I do like the "Hip Homeschool Hop"...but I've never posted anything about our homeschooling story. Not for sure why...not really for sure why not. Maybe I've never felt there was a "story" to be told. Maybe because I wonder what people will think...and just maybe I don't really want to know. I'm still a newbie to this homeschool world.
I am convinced that choosing education for our children is of personal conviction. There is no one who can tell us what method/choice/option is "right" for our children except God, after prayerful consideration of the matter. What works for one family doesn't always work for another. Not every Christian is called to homeschool or choose a private school. Thank God this is so or our public school system would be that much worse off!
I try to support others in their choices for their children. There are pros and cons to every option of education known. We all need each other's encouragement along the way.
Alex and Tim each went to 2 years of preschool at a local church. School was 3 hours a day for 3 days a week. They gained so much from their years there and it was a blessing to see them grow up and accomplish what they did in those first impressionable years. Doesn't mean each day was easy. Tears were shed on more than one occasion...sometimes by me right along with them. But, when they each graduated from PreK, there was no prouder mom in the audience than yours truly.
There was one major reason for choosing homeschooling: to show the boys the world. It was not to shelter them from anything, but to expose them to everything the world has to offer. Preparing them for the real world, they had best be in it some along the way to learn what it's like.
Alex began homeschooling in Kindergarten. Those were some long days in that summer before school began praying we were making the right choice. Trying to be confident in our choice and not let the worry show, we entered the homeschooling domain in fall of 2008. It wasn't really worry about not attending public school, it was about choosing the right homeschool option. There are just a "few" to choose from and it can be quite overwhelming. Our option has been for Abeka Academy dvd program.
Tim began homeschooling this year in 1st grade. The church he went to preschool in offered Kindergarten last year, so he attended a 5 day program there with his friends from PreK. Funny thing was and is that I struggled with sending him there instead of homeschooling because of how strongly I felt about the teaching methods that Abeka uses in order to help K's get the foundation they need for a great education. As he is working hard to catch up in reading this year, I try not to wonder too much if I set him back by choosing one option over the other. It is important to live as much as possible with no regrets. Nothing to do now, but go on and make the most out of every day we are given.
We love Abeka Academy. Most importantly, Alex and Tim love it. No, it might not be a "standard" method for homeschool...I am not the one doing everything. I do not feel led to be one who does everything. Teachers are teachers for a reason and if they do their job well everyone benefits. The boys have a classroom. They have a teacher. They have classmates. I have a schedule. I have responsibilities. I have input. We all have freedom.
It works for us.
I am convinced that choosing education for our children is of personal conviction. There is no one who can tell us what method/choice/option is "right" for our children except God, after prayerful consideration of the matter. What works for one family doesn't always work for another. Not every Christian is called to homeschool or choose a private school. Thank God this is so or our public school system would be that much worse off!
I try to support others in their choices for their children. There are pros and cons to every option of education known. We all need each other's encouragement along the way.
Alex and Tim each went to 2 years of preschool at a local church. School was 3 hours a day for 3 days a week. They gained so much from their years there and it was a blessing to see them grow up and accomplish what they did in those first impressionable years. Doesn't mean each day was easy. Tears were shed on more than one occasion...sometimes by me right along with them. But, when they each graduated from PreK, there was no prouder mom in the audience than yours truly.
There was one major reason for choosing homeschooling: to show the boys the world. It was not to shelter them from anything, but to expose them to everything the world has to offer. Preparing them for the real world, they had best be in it some along the way to learn what it's like.
Alex began homeschooling in Kindergarten. Those were some long days in that summer before school began praying we were making the right choice. Trying to be confident in our choice and not let the worry show, we entered the homeschooling domain in fall of 2008. It wasn't really worry about not attending public school, it was about choosing the right homeschool option. There are just a "few" to choose from and it can be quite overwhelming. Our option has been for Abeka Academy dvd program.
Tim began homeschooling this year in 1st grade. The church he went to preschool in offered Kindergarten last year, so he attended a 5 day program there with his friends from PreK. Funny thing was and is that I struggled with sending him there instead of homeschooling because of how strongly I felt about the teaching methods that Abeka uses in order to help K's get the foundation they need for a great education. As he is working hard to catch up in reading this year, I try not to wonder too much if I set him back by choosing one option over the other. It is important to live as much as possible with no regrets. Nothing to do now, but go on and make the most out of every day we are given.
We love Abeka Academy. Most importantly, Alex and Tim love it. No, it might not be a "standard" method for homeschool...I am not the one doing everything. I do not feel led to be one who does everything. Teachers are teachers for a reason and if they do their job well everyone benefits. The boys have a classroom. They have a teacher. They have classmates. I have a schedule. I have responsibilities. I have input. We all have freedom.
It works for us.
Hi, I stopped by from the Hip Homeschool Hop. I think one of the best things about homeschooling is having the option to find what works for your family no matter what it is.
ReplyDeleteJanet,
ReplyDeleteI don't think that I have ever posted our full homeschool story either - How funny. I loved reading yours and am so glad that you linked up to the HHH today! :)
Blessings to you,
Sue
The Homeschool Chick
Thank you for sharing! :) We used ABeka for years, but finally changed this year to a completely put together curriculum.
ReplyDeleteWell said. WE agree on many points. I use Abeka K5 phonics as the follow up to another program I love for phonics. We then switch to My Father's World beginning in first grade.
ReplyDeleteLoved what you said about it being good that all Christian parents don't make the same schooling choices for their children. I believe God will use ALL Christian influence to advance His kingdom. So our children will have an impact, yes. But so will the Christian children who attend traditional schools.
Thanks for stopping by today.
blessings,
Toni
Janet, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story of entering into homeschooling. One can only follow God's callings in our lives. Janet, it sounds to me that you and your children are enjoying the journey. Great job!!! I feel I am getting to know you through this website....smiles.... Take care and I look forward to seeing you Monday at PBC. We have a great group and I am so enjoying this bible study. Cindy
ReplyDeleteI admire and applaud all you young Mothers who are trying to forge a solid pathway for your childrens future.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Good for your kids!