooling. You can read about it at www.robinsoncurriculum.com. I hope you love home schooling, and make it work for your family. It’s kind of a “trial and error” process until you figure out what works for you and your children. Don’t be surprized if you find Maggie jumping forward, eaves-dropping in on Jonas’ “lessons.” It’s fun!
Comment by Cynthia — May 1, 2008 @ 8:25 am
How did you sneak into my home and take a pic of my nightstand?? Seriously, I have a stack quite similar to yours next to my bed and another in the living room! I’m relatively new to the homeschool adventure but I can definitely praise the experience and transformation it causes within the family and your children. We’re wrapping up our first year and it’s been tremendous. One thing that many other “veteran” homeschool mom’s shared with me was that my first year should be entered with NO expectations of greatness. That it would be rough and full of bumps in the road–getting a schedule down, deciphering what curriculum works and doesn’t…etc. ANd sure enough- that first year was challenging and at times, frustrating. But what growth we’ve experienced! Our family unit is knit so tightly in just a short amount of time. My children are learning and ENJOYING it. To sum it up- it’s been a blessing and I’m thankful that it was placed on my heart and that I acted on it.
Email anytime! It’s lovely to “meet” and “talk” with other mothers with similar lives.
Blessings,
Sarah
Comment by Sarah — May 1, 2008 @ 10:34 am
I tend to over research things, too. I’ve been on overload with the homeschooling topic lately, having kept my kids home for the last several months since moving in the middle of the semester.
I thought maybe they’d go back in the fall, but I’m starting to like having them home and the extra family time we’ve gained.
Feel free to email anytime! We’ve had a lot of adjustments to make, too. Congratulations on giving it a try, and don’t go hard on yourself when life homeschooling gets difficult and things aren’t perfect. The journey is a learning experience for you, too!
Comment by Mom2Six — May 1, 2008 @ 12:46 pm
I was homeschooled from 2nd grade through 7th grade and loved it. I have seriously thought about homeschooling my kids…when we eventually have them. Are you finding working with Jonas at home is improving his time at school? It seems like it should from your post, but thought I would ask.
Comment by Autumn — May 1, 2008 @ 1:21 pm
You are such an awesome Mom.
Comment by Libby — May 1, 2008 @ 5:53 pm
I so wish that I could be home with my kids. I have Haley in a Christian school and she is doing very well. I think that the size and structure in her school are exactly what she needs. Good luck to you. YOu are doing a really great thing for him.
Comment by Shelly — May 1, 2008 @ 6:25 pm
Everything will come together
Comment by Jane — May 2, 2008 @ 12:36 pm