Monday, August 13

school, and such

Selfish. Unable. Afraid. Sheltering. Possessive.

These are words that people have used to describe our decision to keep Aaron at home for first grade.  Interesting. Thankfully, a wise person once told me, when I was pregnant with Aaron, to decide who we were going to listen to as far as advice and then smile at everyone else but ignore them.  It was good advice.

The journey to home education has been a strange one.  I'm a teacher, born of teachers, and it would make sense to just follow the traditional education path for our kids.  It all started with a class, audited after I had already graduated with my degree in education.  It was a class about homeschooling.  It was then I learned about the classical model of education as a feasible and desirable option, and was more than intrigued.  I'll save the long rest of the story.

We're going with Classical Conversations.  There is a new community starting in Midland, and it seems like a good fit for us - some "classroom" for Aaron, one day per week, (with six other 6-7 year old boys!) and all the benefits of a classical education, along with some excellent guidelines and accountability for me.  We'll continue with Singapore Math and our current reading program, as well as adding in some Bible curriculum that I've really wanted them to be exposed to.

I'm excited, and a little bit scared.  There will be a four year old needing a little preschool and a baby who will just be walking and into everything soon.  There are details to work out, but we'll cross that bridge.  Soon.  And God gives grace, as much as we need, appropriate for moms who send their kids to a traditional school or moms who take on the schooling themselves.

But I do know this - it's what God has called us to do.  Called me to do.  And I can let those ugly words roll off my back - by His grace.  He is continually reminding me that these are the children He has given me,  and there is a lot to learn about them, a lot left to discover - and for now, we are to do that in conjunction with home schooling!

7 comments:

Mary Ann said...

Not that you need afirmation from me, but good for you! God has given these children to you & your husband; you are accountable only to Him & as long as you seek to obey His guidance, you're good!
I'm intrigued by classical education too, but I have to admita that I don't know that much about it. I'm glad that you have that group to work with.
Have fun!

pamela s said...

I can relate to a certain extent, but because we have chosen a public school education for Maleia, so the attitudes we get are a bit different. This year is only 2 days a week and then we will go from there. No matter what education you choose for your child, the parent must be at the helm of the ship guiding it.

Suzanne said...

My good friend does Classical Conversations and loves it! I hope you have a great year! I'll be praying for you and all the other homeschooling mom's I know!

A Dusty Frame said...

Hope your year is WONDERFUL!
I'm sorry people made crummy comments :(

Lizzie

Mom and Dad Muth said...

Praise the Lord for the opportunities that we all have in choosing our children's education. I'm sure that your family will benefit with your choice. If you can handle it, wonderful; and if it's too hard, you can always change your mind and change next year. May God bless you in your endeaver. Love, Mom Muth

Busch family said...

We are doing CC this year too! I'm so excited, but definitely nervous too. There are so many details to work out, and sometimes I feel like I have never been busier in my life (which is probably true!), but I know that this is what we are supposed to do for now, and am thankful for God and His gracious provisions to us. Thank you for reminding me that I am not alone in my boat! :)

Unknown said...

You have to do what you think the Lord would want for your children, and what is best for them as you see fit. Ignore any other comments! The people that make them can also make their own choices for the education of their own children. :)

Being a teacher I can see the pros and cons of many types/styles of educating your child. Although I'm not in a position to make that choice (yet, if God allows), I do think it is important to research your options. Each child is different, each learns differently, and each will succeed in different situations!

Praying this year is one of smooth sailing, much learning, and TONS of memory-making experiences. :)