We started off our year going strong using Sonlight Curriculum. Then I realized I didn't love it and pinpointed what I wanted to do differently next year. And then life hit me hard. Things got crazy, our family was sick for about a month, maybe the reality of caring for 4 kids ages 7 and under finally sunk in, I am not sure... But, I needed a new game plan.
An opportunity for our big kids to go to a co-op three days a week presented itself and I couldn't help but jump on the opportunity. The kids would go three days a week from 8:45-1:25, and be taught all of their core subjects and then sent home with homework to complete the other two days. When I heard that they had spots for my kids I felt like a 200 pound weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. Help had arrived.
I am excited for this change in our schooling this semester, but at the same time, I am sad. I believe with all of my heart that children being educated at home, taught by their mama full time, allowed to be taught to their own strengths and interests is the best educational choice hands down. Days spent around their kitchen table, playing with siblings all day, learning together... that is in my opinion the best case scenario.
But, sometimes you can't do what is best in every area of your life. Sometimes you have to settle for what is good. And I believe that for this season (or however long is necessary), that my kiddos being in a school type setting part time will be good. Maybe not the best, maybe not my ideal, but good.
So, our normal will be changed. There will be lunches to pack and the morning rush to get out the door. Homework to complete and teachers to check in with. It will be different. But, in this season, it will be good. This mama needs a little more breathing room and the opportunity to enjoy being a mom again. Time for puzzles with my three year old and banging on pots and pans with the baby. The opportunity to rekindle a love of teaching and being with my five and seven year old. A chance to refresh and recharge.
Yes, I think this will be very good.
You've got my support 100%!! Love you!
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you recognized what needed to be done and were willing to make the change! Your older children will be fine and the youngest will thrive on the attention from you.
ReplyDeleteI homeschooled my kids for preschool at home. I don't regret it. But I can say now that they are in school under another teacher's care, I feel like it opened me up to be a better mom. I wasn't as stressed out, and having time away from them made me appreciate them more and see them for the wonderful kids they really were. Sometimes you get so wrapped up in being their teacher that you forget to enjoy them as your children. At least that is how it was for me.
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