On the Fence
February 13, 2008 
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Galatians 6:9 ~ NLT
To be honest, this year of homeschooling has been filled with trials. And to be honest, I believe it has been half me and half my oldest and our stubbornness together. I’m very structured, he’s very structured so the both of us together do not always make for easy homeschooling. He now thinks going back to school would be torturous and cruel. I am not sure where I stand on that point. I do not think school is bad. I love homeschooling, but I don’t think its the “end all” (aka: all that and a bag of chips). I think every family is different and every child is different. I definitely lean toward the side of homeschooling, but there may come a day when you will see my children walk into an institution of education (aka: school). Sorry about all the aka’s… we’ve been reading too much Lemony Snicket, I guess.
I don’t like being on the fence with things. And lately I am on the fence (aka: don’t have a clue of what I want to do) with homeschooling. I guess when you are faced with bump after bump, you get to a point where you need to make a change in your plans. Again, I must repeat… the bumps are partly me. So the change can be… and I must admit, we stubborn, structured people don’t like change either… sorry for that interruption… change curriculum or change setting/teacher.
So before my homeschooling friends gasp and worry, at this point, I’m thinking curriculum. Ahhh, now you can breathe (“wink, wink”). I feel the Lord has opened my eyes to a new way and style. At one of my favorite spots at one of my favorite getaways with hubby this weekend, I was directed to this book. Shortest read ever. But such an enlightening read as well. I think if things are done well and effectively, everything else will fall into place is what I got from that little book.
I am currently reading this and following it to a tee!!! JUST KIDDING, just making sure you’re following my links 
NO, reading this and finding so much encouragement and peace. Please pray for us as we continue to seek what path we should take in our children’s education. Conventions and preparations for choosing next year’s curriculum should begin soon and I want to be clear on what direction I (Brian and I) should take in this area of our lives.
On another note, Brian had a great time in Cambodia… especially spending time with the kids from our church’s orphanage. I wasn’t able to embed the video into my blog so hop on over to here to check it under the “weekly” section.
Good luck figuring it all out. While we don’t have kids yet, we’ve already starting talking about if we’d like to homeschool our kids or not.
Have you heard of the unschooling approach? It’s interesting to me…not sure if I follow everything they say, but I like the creative factor. Check out SouleMama’s blog…she just documents her life and tells the tales of unschooling her 3 kids. I like seeing the creative ideas she comes up with!
http://soulemama.typepad.com/
Thanks, Megan. I’m sure whatever decision you make will be right for your family.
I will check out that blog. I am always eager to read about other homeschooler’s journeys. I’m also up for anything creative as that factor is not too abundant in my life
Hey Jenna! Half of the fun of homeschooling is trying new thngs! LOL If you like Charolette Mason, check out winterpromise.com Great stuff! I am buying American Story 1 to use for both boys next year (It’s nice to buy curriculum that you can use for such different ages, LOL).
I will be praying for you, Jenna. I think each year we have had to do some tweaking, and we are a lot less structured than I really thought we (aka: I) would ever be, LOL. I like a lot of the Charlotte Mason approach, and I think it can be a very good balance to the rigor of TWTM. One thing you might do is step back and look at your long-term goals–stuff like “fostering a life-time love of learning”, etc., and then look to see where your current routine is not fitting in with that goal for that child. Sometimes you just need to let some problem areas go for a little while, and then readdress them again later. This is pretty much what we did with spelling for our oldest, and it was a good thing. Well, all that rambling to say again that I’ll be praying. It sometimes feels like we’re stumbling on in the dark, but the Lord is faithful to guide!!
Thanks everyone for your encouragement… that’s what I love about fellow homeschoolers… the journey is very familiar to us all. I think what I’ve learned is to just make schooling a part of our lives and to throw out some of my structured expectations. Claire, I appreciate your wisdom. I do need to look more at the long term goals. I am such a here and now person and a micro-managing mom… I need to see the bigger picture in all this.
Blessings to you all!!