This week I am beginning the process of collecting my thoughts and supplies in preparation for our first official year of homeschooling. This is a little anticlimactic (side note: that word looks way stranger than it sounds) because in reality we've been "doing" school for years now, but at the same time it is a little daunting. What if I'm not really "teacher material?" What if we drive each other nuts? What if the dog eats my curricula? Should I just go ahead and pay for a box set, or keep with the beg, borrow, or steal approach to gathering information with which to educate? Will my kids grow up to be geeky kids with glasses (please no french braids) who are...gasp...unsocialized?!
About a month ago I filed my official "letter of intent" and received in return a manila envelope of paperwork from the local school district to be completed and mailed back for approval. Along with a copy of the rules and regulations concerning home education and a few official notices came an "Individual Home Instruction Plan." These two stapled pages are what have me researching the World Book's page on "Typical Course of Instruction for First Grade" and making stacks of
some of my curriculum sources.
Just when my hand begins to cramp and my youngest is approaching with a *very* precarious stack of board books, I look up to see my older two gleefully dismantling a broken VHS player with the help of our favorite "Randy" from across the street. They plan to make a machine that has "electrical power" to vacuum. Or maybe drive somewhere. Perhaps a decision can be made later.
You know, I think this will be a good year no matter what. Perhaps, for now, it's time to put down the pen, step away from the computer, and enjoy the education of my children. Plan free.
5 comments:
you are teacher material, you will fight (and go nuts), your dog will most likely eat some of your curricula but you got this! i decided to use a box curriculum this year because i needed it done for me and it really is! good luck with all the regulations.
I look forward to hearing how you handle "AIDS instruction" at the first grade level.
Susie: you only have to cover it once in the elementary years. phew! For now, we know the 7th commandment says not to "act like you're married with someone you are NOT married to," and that's good enough for me.
I had a much funnier reply all thought out last night involving whispering under my breath and then running away fast, but I forgot how I worded it, bummer.
I'm excited to follow your journey... since I'll likely be in a similar boat before I know it!
Love this post! =)
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