Did you enjoy the Peach Salsa Layered Nachos I posted yesterday? They were delicious! We enjoyed a day of peach picking so that recipe was fresh off the press!
Week In Review
Since finding out that my four year old son did not get into either of the public pre-k classes that we applied for, I have taken upon myself to home school. (Gulp.) I totally said it, home school.
I truly never imagined or thought of home schooling my children before. I was with my grandparents who watched me until the age of 2 or 3. Then off to a babysitter for the next years until kindergarten. I don’t have any memories of fun in between those times. My sister and I are nine years apart so I didn’t have a playmate only me. I was not a home school child.
Being a parent, my eyes are open to so many different ideas, concepts and experiences. Schooling being one of them. In my mind prior to parenting, I thought all kids did the same thing. They went to public pre-k, kindergarten then schooling but as I study more, I have realized there are many different options out there. What about private, home schooling, public, church based, Montessori, Waldorf? The list goes on and on. For me, I want to make sure that I know all the options available and that we choose the best option for our children. I don’t want to just place them in public school because everyone does so. I want to make a decision on each of my children’s individual needs.
Home schooling interest me because I can work with each child one-on-one. People pay top dollars to get that kind of teacher-student ratio! I love my children unconditionally like no teacher would which also gives them more opportunities across the board. If there’s a problem that needs to be addressed, I can take the time to work with them. It’s not rushed but nurtured. It also creates a close bond between all of us. These are just some of the reasons why I find it beneficial to home school.
Although I am excited to home school, I also have my fears. My biggest fear would be questioning if I’m doing everything right. I have no other prior experience teaching, except for reading many books, studying online courses and a few college early education college credits. I feel like I need for someone to tell me that I’m doing okay, that I can do this, that I can make it through. I want to know that I’m giving them an outstanding educational experience and one catered to them. It’s a lot of responsibility to home school! I admire the parents who home school all through the high school years!
To tackle my biggest fear, I reached out to the home schooling specialist for our state. She gave me lots of answers and great resources to start with. I also went to the library and pulled lots of books. I have been staying up late, reading, non-stop.
Now, I’m not saying I’m going to home school every year. What I am saying is that I’m committed to home schooling this year and the following year for my daughter.
On a blogger level, Mama’s may change yet again. From Kiddy Thursday to Home Schooling Thursday. I want to share with you my thoughts and experiences of home schooling. And PLEASE share with me yours too!
I’m also stopping my running challenge. I know…I did say stop. With this new lifestyle, I’ll have to make time for myself again but I can’t even fathom the thought of it now. I haven’t ran in three weeks and I need time to focus on what my family needs now. Will keep it on the side to continue, perhaps at the start of the new year.
Some of our fun this week:
Painting (an activity that can last at least an hour!)
Playing with magnetic, felt shapes.
Learning to take photos. Apparently my son thinks it’s important to take photos of food. Wonder where he learned that from?
Because we have been looking at houses, yet again this week…my menu is almost the same as last week. We weren’t home enough to eat all the goodies.
Monday: Slow Cooker Lasagna
Tuesday: Lime Chicken Quesadillas
Wednesday: Stir Fry Veggies over Rice
Thursday: Bacon tenderloin with green beans
Friday: Pizza
Saturday: Pasta with peas
Sunday: Fish sticks (homemade) with homemade spicy beans
So shout it out. Do you home school? Any advice?