Homeschooling.
If you are anything like me, you have a few preconceived ideas of what that word means. Up until about 6 months ago, it held very different connotations to me than what it does today. There's a certain stigma surrounding those 'homeschooled people'. Growing up, I always felt a little sorry for kids who didn't get to come to school (even though I begged my mom all through grade 6 to homeschool me. She said no, because we'd clash).
I think my husband and I have come to a decision to give homeschooling a try. I feel very convicted about it, at least in the early years. I would love to say that I will be doing it for the rest of my childrens' school-aged years, but I've learned that I am only capable of following through gracefully if I take things inch by inch.
I wanted to share some of our convictions and also some of our concerns. One thing that has become very apparent to us in the last four years is that life is short, and these boys are growing up so fast. Family and family time means a lot to us and from what I've heard and read, school takes a lot of the 'time' out of family. I also think that the first few years of school lean towards a feminine approach to schooling. Which is fine, but each of my kids learn completely differently and I could see them both thriving and deflating in a structured classroom setting.
We have also come to realize that Christian education is really important to us. Our kids are impressionable. Fact. I could get into all the different types of curriculum that I struggle with in the Public/Catholic system, but I think it's sufficient to say that biblically-based teaching is where we want to start our kids off. If we can build their foundation biblically, then hopefully, in the later years they will be able to make wise decision with discernment.
I do, however, have some reservations. My biggest one being that I don't think I can do it. My patience often leaves a lot to be desired and I have a hard time being disciplined and sticking to a schedule. Now, I know that one of the best parts of homeschooling is that you're not tied down to a schedule, but one of the funny things about me is that I need consistency in the things that I need to get done, or they won't get done at all. Also, there's the whole social aspect of homeschooling (a pretty huge discussion on its own).
I am also having a really hard time finding a curriculum. I know that I want it to be a little more structured and follow the Ontario curriculum a little more closely than most of the ones that I've been finding. (Like I said, I need structure) But, I also want it to be a Bible based curriculum. Any thoughts/ideas/resources???
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