Socialization

We've all heard it before: the big debate about homeschooling and socialization. Every homeschool parent has been confronted numerous times with this argument. I thought that as we start a new year in school we could talk about ways to actually help your children along socially.

Most homeschool families don't need to worry too much about this as my experience has been that homeschool families are generally very community minded and active in church groups.

Here are just a few things we can do to help our children:

• Organized sports such as Little League
• Community groups
• Church groups
• Scouting
• Homeschool groups
• Play groups
• Music lessons

Homeschooling can be a luxury if you look at it from the stand point that you get to choose where and when and with whom your children socializes with. We can offer a variety of people and experiences for our children to enjoy!

Homeschool Readiness

There are some great articles right now online, in magazines and the daily papers regarding back to school topics. Some give you tips on staying close to your kids, being active in the education process, homeschool vs. private or public school, staying organized, helping with homework and more.

We found a site that has some great new articles on getting started if you homeschool. Even seasoned homeschool families may be looking for new ideas or solutions to certain aspects of their experience.

Another helpful article talks about homeschool supplies for students. Sometimes we may think that we, as homeschcool parents, may be off the hook for back to school shopping. In a lot of ways, we are. However, it helps a day of homeschooling go so much better if we have what we need in the way of school supplies and if we are organized about it. Nothing interrupts the learning experience quite like a trip to the store when a little planning could have gone a long way.

End of the year?

Let me just start by saying that I am rarely on "schedule" with my homeschooling. I start the year in the fall so well with new curriculum and excited little minds. Then this time of year comes when everyone else is finishing up and we are still plugging away. I must not mind it so much or I wouldn't repeat the ritual year after year.

This year it is bugging me a little more. I am having some concerns. My soon to be 7th grader is going to start taking some electives at the junior high. This means less time with him. Slowly he will integrate into a full time high school schedule (that's the plan for now anyway). I am already having withdrawals. :)

Second, I wonder how long I can keep homeschooling and keep my sanity. For so many years I never took a break for myself other than the occasional dinner with a family member or one of my few close friends. While I appreciate these short breaks I have found that they are not enough for me now. I need some space and in a big way. I love my children, I love that we have homeschooled but I still have a two year old (soon to be three) and the thought of continuing on for all of the years involved puts me into a slight depression of sorts.

Perhaps I will make more scheduled breaks. The problem is that for that to happen someone has to take care of the kids so I have to impose on someone and that means someone has to miss work. It also seems to take a lot of money to take "breaks". I just came back from a trip and realized that most cities even charge for parking no matter where you are. It was an eye opener and made me realize how little I actually get out.

My solution is to save my pennies, get coupon happy, manage my time wisely and find small ways each day to have little breaks while building up for the real rejuvenating breaks that I seem to need. When the realization that these breaks were needed came to my attention I felt guilt and shame and really I felt selfish. Then I realized that it is a mid-life crisis of sorts because for 15 years other people and things have come first. Big mistake. That was unwise on my part. For now, instead of completely freaking out I will just choose to make little changes here and there in hopes that the overall picture will improve with homeschooling. What I know for sure is that my kids are better off for having been homeschooled thus far.

For anyone who reads this, forgive me for thinking out loud. Blogging is great therapy! lol

Homeschooling in Summer?

As the end of the traditional school year approaches I have wondered how many families continue on with homeschooling during the summer months. As for our home, we continue our learning all year. We take breaks when we see fit and have that luxury because there is no set time frame. We are lucky to use a curriculum that allows us 12 full months to complete what is needed. I like knowing what milestones are expected at what times so that I know they are getting what they need each year.

My worst fear is that something would happen to our family that would cause our children to have to suddenly be put in public or pivate schools and not be fully prepared or feel inferior to their classmates. I think that parents who think they know better are at risk of having children who could be put in this situation and feel less than, as if they don't measure up. Why would you want that for your child. If you know the expected milestones, that is just one stepping stone and then you can add upon that to reach your families personal educational goals.

Keep in mind that this is just my opinion but I don't believe that learning is limited between the months of September and May or June. I think that it is crucial for the brain to be in on an ongoing quest for knowledge. This prevents the three months of review that we all suffered from as public education children in a traditional school year. I am not anti public school in any way, I just don't think that they have all the answers. And I certainly don't believe that education is one size fits all.

So to all, I hope you have a wonderful summer of learning and excitement. When the days get too hot to be out having fun, please consider reading with your children or doing a science project before putting them in front of video games or a television show (yes, I'm guilty of it too, I never claimed to be perfect!).

Falling behind and trying to keep up.

Most things in my life have fallen a bit behind in the last 10 days. I think that perhaps I have taken on more than I should have but I am not ready to throw in the towel. I am hoping that the things I have chosen to take on will become easier to juggle and manage with time. Hopefully not much more time.

The kids are having a blast in school. They are having such a great level of success with their math curriculum that it warms my heart. They are also gaining increasing skill on the keyboard. They love history and science and they are great at reading. English and spelling are the challenges in our house. I am still trying to get creative there.

Hopefully we can keep juggling all the different aspects of life and not let education suffer. It will be interesting to see where things take us in the next month. I had someone e-mail me a wonderful quote today:

"Nothing is easier then being busy, and nothing is more difficult than being effective." I have no idea who the author of this quote is but isn't it the best reminder?

A day of games.

Due to most of our family being ill for the past few days we have decided to ditch church tomorrow and have a family day of relaxation and games. We are all very excited to take a minute out of homeschooling rejuvenate for the new week. We have a lot to accomplish this coming week so it will be nice to have a day that is fun and relaxing instead of sick and relaxing.

Fall Harvest Activity

Today after the kids had technology class we drove north a bit for a homeschool group activity. It was a fall harvest activity and fit went great. Sloppy Joe's and drinks were provided and we were all asked to bring salads and desserts.

After we ate the kids were put into four groups. Two groups did different activities on the lawn (we were at a park), one group made cute turkeys out of pine cones, feathers and pipe cleaners, and the other group went on horse drawn wagon rides.

The weather was wonderful and it was great for the kids to be with all the other homeschool kids again. The more we go, the more familiar the faces become and we are more comfortable. Next week they are lucky to have chess club. I am hoping that at least a few come out and join us for that. In the meantime, I need to hurry up and learn how to play chess so I can lead the group!