Jeff really wants me to home school our kids. If you know me, you might agree that this is not a good idea. I see the benefits to homeschooling. I see the benefits to private or public schooling (depending on the school/school district). I have always always always said that there is no way I could home school. I have friends who home school and have very well adjusted, socially mature, intelligent kids. These friends encourage me to look into homeschooling. I have friends who say that kids who are home schooled are socially stunted and immature. These friends don't recommend it.
Here is where my problem comes in. I have this sweet baby (Minte, the older baby of the two) coming to a new country with very little English-speaking capability. He needs the services of ESL (English as a Second Language) which the very good public school near our home provides. At the same time, he also needs time with his new brothers, his new mom and dad. He needs time to be a kid that is part of a loving family and have "kid experiences". Some adoption experts say that internationally adopted children should have a full year home before they begin school. But how do I fulfill Minte's needs without having Aiden resent the fact that he doesn't get the same special treatment?
Maybe I should start researching homeschooling.......wait.......Did I really just THINK that?
I guess I did. But don't worry, I'm not committing to anything right now!
Oh, I would like to give thanks to my new friend and homeschooling mom Cyndi! She seems to be a plethora of knowledge on the subject of homeschooling and I plan on learning lots from her (she has a homeschooling blog)! Oh, I should mention that she is also adopting from Ethiopia and her son just so happens to Minte also!! How cool is THAT!
**Disclaimer- I would more than likely not begin homeschooling until next year so that Cooper gets plenty of Mommy time. This way Minte gets help with ESL, Aiden gets to go to the school he has been asking to attend for over a year, and everyone is happy. That gives me plenty of time to figure out what type of homeschooling and curriculum would serve my kids best. That also gives me time to snap out of it and change my mind about this venture!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Did I really just THINK that................
Posted by The Wilkinson's at 9:18 PM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Jaclyn, I feel your struggle! I have tossed the idea around myself. But with 3 of my kids already in school and loving it, and very against the idea of being home schooled, I think they have won this battle! Time is always the best answer. Good luck!
Chris
As a former bilingual teacher and now a homeschooling mom i would highly encourage you to homeschool. ESL is not profound stuff. I would recommend you sit in on a couple of ESL sessions and see for yourself. The internet gives great ideas and you seem pretty creative yourself. You will be amazed at how much more language practice your kids will get in a home setting, plus they get that bonding time and you can go at their pace instead of having them labeled as "behind" and they will actually excell more quickly. One major reason we homeschool is because of missions and ministry. It allows us a flexible schedule and we can pack up and go at any time. I know that is your heart too so keep considering it and follow your husband's lead.
Jaclyn, I was one of those people who said I would never be able to homeschool. I was so afraid the only thing my kids would learn was what channel Oprah is on, but it has been one of the best decisions I have EVER made. It is frightening at first, but it is also wonderful and amazing! BTW what's your friends blog? I'm always looking for new ideas!
Post a Comment