Over the past 3 years, I’ve gotten so many different responses when I tell people I homeschool. I always have silent responses in my head, too.
“Wow, you must be really patient!” (No, but I’m getting more patient everyday, thank God.)
“Oh, I could never do that!” (Yes, you could, if you decided that it worked for your family.)
“How in the world do you do that with 4 kids?” (I still have no idea, but somehow it all gets done.)
Thankfully, homeschooling has become much more mainstream now. Back in the 90’s, when I was homeschooled myself for a couple years, people immediately assumed you were a ‘denim-skirt wearing uber-conservative good girl” who had at least 10 brothers and sisters (which is not necessarily a bad thing, but still a stereotype all the same). Currently, there is less of a stigma attached to homeschooling families, as the families who choose to do so are as different as the reasons they make that choice.
As a homeschooling teenager, I enjoyed my lessons so much that I dreamed of homeschooling my own children some day. I had visions of peaceful tea times sitting together reading poetry or classic literature or perhaps taking our science class outside just because it’s much more natural to study biology right where it’s happening. Now those dreams are coming true, just sometimes in a more chaotic setting with a toddler and a 4 year old running around!
Here are some of my favorite things about homeschooling:
- Flexibility! Since we’ve had some times where I’ve had to take off a month or so during the traditional school year because of pregnancy/newborn period, I’ve ended up following a year-round schedule. I love that we just keep going and take week-long breaks as needed. If our family decides to take a vacation during the school year, we have all the freedom to do so and there’s less crowds!
- Slower mornings. Our oldest daughter did do a year of part-time VPK and let me tell you, getting kids ready to go anywhere in the early hours is just TOUGH, especially when there are little siblings running afoot. So you moms who do this on a daily basis, I’m in awe of YOU. I still like to have a routine and try to start school by 9:30, but if that doesn’t always happen, I don’t sweat it. With both of my school-aged daughters being younger elementary age, it takes us less than 3 hours to get everything done at this point. I do like to try to get it all done before lunch, if we can.
- Learning right along with my children. I’m an avid reader and one of those nerdy people who love learning just for learning’s sake. Sometimes our history lessons go way in-depth because my older daughters keep asking questions that I just need to know the answers to as well. So we spend some time Googling or even finding books or DVD’s at the local library about those subjects. If we need to make our spelling or math lesson a little shorter that day, so be it. We can always make it up tomorrow. With children’s quest for knowledge, I’ve learned you need to strike while the iron’s hot!
- Being involved. I get to see the lightbulbs come on in my daughters’ brains when learning new concepts. I’ve also been there to wipe their tears of frustration, and to push them to keep trying even when it’s so very challenging at first.
- Family learning. The younger siblings are at a great advantage when homeschooling is happening. Many times they want to be involved or simply hear what is going on. It’s AMAZED me this year realizing I didn’t have to actually teach our second daughter how to read. Apparently she’s been paying attention during all those many, many phonics lessons with her big sister. I also had no idea our then-3-year-old was learning the Pledge of Allegiance (and the Preamble to the Constitution) right along with us this year! Just for fun, here’s the video (turn your volume all the way up!):
Link to our 3 year old, Gabby, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance
Don’t get me wrong, there are times when I daydream about sending at least two of our four precious darlings somewhere, ANYWHERE just for a few hours. But when I snap back to reality, I know this is what is working for us right now. At some point, we may decide otherwise; but until then, we’ll just keep on working right here at home!
Considering homeschooling?
Palm Beach County is an awesome place to homeschool. There are so many support groups and activities available, which make it much easier and much more fun!
First of all, here is the link for the Home Education department of the School District of Palm Beach County. There are a few different ways to register as a homeschooler, and this office has a lot of pertinent information. I have chosen to go the Notice of Intent route, and then I submit a yearly evaluation from a certified teacher. Please make sure to call or email this office if you have any questions regarding the laws.
Secondly, be sure to check out the Palm Beach County Homeschool Expo right here in West Palm Beach, this Saturday August 5th, at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Thirdly, there are many support groups and co-op opportunities in our county. Personally, we have really enjoyed being a part of Parents Educating Children. There is another one about which I’ve heard good things called PBC Homeschoolers. Some of the co-ops available are:
Home Link Education of the Palm Beaches
Classical Conversations (use search to find a community near you)
Palm Beach Christian Academy (part-time homeschool collaboration program)
And here are some classes and activities just for homeschoolers:
Saints of Florida (a drop-off PE program)
Center for Creative Education (free arts classes for homeschoolers through Lot 23 program)
Palm Beach County Library System (call your local branch and ask for homeschool activities)
I know I (inadvertently) left some support groups or activities out, so please let me know your favorites in the comments section. And if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I’m definitely not an expert, but I can share what I do know!
