For the last 4 years I find I am a little nutty the 2 weeks leading up to school. Last year may have been a little calmer ... only 2 going to "school" and the other 2 were homeschooled. I had a lot less supplies to gather, but then I did feel the first time pressure of lesson planning.
Some people have asked about our changes and I am not sure I can fully articulate our reasons for sending all the girls back to "school". I'll give it a try though.
A little history ...
We moved to our current state back in '05. In the years prior, they (I guess it was only the oldest 2) went to public school. We had a great public school that I did really like. Aside from {e}'s 4th grade teacher, I was pretty happy with the teachers and the school atmosphere. When we moved here, we were warned of the terrible public schools and in our incredible state of being hurried (finding out that we are moving halfway across the country and actually doing it within a 7 week time frame) we enrolled the three oldest in the nearby Catholic school. It was a big adjustment (for me mostly). While I thoroughly loved the Catholic teachings that my girls were given, I had grown a lot unhappy with the other education. As the parent, I felt I was the only advocate for my children. There was nobody who wanted more for my girls or who felt they needed help in certain subjects. It was incredibly frustrating to me.
Last year I decided to take 2 of my 4 girls (that were school aged) out of our Catholic school and homeschool them. Some people may wonder why I didn't take them all out. I guess I didn't feel smart or experienced enough. I wanted to ease into homeschooling and see how it worked out. The year was very good in so many ways. Seeing how my girls learned, understanding their strengths/weaknesses, and spending all that time with them was really wonderful.
So why would I change that????????
I am not anti-school. I guess there are a lot of homeschooling parents out there who are ... some who will admit it and some who don't. I never knew much about homeschooling before I tried it. In our old state, I just never knew anyone who took on that form of education for their child(ren). My current state has tons of homeschoolers. As a young married mother, I always thought I had a "plan", but now that just seems silly. Life comes at you sometimes and flexibility is key. I homeschooled because I felt it would work well for my girls and I needed to take action ... for their education and well being.
I think I would have continued to homeschool (at least {k}), but some different opportunities came up that I felt we needed to try. Some other homeschooling parents will say that God called them to homeschool and I admire their strong belief in knowing that. For me, I felt like God was calling me to make a change for my girls ... one that would involve acting in their best interest. I've done that before and I feel I am doing it again.
SO, my girls are all going to "school" this year. None of them will attend our Catholic school. The older two will go to one school and the 3rd and 4th will go to our brand new (just opening) public school. Even little {c} who is just "3" will go to preschool for 2 mornings a week. I am REALLY VERY EXCITED this year. I am also a little nervous, but I think that is normal with change.
This coming year also brings on a new role for me ... a 5th grade catechist . For a while now I have wanted to be more involved in our Church and in my faith. One day I got a call from the director of PRE (parish religious education) and she asked if I would prayerfully consider teaching. Actually she asked if my husband and I would like to team up ... she had just been to a current RCIA class and listened to my husband talk about his conversion. I told her I would accept, but my husband probably couldn't commit. We need one parent who could handle our crazy swim meet schedule during the school year. I am nervously excited for my new role. Of course if you feel like praying for me, I wouldn't mind one bit ;)
Well, there you have it. I was just going to say I have been busy, but I gave you a little more.
*Just another little note. I hope this doesn't come across as sounding negative or anti-Catholic schools. Really it is not.
**And another note. I know I am capable of teaching my children. No way do I doubt my abilities. I teach my children everyday, and I would homeschool again if I felt it was best.
Comments
I hope you enjoy being a catechist. I loved it when I taught the Jr students at our old parish.
I am sure you will all settle back in easily - even if it does start in the middle of August! Which wouldn't be a problem right now in the UK because they weather is terrible!! LOL!
I am also thinking of teaching CCD this year. I did it a long time ago and took a break.
SO go for it......I think your girls will be just fine.
Good luck! I wish there was a perfect school. I guess that would look different to everyone!
But I don't think everyone should hoemschool either. You do want you feel is best for your famlily and the heck with what everyone thinks.
Are the girls excited about the new school year?
Have fun doing the catechist gig!
I bet you'll love teaching at church. I'll be leading children's church once per month and I'm looking foward to it, too!
I hope each of your girls has a great school year. And good luck with teaching at your church! That sounds exciting!
{W}
If one of the goals of parenting is to meet the physical and spiritual needs of children...then I believe that is exactly what you are doing. Of my 6 siblings families, 2 families homeschool, 2 go to Catholic school, and 1 goes to public. The reason 1 goes to public is because they have identical twins and their Catholic school only has ONE class per grade. That wouldn't work for them. And , it turns out that their public school is terrific- challenging and exciting.
9 of my nieces and nephews have been homeschool. I wonder about 1 or 2 of them- whether it is a good idea. But the others? They are taking on the world...life is a big banquet of opportunity mainly because of the solid, spiritual education they received from homeschooling. Education is NOT a one size fits all. We need to have a variety of structures for children to learn since learners come in variety.
Yes!!! Be a catechist. Our Church needs you. If your husband can't assist you, find a high schooler to be your aide. I did that when I was a senior in high school and I loved it. I taught 5th grade for 5 years. They are a perfect, fun grade to teach.
Blessings to you and your new adventures.
I'm back to reading my regular blogs. Glad you posted about this. I was curious. I am excited for you this year. It sounds like you have made a good choice. I think a great benefit for having home schooled last year is that now you and the girls know what home schooling is like and know that if they are ever in the position that they need a school change, you would be willing to bring them home.
I struggle with the homeschooling choice. I am not anti-public school in general. I am anti SOME public schools though. We've had great ones, and we've had some really poor ones. It just depends. I take each child individually and assess, pray, and ponder what would be best for them. So far, this year we will continue education at home. Who knows? Next year may change. We'll see how it goes.
Anyway, I am excited for you. I hope this year will be fantastic for everyone!
Keep it up!