Homeschooling

We began formally homeschooling L last January after she turned five. She was ready for so much more than preschool could offer, and her birthday fell such that she missed the deadline to start Kindergarten. G and I had some reservations about our local school, and so we decided (at least for now) to homeschool.

I don't think I fit into the mold of your typical homeschooler. I tend to see both sides of the coin when it comes to education. I can see many pluses and minuses to homeschooling, and the same goes for public schools. I had a very positive experience in public school, for the most part. I made great friends and I have a lot of fun memories. The most common concern raised with homeschooling is the "S" word...socialization. :) I have to admit that I have my concerns as well. But the question is whether that concern is large enough for me to ignore all of my other concerns with public school. Right now, the answer is no.

I have really had a fun time homeschooling this past year. I never envisioned myself doing this, and so I was pretty intimidated to start. I have a good friend in my ward who has helped me a lot. But mostly I just had to dive in to see what I was getting myself into. I'm surprised at how rewarding it is to teach L...to watch her grasp a new concept...or read a book that I never thought she could. It is amazing to watch her grow...and I love it! And I feel like I'm learning right along with her. It's just really fun!

The one drawback I have seen so far is that I RARELY get a break. I know most parents look forward to sending their kids off to school so they can have some quiet time to get things done. That doesn't exist with homeschooling. Grocery shopping, housecleaning, etc take place with ALL the kids...which can be very trying at times. There have definitely been moments when I've wanted to ship Liberty off to school in order to have some peace and quiet. But for now, it's doable and we're surviving. :)

As for socialization, I'm doing my best to keep her actively socializing with other kids. Aside from primary each week, we go to a weekly playgroup. We try to have play dates as often as possible (but this is more complicated during the school year when her friends go to public school). She is also involved in gymnastics. After the baby comes, she'll start ballet. We skipped soccer this year because of my pregnancy, but she wants to do it next year. I have to admit that as I watch my friends literally go crazy driving their kids to and from school, and then off to extra-curricular stuff, all the while trying to squeeze in homework and everything else, that I find myself grateful for the route I have chosen. Our days are relaxed for the most part and we seem to have more time. I'm really excited about how things are going. :)