Amy and her son on their first day of school |
Today, I’m going to kick-off a new series on homeschooling. Given the many, many questions I get about it all the time, I figure people want to know what is homeschooling really like?
We’re going to keep it honest here. Homeschooling isn’t easy. It’s not always fun. But hopefully, these posts will show you why some of us choose to stick with it.
At the same time, it’s not for everyone! I’m all for putting your child in the best school for your child. I would never tell someone to homeschool if they weren’t convinced it’s what they’re supposed to be doing. Trust me, these posts will never be preachy. I just want to give you a realistic glimpse into the homeschooling world.
For my first post, my friend Amy Hall graciously offered to blog about her first year of homeschooling–which is this year! You can find more posts by Amy here: http://blessedtobemeagain.blogspot.com/. Amy is the myMISSION PIEDMONT Coordinator, Piedmont Baptist Association.
And now, over to Amy!
First-Year Reflections
by: Amy Hall
Nine weeks into homeschooling and we have yet to fit the stereotypical homeschool family mold. It was never my desire to homeschool (it was my husband’s, but my son has a couple life-threatening food allergies that made us think twice about his education) plus we only have one child (far-cry from the Duggars). Then, I never spent hours reading the homeschool books, blogs and websites before making our decision (which I probably should have done a little more research beyond our State laws). Nor did I really compare curriculum before purchasing ours as God kept leading us to one company.
Jennifer Major says
If I can make it through the next few years and NOT have to homeschool? I'll be fine.Although, for American history, there's a FINE film we'd watch…that's right…Last of the WHAT?
Heather Day Gilbert says
Yes, Jennifer…Last of the MOHICANS is an important book! You know tons of history–you're always telling ME stuff! Interesting Canadian stuff…
Faith E. Hough says
I love that homeschooling is so different for everyone who does it! We're several weeks into our first official year and having a blast. (No, not literally…thank goodness our science experiments have not yet exploded. 😉
Jennifer Major says
Did you know that there should be a direct flight between NB and WV?? Sniff. :S
Heather Day Gilbert says
Yes, I agree, Jennifer! And Faith, so glad it's going great for you! As I said above, I remember that first year…I did loads of research, etc., but it's always fun learning how your child learns best. We did Sonlight that year.
TC Avey says
So glad you shared this!I have a few years left, but I need to start preparing myself. It's good to read these blogs, it helps me understand what I'm getting into. Sometimes I doubt myself, but then, I remember God can do anything. I'm not in this alone!Thanks ladies, really enjoyed!
Becky Doughty says
Aaaah, home schooling. It's changed my life. It doesn't always FEEL like we're doing the better thing, but if I can step back and look at our daughter from a distance (translate: objectively), I can see that it IS what's BEST for her. Hard, yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Thank you for sharing, ladies. It's good to know that we're not on this journey alone – albeit varied and unique for each of us.Blessings,Becky
Gwendolyn Gage says
Hi Amy! Homeschooling is a huge investment and commitment–I know that all too well as I was homeschooled during my highschool years while overseas. Maybe that's why homeschooling scares me a little, lol! I was a homeschooled teen, I know how homeschooled teens are. But I'm still considering it as my son approaches kindergarten in a few years. I live in a small town where there are no private or Christian schools, and I cringe at the thought of putting him in a public school. I am bathing this in serious prayer. Thanks for your testimony! :-)Bless you Heather! I like the idea of a blog series. Homeschooling is definately a topic I'm interested in reading about. You go girl!
Amy says
Faith and Becky, I had no clue how different homeschooling was for each family until I started meeting other HSing families in our support group! It's so individual and customized based on the benefits and needs of the child! We're also doing Sonlight like Heather did her first year — it has been a true blessing and God-send! Everything has been clearly spelled out for us and we love the variety! Gwendolyn, I'm really curious to know what it was like for you as a homeschooled teen (the challenges and blessings of it as well as how it has affected your life and things parents should consider when it comes to homeschooling in the teen years, etc….lol–Heather, potential post??). Am sure you view homeschooling in a totally different light after being homeschooled yourself! Keep praying about homeschooling your child! I've been learning a lot from my teacher friends and when I hear how their day is structured in elementary school, it helps me see that we're doing similar things except in 1 1/2-2 hrs instead of 6-7 hrs/day without all the outside influences. Heather, can't wait to read more about homeschooling besides your snippets on FB! Thanks for going this route!