Okay, pretend that I had something very intelligent to say today about bookcases... I don't. I could tell you how great it is to have everything match on your bookshelves right down to the cover of the books... that would be impractical and shallow because I don't. I don't.... but I COULD because I know the owner of Book Decor and she sells fantastic books to fancy people so all their bookcases look perfect. They've even been used in movie sets... you can visit her for intelligent inspiration at www.BookDecor.com.No, today I, Pretty Organizer, am pondering. You see, I have a daughter who wants to home school next year. Yes, she wants to. She's an A student and she wants to home school. WHY? Her logical and heart tugging reasoning is: Mom I don't get to spend enough time with you. Ah... who could say no to that?!??! She figured out that she was at school for 7 hours a day and only at home with me awake for 6 hours a day... to her it made sense... she's 9.
So, please dear blogland have mercy on my lamish posts(s) because I'm trying to figure out how a mother juggles kids in different schools, 2 toddlers, and homeschools a daughter, cleans the house, writes for a blog and an online magazine and still stays sane by bedtime!
Now of all you homeschooling Mommy's can grace me with your wisdom. I need help... and time to pray about it more. I know there are many homeschooling moms out there. I've had a romantic courtship with homeschooling for years now.... of course, it's that same romantic idea courtship that lands you with 6 kids and oft times leads you to the pantry for the bag of chocolate chips muttering, "What was I thinking!" With the romantic comes the realistic.
So, today I could tell you that it's alright to mix dishes with ducks and if you're feeling a little on the wild side, go ahead and toss in an antler or two.
That may just be the analogy for my life right now... Yes, I am building a Beautiful Life and even linked todays' post up at The Inspired Room (desperately seeking inspiration).Hey, just a side note: It's time to list more ads on Pretty Organized Palace... Check out my ad button on the side bar if you're interested in promoting your business or your blog! The prices are really reasonable if you compare them around blogland! If you have any questions leave me a comment below and I'll email you!
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14 comments:
I homeschool my son who will be 9 this summer. I couldn't tell by the "romantic courtship" line whether you've done it in the past or have often thought about it. (I probably just read through to quickly) But anyway...I think the key to homeschooling is having a curriculum that really works for your family. I've used 3 different ones, and the one we've used for the past 2 years now (soon to be 3) already has all of the lesson plans done for the year for me. That is huge for me. At the age my son is now - I've noticed that some of the lessons are getting harder, but he is also becoming more independant with his work, which helps immensely.
I have a friend who uses one of the A Beka programs for her oldest son. It's a video course that he watches. It's just like he's in a classroom with the teacher doing all of the explanations. They pause the video when it's time to do book work and then resume it when he's ready to move on.
It can be stressful at times, but the rewards are immeasurable.
I pray that you get the answer you need.
Have a great weekend!
Pam
I feel the lure of homeschooling myself, but it terrifies me. I'm afraid I don't have enough patience. I can't wait to hear what you decide and then how to manage it all. Love your blog!
Best of luck with homeschooling. Wish I could be of help. I was going to homeschool my kids, but couldn't leave the chocolate chips behind in the panty. LOL I ran away from reality, and I only had two kids at the time. :-)
Seriously, though, your daughter is special for wanting to spend more time with you via homeschooling.
Wow! Good luck with your decision. :) My oldest just finished her first year of "young 3's" preschool, so I'm glad we're not at that point yet. I guess you just have to evaluate everything you have going on. You can't do it all (sorry, it's just something I have to keep telling MYSELF!). ;) Homeschooling is not something that I could handle, and my daughter seems to do much better in a classroom environment with other kids, but you know YOUR daughter. :) Pray about it and see what your husband thinks. :) Either way, don't beat yourself up over what you decide!
Oh, big decision! I've never homeschooled so I can't weigh in on the choice. I've always thought it sounded wonderful, but I would completely fail at it. Seriously, I just would probably always put off school until tomorrow. Every day I would say that. Bad mom. Now when I say that the teacher calls to find out where my son is. (just kidding, I don't let him skip).
Good luck with that! And happy bookcases!
My children are 17 and 20. When my oldest was in fourth grade, he asked me to homeschool him. I didn't pray about it. I just reacted and decided that it wouldn't be the best decision. It's one of the parenting decisions I made that I now regret. I regret that I didn't pray about it. I wonder what answer I would have gotten? So...here's to getting an answer to your prayers. I'm sure you'll let us know...
I homeschooled my kids until this year, now they're in a local charter school (which has a 4 day a week schedule!). We loved it. I may do middle school or some of at home, but for now, we're doing good w/ them at the charter.
It's not as scary once you actually make the leap- but a big part of it (for us) would be finding some really fun, group homeschool classes or a co-op, and a good friend that homeschools so you can pair up and do things together!
Found your blog through inspired room- will be back! very fun!
Homeschooling is a wonderful journey. I recommend it! It is a lifestyle, not just "doing school at home". How precious that your daughter expressed her heart's desire to spend more time with you. Isn't it about relationships, with God's grace? Sounds like you will flourish with that sort of starting point and with your interests home-based. We are a home-educating family on the other side of the world (Australia). Blessings to you as you seek God's best for your family!
All this great advice! Heart you all readers!!
I homeschooled my daughter from 2 thru 6th grade and as a matter of fact she also asked last year to be homeschooled her junior and senior year but there are soooo many tests they have to take junior year that we just decided to keep going with public school. But she will be graduating a semester early.
There are so many ways to homeschool. There are courses that are already made up and the kids are mostly self directed and there are some that you can even have a teacher who you send their work into and they keep the grades and school records. We used Calvert, Oak Meadow and Sonlight.
Good luck! It's really wonderful being able to be part of your child's schooling!
Manuela
I just graduated my first of six. I will be homeschooling until I am almost 60. Even with the frustrating times I cannot think of anything I would rather do in my life besides poor myself into my kids to prepare them as arrows for service. Homeschooling your daughter will be the most unselfish thing you do in your life. YOu may find that homeschooling all of them is easier than being divided. God grant you wisdom.
jodie
Oh yes, under the circumstances of all that you are juggling, mixing dishes with ducks and different styles on your shelves is perfectly organised.
Good luck with your ponderings.
I'm a homeschooling mom. I would suggest that you buy a book on learning styles to determine what kind of learner your daughter is, and after that, proceed with curriculum. There is a vast array of curriculum that it can be overwhelming in itself.
I don't remember whose blog, but several months ago someone posted about covering their books with parchment paper--made a dust-jacket for them--so they were uniform. Good idea, but with all the books I already possess and keep acquiring, it would be an never ending project.
Love your blog. I don't remember how I found my way here...
I graduated 3 through homeschooling and I won't sugar coat it. It was hard stressful work but well worth it. We had many special times and my children do not regret it. First and foremost don't doubt yourself or you will always feel overwhelmed. You seem very intelligent and I think you will do fine. You and your daughter need to understand the commitment. Best of luck.
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