We will be starting up school in five weeks. I honestly am not ready. I usually have things all planned out, every book ordered, and my school closet organized by now. Not this year. I am stalling! I need to get motivated, but I can't seem to wrap my mind around it yet. It seems we just started our summer break, even though we have enjoyed two months of it already.
I think I am in what some home school moms call burn-out. I have always gotten excited about the upcoming school year and what we would be learning. But last year and this year that excitement has eluded me. I think some of it can be credited to having Lauren and the high needs she has. School last year was chaotic at times. She was noisy, disruptive and sometimes down right naughty! But, what little baby/toddler isn't. Also, Jacob's dyslexia requires that I spend a lot of one on one time with him. I feel at times I am neglecting my other boys schooling. When I feel like this, though, I just have to remember that both Isaac and Caleb do very good at learning independently, with a little guidance from me.
So, in light of all this lack of enthusiasm, I decided to make a list of what I feel are the positive aspects of home schooling.
The joys of home schooling:
1) The close bond I have with my children
2) All the great books we get to read together snuggled on the couch
3) The freedom to rearrange our school schedule if we need to be out of town
4) Taking school with us when we are on the road, i.e. grocery shopping
5) Teaching about Gods word through out the day in every situation we face
6) Having my children home with me
7) Choosing what they learn and when they learn it
8) Being able to teach to each of the boys in the way that they learn best
9) Learning right along with them
10) Being able to work on character building at all times
11) Being right next to my sons when they learn a new concept and it "clicks"
12) Doing science experiments
13) Knowing that what my children are learning and hearing through out the day is God honoring
14) A closet stacked with new school supplies and books (I'm a sucker for new pens, pencils, crayons, paper and glue)!
15) The skill and discipline it gives each of us to learn on our own
These are just a few that I came up with but I would love to hear from other home school moms. What are some of the reasons you love homeschooling?
It's so hard to get back into the swing of things after summer is over. I probably will not be homeschooling Madi, but I see why parents do. It sounds like you do a great job.
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty great and inspiring list, Jenn! You are an awesome mom and teacher. :)
ReplyDeleteSending you a big ole heapin' basket of ((motivation)).
ReplyDeleteYou will get there....no stress allowed! :)