WE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. I love homeschooling.
I know I've been terrible about updating this site... but frankly, I've been really busy and didn't feel like I needed to reflect upon what I was doing as much as I needed to focus on the moment. That said, I would like to share some of what I learned during my first year as teacher and student.
- It takes a few weeks (months even) to get into the flow, but once you do, your day is efficient and streamlined. Everyone knows what they need to do and they get it done.
- Homeschooling feels very organic and natural. Maybe at first you might feel a little phony (like you're "playing teacher") but after awhile, the role assumes you. In a funny way, I feel like I was born to teach.
- I have never planned more than I have for this coming year...
- I am learning to manage my time very wisely. I'm a busy woman! I teach in the mornings, take the kids to their activities in the afternoons, run a house, cook every meal, work as a photographer, all while traveling at least twice a month. I'm not going to lie, it gets a little crazy - thankfully, I'm one of those people that operates well under pressure.
- In complete contradiction to that last statement: Stay Flexible. Even though we are busy, there has been an unusual amount of flexibility in our schedule. Part of this is due to our line of work (photography). We've traveled to 15 places this year and have many more to come! It did make for year-round schooling, but for the most part that has been fine. So enjoy the perk of following your own calendar year and not the school districts!
- Always trust your instincts. Sometimes things work, sometimes they don't. Let go of what isn't working and move on.
- Keep researching other methods. There are a lot of valuable resources out there. You just have to find them!
- Take extra time when necessary. Everyone learns at different speeds. Don't feel pressured by a learning schedule. Some things will be picked up quickly and others need more time. That is okay.
- Be prepared. Plan out a few weeks in advance. You can always change things on the fly, but it is nice to be able to look ahead and even move forward if things are progressing faster.
- Enjoy going back to school yourself. I have learned SO much -- I cannot even stress how this blows my mind.
- Plan on answering a lot of questions. Your childrens'. Your friends. Your parents. It seems that homeschooling is rather foreign to most people. Many look at it as though it hasn't changed in the past 30 years, which is a sad misconception. I would say that 9/10 of my friends have straight up told me they could never do it. You will hear a lot of things like, "I don't have the patience." or "My children would never listen to me." or "I need a break from my kids." I've found the opposite to be true. In many ways, teaching your children at home is no different than parenting. It has created an even greater bond and awareness between all of us. I've learned so much about my children and myself and I truly feel blessed to have this opportunity. I can't wait to see where this next year will take us.
Up next... what worked and what didn't.
