I suppose you can blame it on the prospect of sending Ironflower to afternoon kindergarten. We were informed at the kindergarten orientation that "not every child can be in morning kindergarten" and that some parents had already sent letters - from their lawyers - requesting morning kindergarten. We don't have a lawyer on retainer, so immediately I assumed that Ironflower would be an afternoon kid. My main reason for wanting Ironflower in morning kindergarten is that I would like to have both the older kids at school at the same time. Fortunately, the preschool MAY have afternoon pre-k next year. So I could get my wish. . . and have mornings to do fun things with my kids.
Because afternoons? Well, ChunkyMonkey has to nap. And usually, after a busy morning at school, so does Lovebug. Even Ironflower needs to decompress on school days. In the afternoon, my kids are kind of done with structure. They just want to chill. Which is fine. . .except that the teacher in me really wants to teach them things.
But if we had mornings together when they're all fresh and cheerful and haven't been beaten down by the man yet. . .er, I mean participated in quality educational programs. . .we could do so many fun things. And then I had this vision of homeschooling them.
Right now, all my former colleagues - with whom I used to teach public school - are probably staring open-mouthed at the screen. My mother is probably dialing my number, ready to say, "Oh, Jenny" just like she did when I told her I got a tattoo. And my husband is probably hoping that he's going to wake up from this bad dream.
I think I know one person who homeschools, maybe 3 people if you count bloggy friends. In every case, the parent made the choice because of her child's health issues. That, of course, has nothing to do with my choice. Nor does Christianity, because I'm about as far away from an Evangelical Christian as you can get without actually practicing Santeria. It has do to with me. And what I want for my kids. And my desire to be authentic.
I'm not saying I'm going to homeschool. I'm not even saying that I necessarily want to homeschool. I'm just saying that as a former public school teacher, I do understand the limitations of our current school system and the whole testing culture that has invaded. I understand how nasty kids can be (sure, there are nasty adults out there, but the percentage of nasty kids is far higher. . ..check out your high school classmates on Facebook and see if I'm right). I understand that even at the best high schools there is a lot of time wasted on busy work.
We live in an amazing school district - one that is a huge strain financially. And one in which I think people may focus on the wrong things. If we were a homeschooling family, we wouldn't need to worry about school districts. We would have so much more freedom in choosing where to live. . .and when to vacation. . .and when to take a trip to the zoo. . .and yes, what our children learn. And the teacher in me is filled with joy at that prospect.
What do you think? Would you homeschool?
11 comments:
Wow. I was one of your public school buddies, and live in a city where certain districts are closing 1/2 of their schools. If I could, I would, too. As far from evangelical as one can get, but you're right about he testing culture (Thanks NCLB-sarcastic-, as they take more fro learning in order to fit their semi-researched "norms") more focuses on that than the quality education of children, which most seasoned teachers have said has been flushed down the toilet. I am worried when my little bit goes to Kdg. next year. I'd rather she get the well rounded education of yesteryear than the stress of our economy and testing of today. Can you believe I said this?!?
I say more power to anyone who can homeschool their children.
I think homeschooling is a great choice for stay-at-home moms, especially with a teaching background. So much time in school is wasted on getting ready for tests that are so anxiety-provoking and useless. I would love to homeschool my kid, if I didn't have to work. If you're on the fence about this, a lot of pre-schools offer kindergarten, so you could probably find a morning kindergarten in a preschool and have another year to consider public school vs. homeschooling. Good luck!
Soccermom - Yeah, whether they'd actually listen to me might be an issue!
Nancy - That's a thought. I think the kindergarten program here is fine, so I'm probably going to put off the decision for another year anyway, though.
Carrie - We are lucky and I do plan to try it. It's not even necessarily about hating it as much as wanting better and more for my kids. I think you'd be a great homeschooler , but it really sucks that public schools in your neck of the woods aren't even an option.
Tammy - I had no idea that you'd thought about it! Wow. I wish I could move back so we could all start a homeschooling collective. :)
Glad I could help! I knew my tendency to yammer was good for something... :-D Too bad about the license though. The laws in NJ may be different from PA too. Even though I graduated as a homeschooler, I have a real high school diploma. In some states, you can only get a GED (not that anyone checks the difference any more).
.-= WordVixen´s last blog ..My, Those Dishes Smell Yummy =-.
Wordvixen - Clearly I have to investigate things seriously and not merely plan all the fun learning things we can do during the week when it's not crowded. :)
Silken - Thank you. And if I decide to do it, I will definitely be emailing you.
Silken - Thank you. And if I decide to do it, I will definitely be emailing you.
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