I Think Parents Start "Homeschooling" When They Give Birth.
"If the schools were perfect, I would still homeschool my children--because it isn't about school. It's about families taking their children back and educating them as they see best. It's about giving birth to a child and loving that child enough to want to nurture him and be a part of his life until he no longer needs you. It is the natural thing to do. School is only a substitute for the real thing."
--Kathleen McCurdy
Dear World,
So, I am definitely going to be homeschooling Geoffrey starting this autumn as he enters "kindergarten". I have prayed about it and pulled out my hair worrying if I will psychically be able to handle it (my health being so poor)....but I just cannot fathom the idea of placing him in public school. Especially on a military base (I really do hate the military!!!!!)!
After doing a bit of research on Waldorf I don't think we will be taking that route alone (as I had originally planned). There is a spiritual side to Waldorf education that I am not sure we could practice. We are going to be taking many ideas from Waldorf, Montessori, and unschooling.
I've been looking around websites excited to be placing orders soon for some natural "classroom" items. Here are a couple of the goodies:
My favorite website so far has been http://www.atoygarden.com. My big concern is New York's strict laws on homeschooling (compared to other states). Here they are for my records and your general knowledge:
"New York - HIGH REQUIREMENTS - Attendance must be substantially equivalent to 180 days per year, 900 hours/year for grades 1-6 and 990 hours/year for grades 7-12. Grades k-12 must include the subjects: patriotism & citizenship, substance abuse, traffic safety. fire safety; Also Grades 1-6: math. reading, spelling, writing, English, geography, US History, science, phys ed, health, art/music, practical arts & library skills. Grades 9-12: English, social studies, art/music, health, phys ed, and electives. Teacher must be "Competent" (a person is deemed competent if they follow regs.)
File annual notice of intent with the local superintendent by July 1 or within 14 days of starting home schooling mid-year, complete and submit an individualized Home Instruction Plan. Maintain attendance records (available for instection) File quarterly reports (w/ the superintendent) listing the number of hours of instruction during the quarter, description of mat'l covered in each subject and a grade or narrative eval in each subject. Also file an annual assessment by June 30 - must be from a standardized test every other year in grades 4-8, and every year in grades 9-12; the child should score above the 33rd percentile or their homeschool instruction program could be placed in probation, other years can be satisfied by either another standardized test or review panel, or other person chosen by the parent with consent of the superintendent."
Will you homeschool? Why or why not?
Love,
Jenna