Reflections on a year of Homeschooling.

It's hard to believe, that it has only been a year since we started homeschooling.

The fort Theo built during our first weeks of homeschooling.

I can barely remember what life was like when we were chasing off to school every morning, and I am thankful for that. I have always known (since making the decision to pull out of public school) that this was the right educational path for my son- but that's not to say that it has always been easy. He is a difficult child to deal with- a lot of the time. So it puts a lot of stress and worry on me, which at times makes me not want to homeschool any more. But then God always shows up, and reminds us of why we are homeschooling. Because it's worth it, and because it's the best thing for my son, and my family.

Eva testing her sense of touch.

It has been great to have Eva join us as an official Kindergartener this year. Last year, she was kind of on the outside. She participated sometimes, but never really owned it. We have come into our own. We have a rhythm. We are learning how to read each other better. We are learning curriculum but even more than that- learning how to love learning for us. (I include myself because of course I am learning right alongside the kids.) The number of resources, and activities that are offered to my children is astounding. I feel so spoiled, especially because I get to participate in so much of it.

We have met so many amazing families through homeschooling. There is a community of people out there, that prior to jumping into, I had no idea even existed. I always thought that homeschoolers were socially isolated, but I'd have to say that is the farthest thing from the truth! There are many weekly get togethers, and these I cherish. Not only are my children developing healthy relationships with peers, but I have the opportunity to develop true friendships with their parents. It's a win win situation!

I feel SO IMMENSELY blessed to have found the Distributed Learning program that we are enrolled with. The teachers and co-coordinator are truly amazing. Portfolio meetings are the best. My child gets the undivided attention of the teacher for a whole hour. My children read to and show their teacher all the work that THEY have done, all the things that THEY have learned. It just feels so right to me. I love being on the inside. I love not feeling at the mercy of the teacher to find out how my children are doing. I know how they are doing because I am doing it along side of them. Learning is such a beautiful thing. That's why I became a teacher. I never would have thought that my teaching career would end up looking like it does today, but I am so thankful for it.

So that's it people. I love home learning. I'm not trying to brag, or frown upon the system. I just love what we are doing, and feel so thankful to have taken that leap of faith one year ago, to try it. I can't imagine our lives any other way.