Alright, today we are full force back into schooling. Last week, we were back but lax and we didn't do all subjects every day. Well, today is going to start boot camp :) I'm glad my kids don't read my blog yet. They would be whining and complaining before we even got to school time.
The schedule has been extremely helpful in getting us all going and keeping order around here. The kids love knowing what is expected of them every day and they love knowing what we are doing next. Don't get me wrong, they don't like their chores or doing them. They just like knowing what is expected so they don't feel like I am throwing something at them.
Having them spend time with the Lord in the mornings has also been a great thing. It's one of those things that you know you need and you know they need but you forget what a difference it makes until you do it again. Remind me of this when I start to slip back into bad habits again. Well, according to my schedule, I only have 10 more minutes on the computer. So, I am going to sign off. Wish me good luck today (or better yet, say a prayer).
7 comments:
Hello,
I just happened upon your blog and I must say it is quite interesting. I am very interested in what qualifies you to home school your children. Do you have an education degree from an accredited university? Do you follow state curriculum? Do you feel your children will be prepared for the future?
Dear concerned educator,
What qualifies me to teach my children at home is the fact that I am their mother. I do not have an education degree (especially not from any accredited university), there is no such thing as a "state curriculum", and I absolutely feel my children will be prepared for the future.
I doubt you will ever read this comment due to the fact that it is anonymous and I have no way of returning the favor, but just in case there is my answer.
In fact, I would also like to add that if you did any research yourself, you would know that home educated children are usually ahead intellectually and socially.
Thank you so much for the comment that required no research on your part (just your own pre-conceived opinion).
I did not intend to offend you. I am well schooled in education and hold advanced degrees in Elementary Education, Education Psychology, and Educational Leadership. It always breaks my heart when I see children who are being denied an appropriate education. It is rather disheartening to see innocent children being denied such important opportunities to learn and grow. In case you need more information about standards and curriculum, feel free to visit your State Board of Ed.'s webpage: http://www.fldoe.org/
Dear Concerned Educator,
I am very impressed with the multiple degrees you hold. You may not have intended to offend, but you did. Again, there is no such thing as a "state curriculum". There are guidelines that I am well aware of. Every County and school has the flexibility to use whatever curriculum they deem appropriate. That same flexibility is extended to home educators. I already know the Florida State web site.
Your heart shouldn't break at all. Just because I am a home educator does not mean that my children are exempt from the starndards of the state. They are required to be tested by a teacher or SAT every year and that is turned into the state. In fact, they are way ahead of those standards!! I know many children who were home schooled until college and received full scholarships to fully accredited colleges. You are welcome to check out my first post where I list the reasons I chose to home school in the first place. One of those reasons is because I was homeschooled and went to Public school from 7th grade on. I know the level of education from both methods. You should redirect your concerns somewhere else.
I do not plan to respond to you again and if you leave any more comments, they will be deleted. I do not need to defend myself to anyone.
You are absolutely right Cassie. She doesn't know you or your great kids. You are an awesome Mom and teacher!!!!
Some educators are very misguided and self righteous. You are smart not to answer her comments. We all have to make the best choices for our children and you are making the choice that is best for your family.
I have to say I felt really bad today when Allison wanted to spend the day with me today when I dropped her off to school. I told her I had to go to "work" (internship) and we could have a date this weekend. It melts my heart when I can't be with the kids every day. At least now I am home every night and not taking classes. Steve loves it because now I make dinner every night (instead of him making it). The kids were getting kind of tired of his cooking too.
I wish I could still stay at home with the kids, but I feel God is calling me to the classroom. I know I will be making a difference for the students in my classroom and with my own kids at home.
Dianna
Dianna,
Thank for the wonderful comment from a different perspective. You are doing a great job for your family as well. I know you are doing what God has called you to. You are going to be a great teacher!!
I admire you for home schooling your children. I have seen both ends of the spectrum. I have seen families that home school their children and the kids go on to college and absolutely flourish.
I have also seen close friends that homeschool their older children out of convenience, i.e; cheap childcare for their young ones. The results were disastarous.
We tried to home school my son for a couple of years, and later learned he needed extra help that we couldn't offer him, so he is now in a charter school and excelling.
Anyone who reads your blog should be able to tell that you are going about this the right way, and have all of the right intentions. People tend to lump every person that home schools into the same bucket and it's just not fair. When we took our son out of school, the worst opposition was from educators. But.. some of our best encouragement ALSO came from educators who know the education system is broke in many ways.
Hold your head up girlie, and hold it high. You're doing the right thing for the right reasons. How can you fail? Answer... you can't.
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