July 13, 2006
The Crazy Lady
The Crazy Lady
Last week, I mentioned that we had a new project in the works -- one for which I would probably link my name forever with insanity. For some of you, who have more children than I ever will find crawling, racing, and screaming around my house, perhaps I won't really seem so insane after all. I know others have certainly been in a similar position and survived, which gives me hope. I'm not entirely sure that several of them haven't been or should be committed though, so we'll see.
My crazy project stems from the realization that with limited resources one cannot have everything. In this case, one family with a moderate income cannot easily put four children through private school. We've actually been well aware of this fact for some time, but recently decided that there was really no reason to spend more money on private schooling, when ultimately we could not sustain that expense for much longer.
We've notified The Boy's school that we will not be returning and I've begun picking out books and drawing up basic ideas for what The Boy will be learning. That's where the crazy part comes in -- having never homeschooled anyone before and expecting the arrival of a little one in October, we're still going to give homeschooling a try.
I'm not too concerned. The Boy already reads well and is happy to investigate any interest to the hilt. We've already begun polishing his handwriting and if we squeeze in some math and hit the required amount of days and hours from our state, I think that screwing up first grade would be fairly difficult. At least, I hope so.
We'll probably start our school year at the beginning of August so that we'll have time to take a good long break in October and November if we need it.
I admit that I'm nervous about the whole thing, but I know I can do it. I taught The Boy to read. I'm teaching The Middle Girl to read. If I can do that, we can make it through elementary school, I'm sure. What I'm not sure about is when they'll be coming along with the strait jacket to wheel me off to the looney bin. They do tend to keep one in the dark about such things.
Just have someone inform me when they come to get you--because I'm diving into the homeschool swimming pool as well. My thoughts are that I have a teaching degree, and it's kindergarten--can't mess that up!! Sound familiar? A lot of people have already told me how CRAZY I am, so I might be locked up before you. I'll keep you posted.
Posted by: Amy at July 13, 2006 08:59 AMI think it is fabulous, though perhaps a bit scary when one considers a newborn in the house... but I must say that I would send my squink to your classroom any day!
Posted by: Blair at July 13, 2006 09:06 AMYou will do great!
When you figure out how much actual learning time there is in school as opposed to busy time and other stuff, it really isn't that many hours.
In fact I bet you will do a better job than the school!
Our elementary school is wonderful here.
We may be looking into private school for middle and high school for the girls in a few years though.
Posted by: mary at July 13, 2006 09:33 AMBabycenter has a fairly active homeschooling board. You can come hang out with us other crazy people!
Beth
Posted by: beth at July 13, 2006 09:54 AMNo more German hippie school? That place was a goldmine for posting inspiration.
Let me know if you would like some on-line homeschool resources. Lady Spud is ready to start year #4 and should have some ideas. Your best bet is to find and join a homeschool group in your neighborhood. Start by asking at church if anyone knows about groups around you.
Organization is key.
Posted by: MarcV at July 13, 2006 10:32 AMIf you're interested in going the classics route, kolbe.org has a good program. I worked for them for a few years, after graduating from their day school ... Anyway, I think homeschooling is a great idea, one that we're certainly strongly considering for Ngaire. Good luck!
Posted by: Another Jordana at July 13, 2006 10:39 AMI think it sounds cool. Paul is a homeschooling proponent, so if we can make it work (i.e. one of us can be home all the time- hopefully me!), I imagine we'll give it a go, too! I'm sure you'll have plenty of entertaining anecdotes from homeschooling, even without German hippies =]
Posted by: Lenise at July 13, 2006 01:28 PMYou are 1 year behind us on the schooling---we thought the same thing as well.
The best homeschooling blog by far is Melissa Wiley's. You two would get along very well.
I'll make sure Wendy sees this post and I'm sure she'll email you.
Posted by: Steve the LLamabutcher at July 13, 2006 02:29 PMYou'll do great! The Boy seems to have an insatiable love of learning, so I don't see how you can go wrong!
You go, girl!
Posted by: angie at July 14, 2006 05:36 AMWelcome to the club. I am going on my seventh year of homeschooling (whoa how did THAT happen)
Posted by: chris at July 14, 2006 06:41 AMI already thought you were cool, now you do this and I have to delurk! Don't worry, not a stalker, just excited for your brave new adventure. :)
Posted by: Aubergine at July 14, 2006 08:19 AMI was homeschooled from grades 2 to 12, and my husband from grades 1 to 12. We are both pleased with our education and plan to do the same with our own kids someday.
If it's any encouragement, my mom started homeschooling us in Aug. 1988 and had two more babies in Dec. 88 and March 89. And somehow, she survived (and will be starting her 19th year of homeschooling this fall!)
Best wishes!
Posted by: Neb at July 15, 2006 10:06 PMOops, I meant March 1990. ;-)
Posted by: NEB at July 15, 2006 10:07 PM
Jordana Adams, Chief Pontificator