We started school yesterday. At home. At the kids request. They wanted to start NOW. They apparently really like learning, crazy I know.
It went really well. We found a good rhythm. We did some things in the morning, then we ate our lunch & after had our outdoor time in the beautiful weather that has rolled into town this week. After our outdoor time we did some of our other learning activities & the day moved smoothly with more outdoor time in the later afternoon. Everyone worked well together & I was able to work with each of the three kids who are schooling one-on-one. I also was able to have my own down time carved out through out the entire day.
Overall, it was a big success. I know that it won’t be a perfect day everyday, but it started off on the right foot. A big plus for any school experience. I’m sure we’ll tweak & change things as the year moves forward especially as the kids activities start up again. But I’m happy about the first day going so wonderfully.
Yet, I have to admit that I am sad that the next two weeks isn’t unpacking school uniforms, taking care of back to school lists & getting ready for the back to school gatherings at our parish school. Even though I know this is the best decision for our children & our family after considering all the other options available this year (the kids talk about it as an adventure!), I’ve come to realize that I’m also having a hard time saying good-bye to the year that isn’t happening.
But then I remind myself I’m getting to say yes to the year that is going to happen & that is a pretty good thing. Spending time together, learning together sharing those moments as a family & I get to do it barefoot with a cup of coffee in hand if I want. That’s pretty sweet.
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Just look at like the kids do… An adventure.
I’m trying, I never realized how hard it is for me to step out of my routine but I think this is going to be a great thing & worth it.
I think it’s great when someone decides to home school. I never did it but I always thought it would be an “adventure”
It’s definitely going to be a first time for me.
I don’t like changes in my routine either. Even when the changes are for the good. Stopping from Mom Loop
It’s something about the change, I’m actually surprised at HOW much changing it has meant to me. Even though I’m excited to do this & so is the whole family.
Beth,
How exciting. Home schooling intrigues me. If it weren’t for the fact that my girls are learning how to speak french fluently at their immersion school, I think I too would give it a shot. Good luck,
Dana
I think that’s the part that’s most important what is working best isn’t going to be the same for all kids. I’d have LOVED a French immersion school as a kid, I took French all the way through high school & my undergrad. But unless you’re immersed it’s hard to really become truly fluent. Can you tell I’m jealous your girls get to do that?!
Every year, I have a tiny twinge of sadness for the school year we’re not having by homeschooling. But, then I remember when I did send the kids to school and remember how heart broken I was to see them go. That’s not to say that there weren’t days that I thought were great to have them gone all day (LOL), but I was always so excited to have them step off that bus. Now, I get to see them all day.
I’m glad to know this isn’t unusual, Angie. Logically I know that it’s totally normal to have sadness over any change (even great ones) BUT then it’s one thing to think it’s normal & KNOW it’s normal. Hearing/reading others’ experiences is a real help & boost!
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