Since Urijah's birth, I've been thinking about whether or not we should homeschool. Even though at the time I didn't have much knowledge about the American public school system, I knew enough to know that we would need to explore alternative ideas for our children. And so the research and conversations about homeschooling began. I spoke to those who supported the idea and also to those who were on the opposition end. For a long time I was undecided. I wasn't sure whether or not I wanted to pursue a career out of the home once the kids were of school going age. My mind wasn't yet made up as to what kind of family we wanted to be or what kind of parent I wanted to be.
And now my mind is made up and I'm so glad that dear husband is 100% supportive of the decision. We are now a homeschooling family. Yep. Our children will be educated at home where they are free to learn at their own pace. Where the education will be tailored for their individual needs and interests. Where family life will be the focus of our attention.
This decision was not easy to come by but it was necessary. We would like our kids to grow up being well rounded individuals who live with intention. I want them to be inspired to love education instead of just being taught to pass tests. We want them to be exposed to travel, nature, proper nutrition, business, budgeting, public speaking and a host of other opportunities available to the homeschooling community. Of course some of these things can be learned at school. But to us, life experience goes further then cramming what's in a textbook.
And that experience began today as we visited the firestation for a little tour. Urijah has expressed in numerous occasions that he'd like to be a firefighter when he grows up. Of course thisight change but what I've learned about homeschooling is to give your child the freedom to explore their interests. He is starting his first year of schooling and instead of focusing on learning to write early, we're focusing on allowing him to be himself. Just like any soon to be 4yrs old boy, Urijah is active. He's always on the move, running, skipping, jumping, kicking, even when sitting down he's moving. And you might already know that these days, kids like my little boy are quick to be diagnosed with ADD or other labels that place them in a box of being disruptive. Yet what I've realised from being his mom is that he learns by doing not by being taught. He's an adventure seeker, a creative mind. He once told me that he likes to take things apart and put them back together again. Now that could be translated as being destructive when instead we can see it as being inventive.
Anyway, after much rambling,you point here is not to say that every child needs to be home schooled. But rather that every parent needs to know that they have options. You have the right to choose what is best for your family. And you also have the right to not explain that decision.*unless you're in Sweden or Germany - I hear that home schooling is illegal there but I stand to be corrected*
And if you're a home schooler or thinking about it, please drop me an email so we can connect further.
Pictures:
1) Paying close attention to info about firefighter equipment
2) Playing with friends outside the firestation (also home schooled kiddos)
3) Hanging out at the firefighter TV room
4) Getting some firsthand experience at being an engineer (that's what they call the driver as he/she is the one who handles everything to do with the truck once arriving at the location)
5) a happy Urijah and a tired Zuri (it had been a long tour)
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