So, you wanna' homeschool...
January 18, 2010
It must be that time of year. Homeschooling is in the air. I notice this especially during our weekly library visit. I can't manage to visit the library these days without fielding requests from complete strangers. The conversations go something like this.
Mom - with a couple kids in tow: "Excuse me but I couldn't help but 1) overhearing you talk to your kids about all the books they're reading , 2) noticing how excited your kids are about learning, or 3) noticing that you're here during school hours with school-aged kids. You must homeschool."
Me - sitting at the library computer, madly copying down call numbers of books the kids want to get: "Um yes I do." I know... very eloquent of me.
Mom: "I'm interested in homeschooling because 1) I can't imagine sending my 4 year old off into the big, bad world next year for kindergarten 2) my 8 year old's needs are not being met by the school system (or some variation thereof). Can I homeschool my kids? Is it hard? Are there homeschoolers in this area?"
Me: At this point I launch into my homeschooling is awesome schpiel. Yes, you can do it and it's fun. It's legal, fairly straightforward and there are lots of us around. All while trying to scour the stacks for JUV HV 3486. 787 P78 1993 (I made it up, though I wonder if that call number exists in our library).
Maybe this time of year is when families re-evalute if school is working for their children or start to think about sending little Ryder off to kindergarten next year and can't fathom the thought.
I know my mind is on education these days. I recently got together for coffee with my friend Spring (who also homeschools) and we mostly shared stories of our children's learning adventures. She's so proud of her kiddos and I'm so proud of mine - we must of been quite a pair to overhear in conversation!
Maybe you're considering homeschooling. Or maybe you've been doing this for awhile. Either way I have a few resources I'd like to recommend:
- FIMBY's own homeschooling video. I put together this presentation to specifically answer the questions I receive during our library visits. Geared towards the early years with special consideration for Maine's homeschooling laws. Most of this is applicable though no matter where you live.
- Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning, I have seven words for this book. Where have you been all these years? This book is revolutionizing the way I look at our children's education. It is the confirmation of many things I have done so far and the promise of all the goodness that is yet to come. My friend Jamie of Steady Mom put this book in my hands and I am forever grateful.
- Fundamentals of Home-Schooling: Notes on Successful Family Living is one of the few homeschool resource books I own. I often return to it for inspiration and practical ideas to help my kids learn their x, y, z's in our relaxed, interest led learning family environment.
- I have one last homeschooling resource I want to share with you... but I'm keeping it a surprise for right now. It's something I'm very excited about but it is still in the works so you'll have to wait. But only for a couple more weeks. If you are new to homeschooling or even have been at it for awhile this resource is sure to be helpful.
What are your favorite homeschooling resources these days?
