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Monday, September 10, 2012
Balance
Six years ago, when I was homeschooling before, there was a balance between homeschooling and life. Homeschooling took 100% of my time. My life took 0. So much has changed; my children have changed; I have changed. That particular equilibrium won't work. But, what will?
Today, I have a job that takes 25 - 30 hours per week. My Pilates class at the Y meets one day per week. Child #1 has a babysitting job that takes her away 2 afternoons per week. Volunteers at church 2 mornings and 1 evening per week. Participates in a club one afternoon per week. Child #2 works 10 - 14 hours per week. Volunteers at church 1 morning and 1 evening per week. Participates in a club one afternoon per week, and complains about no social life. :-(
This is not leaving us enough time for actual studying to take place. Yes, they are both responsible young women. Yes, they are quite capable of making sure they do the assignments. But, there is little time for instruction. We are three weeks into the school year (is it three?) and already the girls are behind in Calculus and Physics. They should be taking their first unit exam in both subjects at the end of this week. I'm not sure they will get there.
However, my youngest did keep interrupting our last physics teaching time to ask questions. Her questions were good and insightful - though not always precisely on topic. She was showing interest in the learning for the first time in a long time. That was why I chose this journey. And with that bit of encouragement, I will continue. Even if I am quite off balance.
Today, I have a job that takes 25 - 30 hours per week. My Pilates class at the Y meets one day per week. Child #1 has a babysitting job that takes her away 2 afternoons per week. Volunteers at church 2 mornings and 1 evening per week. Participates in a club one afternoon per week. Child #2 works 10 - 14 hours per week. Volunteers at church 1 morning and 1 evening per week. Participates in a club one afternoon per week, and complains about no social life. :-(
This is not leaving us enough time for actual studying to take place. Yes, they are both responsible young women. Yes, they are quite capable of making sure they do the assignments. But, there is little time for instruction. We are three weeks into the school year (is it three?) and already the girls are behind in Calculus and Physics. They should be taking their first unit exam in both subjects at the end of this week. I'm not sure they will get there.
However, my youngest did keep interrupting our last physics teaching time to ask questions. Her questions were good and insightful - though not always precisely on topic. She was showing interest in the learning for the first time in a long time. That was why I chose this journey. And with that bit of encouragement, I will continue. Even if I am quite off balance.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Who should homeschool?
I work at a local grocery store. The other day, a young boy came in. He is about 9 years old with very long, unkempt blonde hair. He always is wearing the same shirt and pants. He smells of urine and cat feces. This boy lives two blocks away from the store in the government subsidized housing units. He lives with his mom and two half brothers. His father is in the federal penitentiary.
He came in on Tuesday to buy a few donuts and a litre of Root beer. When asked why he wasn't in school, he answered "I'm homeschooled." He proceeded to describe the water filtration experiment he was going to be doing to do with the bottle of Root beer.
This boy is bright and charming and articulate and curious about the world in general. He would definitely be the subject of ridicule and scorn if he attended the local grade school.
But, his mother is not the brightest crayon in the box. She frequently has trouble understanding the uses of her food stamp card. This child is, while not criminally neglected, definitely not in the most supportive and loving of homes. It isn't just poverty that is the issue. (although, the ability to purchase laundry detergent and soap is not available to people who have no income other than government assistance.)
So, what about this? What can be done for this child? Home schooling enables many inquisitive children the opportunity to learn without the stigma of peer pressure. But, for this child, is it a benefit or a curse? How will the lack of adult mentors affect this child? Should someone step in? And if so, who, how and when?
He came in on Tuesday to buy a few donuts and a litre of Root beer. When asked why he wasn't in school, he answered "I'm homeschooled." He proceeded to describe the water filtration experiment he was going to be doing to do with the bottle of Root beer.
This boy is bright and charming and articulate and curious about the world in general. He would definitely be the subject of ridicule and scorn if he attended the local grade school.
But, his mother is not the brightest crayon in the box. She frequently has trouble understanding the uses of her food stamp card. This child is, while not criminally neglected, definitely not in the most supportive and loving of homes. It isn't just poverty that is the issue. (although, the ability to purchase laundry detergent and soap is not available to people who have no income other than government assistance.)
So, what about this? What can be done for this child? Home schooling enables many inquisitive children the opportunity to learn without the stigma of peer pressure. But, for this child, is it a benefit or a curse? How will the lack of adult mentors affect this child? Should someone step in? And if so, who, how and when?
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