It just keeps snowing and snowing outside our windows, and I have to admit that I love the beautiful soft white stuff as long as I can stay inside where it's warm and cozy. School was canceled today and as much as I was looking forward to spending time at a new friend's house, I am happy to not be out driving today. I am worried about the panda and hope he makes it home safely this evening. Snow days like this are a nice reminder of what life could be like if we decide to homeschool. The boys have been keeping themselves busy playing and my oldest loves to sit and work, without me even suggesting it to him. He has been writing sentences and short stories, getting the majority of the words correctly spelled. I gently help correct the mis-spelled ones when he brings them to me to read. I love that he enjoys writing and working in workbooks. My younger one has even recently taken a liking for workbooks and although needs a bit more supervision, seems to catch on quickly. They are both also attempting to read and we spend a lot of time snuggled up on the couch together with books. It's funny because the other day, my younger one was staring at me intently as I was reading quietly to myself. Eventually he asked what I was staring at. Ha! It had never dawned on me that he thought I was just staring at the page and didn't realize that I was reading in my head. It's wonderful how each day my children give me a new child-like perspective that I have over time lost as an aldult. I love that I am able to learn right alongside of them, each day discovering something new myself.
I am re-reading John Holt's book "Teach your Own" right now. I have read all of his books, but it has been years, probably since before having children.. so I am trying to re-fresh my memory. I am also looking forward to visiting with a friend this weekend who homeschools her children, hoping that if I spend time talking with someone who is actually doing it that it will lesson my anxiety. I know we still have time to decide, but the school year is already half over and it is a decision that I don't want to be making days before having to decide whether or not to re-enroll my oldest in school. I want to feel a confidence one way or another before getting to that place. I have always felt more lead to an unschooling or relaxed homeschooling method. I have no interest in doing the same exact things he would be doing in school, only at home. I think there are so many other ways in which to learn, but I worry with Ohio's laws and required test-taking if I will be able to homeschool in the way I want to.
I really could use some input, book suggestions, and personal experience stories! Anyone reading, please feel free to respond on here, or send me an e-mail.. I would love your input. :) Thanks!
Here's my input, for what it's worth. Follow that intuition that doesn't want to replicate what the schools are doing--what would be the point of home/unschooling if you did? T R U S T your children, and yourself and your family and friends and communtiy to provide inspiration, to facilitate, to nourish, to make mistakes and opportunities for self-examination--it's all good and valuable. Listen to the same voice that guides you spiritually--it will help you know that you are doing what is right for you and your children.
ReplyDelete