Today I was asked why we homeschool. I never quite feel that I fully answer this question when I am asked, there are so many reasons!
1. Learning at home means my kids never have to be the new kid. As a military family, they would be the new kids quite often. I really think this helps our transfer times (something that usually takes a total of six months form start to finish) much less stressful for them.
2. My kids have the freedom to move on or study more on a subject if needed because our learning is tailored to them. We also have an extra 5-6 months of time to spend on school since we don't have to take 2 week holidays twice a year, federal holidays, training days or summer vacation.
3. School shopping is fun! I love buying supplies and curriculum, trying new things. My kids play with educational toys and our house is full of them- more things that count as school supplies!
4. I get to chose what my kids learn. I do follow national standards but it is nice to be able to find individual curricula that actually works with my kids and still goes along with our families beliefs and morals. I personally do not homeschool for religious reasons so it is nice to find lessons that support secular homeschooling and I enjoy finding different secular resources.
5. The world is our classroom... literally!!!! We have homeschooled while living in three different countries, vacations are filled with learning and we have seen and done things some children only read in textbooks.
6. My kids' socialization is controlled. I am not a crazy mom who keeps my kids holed up in the house but friends do need to be approved of. Also, because I am home I am able to watch my kids and what they and their friends do so I can interject if there is anything questionable going on rather than find out through others parents, the principal or the police! I am happy that my kids get to be kids during their growing years- we talk about drugs, sex an other inappropriate behavior but I am happy that their chances of encountering these issues so young is very slim.
7. While we do have difficult days (or weeks sometimes!) I know that all of our hard work is well worth it. My kids are well adjusted and I love our happy moments that i would miss if they were gone 8 hours a day!
Shannon, I love your blog!! Especially the reasons you homeschool, I would say number 7 is the biggest reason for me:) Well most days, LOL teenager and a pre-teen keep me on my toes!! OH and ((HUGS)) to your family, with hubby gone you are one strong woman, cuz I couldn't do it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Michelle! You are very sweet :) I have a 13 year old and completely understand the teenager thing, ha!
DeleteAt least once a year I'm tempted to take on Homeschooling. I consider and weigh. Ack! What an accomplishment! And you are right, my kids are going to be the 'new' kids again for the second time in a year. :P That is not so easy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Blog. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, Bethanne. It is a big job, for sure! Like I had mentioned before we have days where both kids and I feel like throwing in the towel but we always seem to work it out. Good luck with your move and if you would ever like more info on homeschooling, feel free to ask :)
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