Homeschool — An Update

When we started this crazy journey, I knew that one of the greatest challenges was going to be homeschooling my children. I never intended to be a home schooler. My kids went to a great school where they had strong teachers and marvelous friends. It was one of the toughest parts of our decision.

My early readers may remember that our homeschool journey got off to a rough start. I wrote about how difficult wearing a second hat really was. I was given a lot of sage advice after my meltdown share including taking an “unschooling” break and then learning when to say, as one friend put it, “plot twist” and stand up from the table and do something else. I’ll be honest. We are still struggling.

Newsflash: Homeschooling is Hard!

I love the going to museums 2-3 times a week part. That was always my dream when the kids were in school. We are good to talk about what we learned later that day and on our long drives, I will quiz the kids on facts, we’ve accumulated. “What is the capitol of Mississippi?” “What animal did we discover at the Sam Houston Jones State Park?” “Why did three pulleys make it easier to pull yourself up with more than just one?” So on and so forth. They are getting tons of hands-on history and science. I feel REALLY good about this part.

Also, I love that my kids are starting to see learning as fun again. I love that the kids are outside a lot more and that they are seeing each other as playmates again. I love, Love, LOVE that they, especially tween boy Sonny-Bunny, talk to us more. All of these things feel so right. But…

Here’s where I am still finding my way — establishing a strong routine for the other stuff. Math and spelling and grammar are important things to be drilled. As much as we may talk fractions while eating pizza (and we do) and as much as we encourage reading everywhere we go (again, we do), I know this does not replace regular reinforcement of these subjects. I worry that I am failing them.

We have gone in spits and spurts. It is hard to maintain a solid schedule when we move every 3rd-4th day. So I have been thinking hard about how to do better. A big missed opportunity is the drive time. We’re pretty good about getting good reading time then but I am going to begin having worksheets ready to go. And while handwriting is difficult in the car, spelling orally could be done while driving. Maybe I won’t hear “I’m bored” so often if they’re busy that way. Of course, then I will hear how “mean” I am but that’s a struggle for another day.

I Need My Homeschool Tribe

I am open to other ideas, especially from those who teach on the road or around other non-traditional hobbies/lifestyles. And as I posted last time, my hat(s) are off to my homeschooling friends and all teachers everywhere. You are mighty!