Back to School 📚✏️🚌

This week my five kids returned to school. I expected it could be at least slightly chaotic as back to school week can be under the best circumstances. In fact it was peaceful.

Our school district gave 4 choices for school this year. Many people criticized me for sharing these with my kids and asking them what THEY thought would work best for THEM. Obviously we discussed all the known factors, including pros & cons. Many strongly suggested I should have picked for them. In the end one chose in person middle school, two chose remote learning at home following the in school schedule for the most part (my other middle schooler & high schooler), and my third & fifth grader chose homeschool. Everyone got up on their own, the middle schooler got himself dressed in his uniform (making sure he had enough shorts & shirts for the week) & made his lunch! The girls followed the schedule they had created & we worked together side by side downstairs while the older boys worked upstairs in their room, with their zoom classes & online assignments. They all loved the efficiency and finishing before their brother in school. But that one loves being with his friends & the independence of middle school. The girls love being able to take a break to play their piano any time they like. The big boys love coming down to take a play break with their new puppy.

For me the bottom line is that the experience underscores that when kids have some “buy in” they are more self motivated. When I contrast this with the drama of cajoling, meltdowns & coaxing of last year, not to mention the harriedness of getting five out the door to three different schools I amazed. Of course we have many weeks to go!

Also homeschooling again made me feel so grounded and provided purposeful interaction with my girls. They were younger when we homeschooled previously and I was more focused on the older boys. So the one on one is good for them. But I really appreciate them bringing the best of school home with the structure & methods & helpful tips. It’s really the best of both worlds.

Unfortunately this week my kids return to their father’s for the week and he plans to have his girlfriend with no homeschool experience teach them in violation of homeschool law. But I will be looking forward to our next week of school together and to watching them develop their knowledge and talents and personal responsibility.