I've been looking forward to this summer. I've got the next year of school mostly planned out, books ordered, etc. We are expecting little woo 4 in December, so I've dedicated this summer to relaxing, having fun and enjoying the summer and time with my kids. This momma needs it. So far we've been enjoying the wading pool and water squirters, the park, the mountains, some fishing, and riding bikes. We are looking forward to a road trip in August to visit grandparents. I'm laying low and have nothing planned, it should be great!
Onto another topic about homeschool in general. When I tell people we homeschool, often I get a question like the following, "What online school are you using?" I'm not sure this generation understands what homeschooling really and truly is. I really don't. Online schooling (more traditionally, public school at home) is NOT true homeschooling. Why should this bother me so much? Well, not that I care what people think in general, but a person likes to be recognized for how she truly lives her life. Homeschooling is our lifestyle. We do it all on our own. We choose and research our own education style and curriculum, and we pay for it all by ourselves without favors from the government. ALL of our resources are self-funded and no one tells us how to educate our kids, what they should be learning, where they should be, etc. It's hard work, and it's frustrating work sometimes. We don't get a free computer, we don't get to just put our kid in front of the computer and just be there in case they need help every day, while another person educates them. While at some point during overwhelming transitions in my life, the idea was tempting to me, ultimately our current philosophy comes with a lot more sacrifice. We are true homeschoolers, our kids' school is at home, NOT at the public, charter, or private school through an internet line. Capiche?
People asking what online school you use to teach at home is similar to asking a Mount Everest expeditioner what vehicle they use to get to the summit. It's hard to comprehend actually climbing the mountain using strong boots, a walking stick and harnesses. The uniformed may believe the climbers use helicopters and hummers to get there. They don't understand it takes physical effort -- pure grit. The same is true of a TRUE homeschool mom. Physical effort, ingenuity and self-identified resources are used to tailor the academic experience of each child.
ReplyDeleteThat kind of work makes a summer break more meaningful. It also creates the discipline of planning and execution for summer fun, too.
Good job!