When I tell people that I’ll be homeschooling next year, I typically get one of three reactions:
1. “Why would you want to do that?!?” (with a total scuz on their face.)
2. “Can I ask “why” you decided on that?” (with a curious demeanor)
3. “Why?? I need to know, I’ve been thinking about doing the same thing!” (with big, protruding eyes)
I think it’s safe to assume your reaction would be one of those above…with the foundation of all of your questions being, “why??,” I’ll tell you why. Now when people ask “why”, I can just say, “refer to my blog.” That will save me loads of time. 
Alright, you ready? Pull up a seat…here is “why”:
* And, like our previous homeschool post, I feel that I need a disclaimer too. These are my personal feelings about the personal decision we have made, as a family. I am not implying anything to you, trying to convince you or do not think anyone should feel the same. If you choose to be offended, have fun with that. Thanks. *
1. My kids want to – And, it’s not because they think they’re getting off the hook to do hard work. They sincerely enjoy doing family things. They crave family nights, movie night, vacations, dates with their parents, cooking together, reading together, playing family games, etc. They have seen homeschool in action and can’t wait to get it started!
2. I want to – It’s a real bummer for me to have to send my kids away for 7 hours a day. I just really like them! They are gone during the times where I have the most energy and the most time to spend with them. I truly enjoy them and fear having regrets later in life that I didn’t spend enough quality time with them. I’m well aware of how “fast kids grow up”! I realize that homeschool isn’t all peaches-n-cream…it’s a lot of work! But, it will put me in a position where I HAVE to set aside time for them and I know looking back, I will be so thankful that I did. I’m counting on rough times but also lots of fabulous, fun times together! For me, guilt and regret are more emotionally draining then spending time around lots of little kids.
3. My husband and I feel good about it – We’ve pondered and prayed a lot. Through prayer we have received many answers and lots of direction. And, we feel good about this decision.
Based on those three reasons, I would say “that’s reason enough!” But, some of the bonus reasons…
4. I was homeschooled – Once upon a time, 23 years ago, yours truly was homeschooled (for a few years.) The schools in New Mexico were majorly poopie and took out their poopiness on the children through corporal punishment. Mi mamasita was completely fed up with children being put in refrigerator boxes as punishments, having to put their noses against the wall, and being threatened (sometimes the threats carried out) with a big, wooden paddle. So, she homeschooled my brothers and I. Truth be told, she didn’t love it…but, guess who did? Oh, me and my brothers. We have great memories of our homeschool days and attribute that to one of the main reasons we are such good friends.
5. Some of the kids at school – I have no problem at all with our schools in the area. But, what I don’t really love is what my kids are learning from some of the OTHER kids at school! My second grader just learned all about the “F-word”, some crude jingles, that “so & so” is the richest kid in the class and the rankings following, to not include kids that aren’t “cool,” and that giggling about overweight children is funny. Oh, we’ve had many talks, lately. What is he going to learn in 3rd grade?? True, kids live in the world too and will learn many crappy things either way…but, I would rather prolong having them learn some of those things until they are mature enough to not embrace it. Or, even if it can’t be prolonged…maybe, it could just be “made less.” I’m excited to have more time to teach the kids about good character traits…they can’t get enough of that!
6. They can learn at their own pace – I love this! Utah has great homeschooling laws, yay! I can skip over something that is too easy or slow down when something is too hard. They have more individualized attention and I think it will be so helpful in their education.
7. I love teaching and being organized – I’ve been having so much fun choosing our curriculum! I’m already planning the lessons, buying supplies for the craft projects, etc. Teaching is something I love and I’m quite excited to start!
8. No more morning grumps – Nothing makes me grumpier than an even grumpier kids who have to be somewhere on time and are dragging their feet, moaning and groaning. It’s such a crappy way to start the day, for all of us! We’ve already decided…school starts at 9:00 in the living room! That also gives me time to get in my much-needed exercise before-hand, yay!
9. Less driving around – Currently, I drive to the school 3 times a day. Granted, it’s close…but, that doesn’t mean I just jump in the car and go. Noooooooo, everyone has to come…buckled in their car seats, only to be unloaded 5 minutes later…3 times a day. Super annoying and intrusive. That, coupled with errands and extra activities for the kids has me going crazy, being in the car all day!
10. There are support groups – Cheers for support! There are plenty of families around doing the same thing…which brings plenty of opportunities for social situations, group field trips, ideas, new friends, etc. But, obviously…I will have to make sure that I get involved.
11. It’s not all or nothing – If it doesn’t work out, the kids can go back to school. I think it would be a lot scarier decision if I felt that there was no turning back. So, we’re giving it a go!
The top 3 concerns I hear, that I’m not too worried about:
1. My kids being anti-social – Not worried. My kids are constantly surrounded by family and friends. They have friends at church, friends through Scouts, friends in the neighborhood, friends at baseball, basketball, you name it! To me, kids are “weird” USUALLY because their parents are “weird”. Homeschool or not, there are some socially awkward kids and adults out there! Excuse me for being arrogant, but I like to think of myself as socially normal and have confidence that my kids will be just fine. They will still have experiences with peers and spend plenty of time outside the house.
and have confidence that my kids will be just fine. They will still have experiences with peers and spend plenty of time outside the house.2. My kids not listening to me, as a teacher - I’m sure we’ll have some rough days, for sure. But, just like in school where a teacher has to use rewards, praise, and even discipline to maintain respect…I plan on doing the same thing. It’s what I already do as a parent. I’ve already come up with a chart (I’m a chart lover!) for their notebooks where they earn things they want by being helpful, listening, being on time, being positive, etc. Rewards include things like 30 minutes of “screen time” (tv, games), an extra book on library day, 15 minute breaks, etc.
3. Going crazy being with the kids all day – Well, I’m already with kids all day…whether I homeschool or not. And, I’m going to have little kids at home for several years to come. Besides, I’m already crazy. And, like I said before…I can handle being with little kids a lot better than I can handle feelings of wanting more of myself, as a mother. The Beard Man knows he will need to make a greater effort to give me free time and when I need a break during the day, that’s when its “outside time” or “reading time” for the kids.
Here’s the curriculum I’ve chosen for this fall (I’m so excited!):
(Keep in mind, we will not be doing every class, every single day. Some subjects one day, other subjects another day…)
K12 – I have a friend who LOVES k12 for her kids…she is actually the one who helped me get this homeschool thought turned into a reality. (Thanks, Laurie!) After observing her family in school, having my kids observe them, and asking lots of questions, we decided to take the leap. K12 is an online public school, federally funded. You sign up, they send you everything you need for the year, and you’re on your way! There is an assigned teacher that you communicate with for help and support. The kids check into their classes online but still lots of the work is to be done off the computer. The curriculum gets rave reviews and is separated into lessons…so, you know JUST what your child needs to do and how to teach it. We are going to be doing k12 for History, English, and Spanish. Everything else…I’ve chosen to use something else. That’s one of the great things about k12 too is that you don’t HAVE to take all of their subjects. Obviously, if you choose to do the others on your own, you will need to buy the supplies. Not every state has a k12 program and a brick & mortar school typically sponsors it. Although I live no where near Washington County, I have chosen to join their Utah k12 program…Washington Online. I’m also excited that they are letting my kids take the same history class, even though they are in different grades…that’s great because they can learn together and I only have to prepare one lesson!
* Update 6/12 – k12 was good for my first year, but there were several reasons it didn’t work for me. The second year I used Sonlight and liked it much better…except for a few things. This third year, I’ll stop using Sonlight, venture off and do some of the subjects (history, English, reading) on my own.
Science – I decided to use Apologia for three reasons. One, because it is God-Based science…nothing about Big Bangs or humans being monkeys. That’s important to me. I also like that it’s just Christian based…if you believe in God and that God created the earth, it will work for you. It doesn’t incorporate beliefs of only one specific religion (that is probably not yours). The second reason is that the same book can be used from 1st through 7th grade. So, if you are teaching multiple young kids…you don’t have to teach multiple lessons. Time savers, I like ‘em. Reason three is that Apologia gets fantastic reviews! Parents (and kids) love the lessons and the science/craft projects to do afterward! This year we will be studying Astronomy. The books are usually cheaper if you can find them somewhere besides the homepage.
Math - I first was looking into using Saxon Math. I heard good things about it and was teetering between using that or k12′s math (which I hadn’t heard much about). But, in my research I discovered Math-U-See…was blown away by the reviews and decided to learn more. I read a lot on their web site, watched videos, and really liked what I was seeing. It’s a program that makes math more visual and more fun! Parents say their children have never understood math as well, until they used this program. So, it’s on the agenda too!
Art - I love arts and crafts…and so do the kids. Besides, the fun projects we can do in the Science book and through k12′s classes…I picked up a couple books for extra ideas…
Music – I’m thinking this year we will start with the basics of musical instruments and classical music. I found the cutest books to introduce different composers to the kids, called Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Composers
. I also want to find a CD for each of the composer to play during school to get the kids familiar with the styles. Maybe one year we’ll learn about folk music, the blues, the 60s, 70s, 80s, etc.! Fun! Eh, I think I might skip right over rap and whatever category Marilyn Manson falls into.
. I also want to find a CD for each of the composer to play during school to get the kids familiar with the styles. Maybe one year we’ll learn about folk music, the blues, the 60s, 70s, 80s, etc.! Fun! Eh, I think I might skip right over rap and whatever category Marilyn Manson falls into.
Gospel & Character Studies – We are going to alternate our scripture study with learning about good qualities. I took the Pioneer Woman’s advice and started collecting the Value Tales books from my childhood (thank you, ebay). They are so fun! Each one tells the story of a notable person in history and how they exemplified a positive character trait. So, they’re also getting a history lesson!
I also want to integrate lessons/hand-on experiences with home studies (see link for fun lesson plans), the great outdoors, and cultures/food from around the world…Obviously, some things are “extras” that can only be done when we have time, but I think my kids would enjoy these topics too! Here are some favorite books:
* Update 6/12 – I decided not to do art, music, and nature every year. We focus on the main subjects and choose one fun subject to study in the year. This last year we studied art and famous artists. Next year, we may do music. We try to use the summertime to do nature studies. It makes for a more realistic schedule, more in-depth study, and less stress.
So, wish me luck! I’ll keep you updated on our successes (and failures)
Mariel
Owner & Author at Or so she says...
Mariel (mahr-eeee-elle) is a mother to six, wife to one. Loves homeschooling, golfing, cupcakes, traveling, cuddling, non-fiction books, gardening, James Taylor, family time, and a sexy wedge. This is her blog. Enjoy!
@orsoshesays
Blogger, Promoting Motherhood, Creativity, Great Ideas, Good Food, and Family Values. http://www.oneshetwoshe.com
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Looks great! And, thanks for the link back to my previous post. I am sure we’ll be in touch while on this new adventure together!
I think homeschooling is wonderful. Best wishes!!
Good luck to you Mariel! I think it’s great that you re homeschooling. It is something that I have seriously considered myself. When buying our first home we really looked at the school districts and purchased our home according. The problem is that even in the “good schools with lots of money and opportunity” there is just that. Kids with lots of money. My son is only in kindergaden and is asking for an iphone…really?! And telling me walmart clothes aren’t “cool”!! As a mother this is very disturbing.
My favorite line is “If you choose to be offended, have fun with that.” LOL!!
Thanks! I’ve been thinking about this since my son was born. My kids aren’t old enough for school, yet, but this gives me a jump start on classes. I’m still debating because my son is a very busy boy and seems to do better with others teaching him, I’m just afraid he is so busy that he would be the “problem child” and looked down on. But I also have relatives that are home schooled and “are odd.”
What are the ages of your children?
Thank you so much on your post! My oldest is only 2 years old but my husband and I are already worried about how things are going in our public schools, and where they’ll be by the time she reaches school age!
You have done so much research and you have really helped me understand more about homeschooling. Already we are leaning towards it for the same concerns of public school that you have. Thank you so so much! I can’t tell you how much I loved this post.
Oh yeah… GOOD LUCK! I can’t wait to hear more on how it’s going for you!
Hey!
Thank you so much for your post. My husband and I do not even have children yet, but we are both highly considering home-schooling for many of the same reasons you have posted.
We have many concerns about our public schools and have decided to at least home-school until high school. I want to give my kids their educational foundation.
You make it sound so easy, I know that it wont always be but I have looked into it a little bit and found that there are many support groups out there, also you can tag teach with other parents if you choose.
But as others have said I can show your post to some family members that think the idea is cooky and maybe earn a little bit more respect.
Thanks again!
Good Luck and keep us posted on how it goes for you. I have had the feeling that I need to home school some of my children.
From a homeschool mom of 18+ years, GO FOR IT! Be patient, and don’t be tempted to let others judge the end from the middle (and don’t you do it, either!
). Looking back, we’ve had our share of days that we wished had been better, but it’s like a tapestry… knots are part of the beauty. Our priority was character first, knowledge second, and it has paid in spades. On the whole, we have great memories of lots and lots of activities together, and lots and lots of love and friendship. It’s been a wonderful journey, and one with lots still to come. Good luck, and feel free to visit my blog about our homeschooling family at thesmeds.blogspot.com
Good Luck! I love the K12 Curriculum. My son used it this year and I was very impressed.
This is a great post! My son will start kindergarten next year and he’ll be going to our local school. We have a good school district, but I’ve always been leery of the public school system. I’m worried it won’t challenge and I’m concerned about the things he’ll learn there. Also, like you, I think I’m going to really miss my kids while they’re in school. I’m dreading kindergarten, actually! Homeschooling is always at the back of my mind, so if I consider it more seriously, I will definitely refer back to this post!
I love this post. My hubby and I grew up in the public school system and he is a full time tenured teacher now in a public school. Even though its considered the most conservative school around, we’re shocked at the things kids are not only learning but also the kids in the classes. Its very easy even for the good kids to get sidetracked. As a matter of fact, my husband gained his teaching position b/c the school had to fire the previous teacher for having a “relationship” we”ll call it, with a female student. AGH! Are you kidding me? Its so sad.
Our oldest daughter, whos 6, attends the private Christian school at our church. Our youngest who graduates from a Christian preK next month will be homeschooled by me this next year b/c our school is too small right now and she’d be the only kindergartener there. After next year she’ll be enrolled in the school and although I thought Id be terrified to homeschool her I have a real peace about it. When its right, its right.
We just ordered all her curriculum yesterday through Abeka and even got a first time student discount!Woohoo for money off:)
As you said, this is a very controversial issue. Sad to say but it is so. But each family isnt the same and should pray for the wisdom to make the right decisions for their family. I even know families who homeschool one or two kids and have others in Christian or public school. Each child is different and will learn differently.
Boy Ive rambled on long enough. But Im glad you posted about this. Have a wonderufl year next year! Lets pray each other through,LOL!
Sarah
HandbagsnPigtails.blogspot.com
Good luck!!
We decided to home school our 14yo (8th grade) this year. It was an idea we kicked around last year when he was struggling with EVERYTHING (academics & social). He’s a bright kid and a little shy, big for his age and surprisingly bullied. His first day of 8th grade he came home crying. Not good. Fortunately our school district implemented their own on-line academy this year so we have connection with other local students, the principal & counselors. Now he’s happy, productive, and his self-esteem is really boosting. Our program is self-driven as I work away from the home and he’s carrying a B+ average. LOVE on-line school!!
Thank you soooo much for this post. I was directed here by a friend after she heard I was looking into homeschooling my daughter next year for 3rd grade.
Thanks for the curriculum references too, as I’m trying to get everything together now, so I’m ready come September.
Thanks again!
I’m not sure you are socially normal enough…. actually who knows, I’ve never met you! I have absolutely no plans to home school, and something pretty major would have to happen to get me to choose it, but I do like doing a lot of home learning kinds of things with my kids. I hope you’ll share stuff that works for you here and there, and let us know how the curriculum all works out for you. Good luck!!
Kate
Ha, I’m laughing right now, because I read the whole post and THEN saw your name at the end and thought “THAT’S MARIEL???” I’m excited for you…and have been bouncing around the idea myself. Looking forward to hearing about your journey…please more posts!
Thanks for this post! My oldest is only three, but I’m heavily researching homeschooling right now. I love the mix of info on your blog, and I’ll be excited to see how the homeschooling goes.
http://www.k12.com/utva/
I don’t know if you want to do it charter school style – but you can sign up for the k12 through a charter school too.
While I have nightmares about my own homeschooling experience, I have wonderful memories of playing all day with you and your brothers in the woods and on the trampoline. That was so fun! I know you will do a phenomenal job with your kids, and I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Thanks for this post! My oldest kiddos (twins) are only three, but we are planning on giving homeschool a go ourselves. Always great to hear input and thoughts from others who are “crazy” enough to take it on. Will be reading your future posts with great interest.
Oh what an exciting decision!!! My husband and I really want to homeschool (Lord willing) and i always love seeing the curriculums that others use! And ooh those Value Tales Books bring back so many memories! i had that whole collection when I was a child too! I’ll have to look into re-getting them all
Good luck! I’m sure you will love homeschooling!!!!
I started homeschooling this year and I have a 2nd grader and 1st grader, a Big K and a Pre k. Plus a very active 1 year old. I am pretty sure most of my friends and family thought I lost my mind. AND I have….But in such a good way. I am not going to say that everything is great and that I don’t have my days that I want to throw in the towel and say I am done. But the good out ways the bad. I think your post was great and what you are doing will be great. But take it one day at a time. I, like you had big plans, but I found that I may have had a few unreal expectations. Now I take everything one day at a time. If I don’t get done exactly what I wanted. I roll with it and do it the next day. Some days all I get done is language, phonics and math. I am good with that. There are days that things run smooth and we do something extra, Science, history, (my kids take piano lessons) or art. I am doing k12 and I think it is a great 1st year tool. I am a very organized person I tried to do this and that and I tried other programs. K12 has been so nice because its all right there! It has really helped my first year run a bit smoother. BTW, I love the k12 history. The Kindergarten History is so much fun! My kids love it, and I love it! History days are our funniest days! Plus, I am doing it with all of my kids. OK what I am trying to say is take it one year at a time. Start off with less and add if it fits. Don’t overwhelm yourself! This is my first year, and I learned the hard way! I learned quickly to take other parents advice. I am not a “seasoned home school-er”, But I have learned so much in the last year (I even leaned that the Netherlands is also called Holland, who knew?:)
I plan on, in the future adding my own curriculum. But k12 has been great to give me the positive 2nd 1st start I needed! You’ll do great!
I just re-read my comment. AND I promise that I can spell and I do know how to correctly speak and write proper English. But I have a 1 year old on my lap that needs a nap and no longer wants to “help Mommy”. AND BTW Mariel, homeschooling makes you paranoid….
Thanks, ladies! It’s fun to read all your comments and advice…keep it coming!
By the way, someone asked the ages of my kids…the two I will homeschool this year are my almost 6 year old and almost 9 year old. So, I have four kids: 8, 5, 3, and 1 1/2…and one on the way.
Mariel .. I would love for Kristi, the commenter who homeschooled her 8th grader for the first time, to contact me (if she would). That’s the same age as my son, and I would love to be able to gain some wisdom from her.
Thanks!
Nicole
Amen, sister! I could have written that exact post, minus all the information on curriculum because I am still deciding all of that. My head is swimming most of the time, but I am so excited. I have received a few negative comments lately, mostly out of concern for me, but when it’s right, it’s right! Yay for us following our instincts and heavenly guidance. ;o) Good luck to you!
Thanks for all the info. I’ve been feeling more and more like this is the route I want to go when Ailia gets to be school aged. You’re such an amazing mom, woman, etc. that I’m sure it will be a huge success! Good luck.
Thanks for the post Mariel.
I “homeschool” aswell. Although with a 4 & a 5 yr old, it’s more like “let’s just do whatever we want-school”.
Thanks for all the tips on curriculum. I haven’t gotten that far yet.
Thanks, Mariel!
I am stepping out into the homeschool arena this fall too! I’m super excited, a little nervous, but above all, glad that I’m giving it a try. My kids asked for it too.
Thank you for the information…I’ll be looking into your chosen books and curriculum!
Good Luck! Our oldest kiddo is 15 months but already we have been talking about homeschooling and the thought of it scared me to death and overwhelms me! But it is something I feel could really benefit our family as well please do keep us posted on how your homeschooling journey goes..
I’ve been debating the thought of homeschooling for LONGER THAN I’VE HAD KIDS! It always seemed so far away – but my 5 year old is enrolled in kindergarten and they want to know for sure by FRIDAY! ARGH! But I just keep feeling like its not the right route (school that is) so I think I’m going to give it a go and try homeschooling. You think its so far away when you have little kids, but then WHAM, it sneaks right up on you!
Well, being a “forever” home school Mom (10+ years and oldest is 14), you’ve covered all my reasons for homeschooling (except I wasn’t homeschooled myself). Yes, there are days when things get rough, but I would NOT change it for anything. My 14yo is definitely in those trying teen years, and I’m SO thankful that he’s around me every day, all day, so that I get to enjoy the good moments too, not just the bad ones. ENJOY IT!!
I know this is an older post, but I just wanted to say, I was homeschooled from fourth grade through high school, and I loved it.
I think I turned out rather swell!
Thanks for sharing this with me, Mariel! It’s obvious that you put a lot of thought, time, and effort into this post. I love it and agree with all your reasons for homeschooling! Thanks for commenting on mine!
I love this post on homeschooling. I have been doing the like with my 3 children, and the oldest for 4 years now. I love it and couldn’t agree more with your enthusiasm! I am going to write up my own list similar to this and refer people to my blog too! Way helpful, you are beautiful and an inspiration!