I homeschooled my five kids for 12 years until in 2016 my oldest decided to attend public school entering 6th grade middle school. Homeschooling is so great. It was actually my once husband who proposed the idea when my oldest turned 3 and I was researching preschools. I learned all I could, got involved in a great homeschool moms group in our then hometown Denver, and dove in. I learned so much along the way from all the veteran homeschoolers out there. It was a wonderful way to learn together and connect as a family. Especially in those young years it is so meaningful for kids to engage in hands on learning. We went on field trips that showed how people do different jobs. We spent countless hours at the science and natural history museum. Actual homeschooling is Not what we finished last school year with, remote public school. But I wasn’t finished! There were so many more subjects I wanted us to explore together!
It seems now I may get my chance! Our Collier County School District has offered several choices for online school as alternatives to in person attendance and included homeschool as an option. (Actually homeschool is always an option under our Florida homeschool statute. (See my legal website, meganmkellylaw.com for more information on that.)) I know all the teachers whose heart is teaching and the students (which, honestly, here in Collier County, is 99% of those I’ve encountered) and administrators are doing their very best given the circumstances we currently face.
My oldest decided from the beginning to do the online scheduled school. He entered our 2500 student high school last year, rising at 5:30 am to make it to the school bus. He was relieved when COVID caused school to be conducted remotely!
My two oldest boys actually surpassed me greatly in weight & height during the lockdown and e-learning period because they were able to sleep more!
My four youngest originally wanted to homeschool but then I had a 50%attrition rate before I even began when the other two boys decided to: (1) go to school & (2) do the less scheduled remote school. That’s ok! I want them to learn in the best way for them.
But I am SO excited I get to homeschool my two girls, 8 & 10. So I ordered our books& as soon as their workbooks arrived they were off & running on their self directed program, 3rd & 5th grade!
We saw Bella’s teacher at church on Sunday & she was excited about this opportunity for us.
Who knows what can happen in these uncertain times? I choose to be grateful for slower time that allows for family & another chance to homeschool, whether for a semester or school year or more. Like all parenting, we just have to go with the flow. As much as I want to open up my children’s heads & pour in all they need to know, I realize it is not like that. Grateful for these individual souls who do not belong to me but whom I get to be with. They amaze and delight me everyday…and, yes, occasionally flabbergast & frustrate needs.
Notes From Real Life 