When I started in the online school program it took me about a week to realize that I was home schooling. Granted I have all the curriculum laid out for me, and a teacher to keep us on track and provide oversight. In effect, however, my daughter was home with me every day = Home school.

At first I sort of rejected the title of “home schooling” mostly based on my own stigma’s about labeling myself a “home schooling mom.” Those stigma’s has largely proved false, and I’m excited to learn about all the parents who are choosing to home school their children. I’m also totally blown away by the amazing curriculum that is available for home schooling parents.

Now I embrace being a part of group of parents that are taking charge of their child’s education. I respect that, and for me I NEEDED to know my daughter was being challenged, and she was just begging to learn.

I would love to hear your favorite curriculum programs for home schooling.

-CM

A “Typical” Day

Nov 14, 2012

This title is a bit of a misnomer, since in the two months that we’ve been doing this we’ve had very few days that end up as planned, and almost no two have been the same, and yet, I do feel like we’ve established a rhythm.

We were fairly lucky in establishing a “routine” within the second week of school. I’ve been told by other, more experienced, home-schooling mothers that it takes anywhere from a month to a year to feel like you know what’s going on. I feel like on most days I have a pretty good handle on what needs to be done and a plan on how to do it. Some days, it feels a little out of control. Continue reading →

Anxiety Rears it’s Ugly Head

Nov 13, 2012

Had conferences with our teacher today. It has been so strange when the teacher seems totally happy. Even the mere word conference sends my child in to a fit of anxiety.

I explained to her that today’s conference would likely be much different than most, because since she was home with me I could honestly tell her that she was doing splendidly. She did seems to calm down a bit after that.

We have moments every once in a while. It hurts to realize how much anxiety she was carrying about school on a day to day basis. Again, I am so thankful we’ve found this program.

Hope all is well in your conferences too.

-CM

Oh, you have a “Spirited Child”

Nov 13, 2012

How many times have I had someone say that to me? Many more than I can count.

I go round and round with that term. I haven’t decided if I think it’s condescending, an attempt at labeling my child in a positive way, or if it’s just another way to make her feel like an outsider. While I find that I’m constantly amazed by her academic skills, her maturity at least in a traditional school setting seemed to fall to the lowest common denominator. Continue reading →