Mom Is Teaching

First of all, I know, I’ve started another big series on homeschooling which makes me look like a total fake with my support for public schools.  The difference is, the people who support public schools versus the number who support homeschooling is astronomical.  Does that mean that the number who support homeschooling is less enthusiastic, oh no, no no no, that is not how it works at all.

If you know any homeschooling families, it is easy to see that they are much  more passionate about it than most and notice  I said most public school supporters.  The reason being, or at least I think the reason for it, is that homeschooling supports feel more in control and thus support themselves in what they do.  Public school supporters are sometimes left to the decisions of a large group of people and their voice may never be heard.

So, I give you homeschooling family number 2.  So, the reason she chose to homeschool came after she gave the public school kindergarten a whirl and decided that too much missing from the education.  She then turned to her Bible where scripture explained the importance of teaching your children about the Lord when you rise in the morning, when you’re at home and throughout the day.  She says that was an epiphany for her.

She says she would never have attempted this without the support of her husband. He teaches Spanish which he learned recently at his job and together they teach math.  She says that sometimes the kids understand his way better than hers and others it is vice versa.

She is able to cater to each of her children, one learns best by feeling and touching and so she avoids workbooks, but their multi-sensory approach to math teaches him to grasp basic concepts like addition, subtraction and multiplication. 

She says that obviously she could have sent her kids to a traditional school and still taught them about their faith at home but homeschooling allows them to mix the two.  In order to meet state requirements, she keeps track of attendance and starting in the 2nd grade the kids are tested annually in grammar, reading, spelling and math. 

And, you know, we all worry about the social world, they meet every Wednesday with five to 10 homeschool families who organize events so the kids can play together.  One child takes an art class and plays sports while one does ballet and gymnastics.  They belong to a co-op that meets ever other week. 

Let’s just say, they stay busy…..I mean, really!