Educational Dillema

I am considering homeschooling my children and have spent the summer learning about homeschooling, networking with homeschool families, and practicing at home to see if I can do it. I feel confident that I can do it successfully. As a homeschooling parent, my goals would be: to provide a holistic approach toward education, take more field trips, spend the best hours of the day with my children, foster a love of learning, emphasize conflict resolution, and to provide more stability in our family life through our frequent moves. There are moments though, when I think I must be mad! Z will be in first grade, F-pre k, and O is 2yo. It would be bonding time with the youngest, a chance to get some projects around the house finished, alone time for me during nap time, and time to prepare for my return to school. I do wonder if I am a glutton for punishment- I do like to make things more difficult.

My interest in homeschooling is not in opposition to our neighborhood school. We move frequently and this would provide a strong base for the children when we move. I am concerned about the emphasis placed on testing in our schools. I feel this does not encourage complex, logical thought, and retention of information. In our society, we need people who can participate in and appreciate debates, civic responsibilities, and community service. I want my children to think clearly and logically, be socially conscious, politically aware, respectful of the environment, and tolerant. I have seen an open school model in California that met all my goals and expectations. No such luck in AZ. I could go into a social analysis on the benefit of homeschooling and training of a work force and population, but for today, I will spare you the soapbox speech.

My dilemma is this: do I homeschool or attend our local public school? We have a wonderful public school down the street. Most of the teachers are great. The school has activities for the children to participate in- plays, assemblies, clubs, carnivals, bike rally, and fieldtrips. It is also only 4 blocks away. On the negative side- girls get very catty and vicious around 2nd grade; the quality of the teacher instruction is hit or miss in the upper grades; lunches are short about 15 minutes; the younger kids are still expected to have outdoor recess when the temp outside is over 100 degrees; classroom management minimizes student to student interaction -in turn limiting opportunities for conflict & resolution; classroom size is about 24 in Kindergarten and 25 in first grade. If your child is inquisitive and bright it takes a special teacher to expect more out your child and not bore the child into hating the learning process. It is an excelling school, which is a big deal in the Chandler school district, but one of the many steps to achieve that rating, the school starts training children in Kindergarten how to do drills and tests.

I feel as though I am considering something socially rebellious to teach my children at home, yet I am encouraged and excited at the possibilities of doing so. I worry that my children will regret not having the good parts of school in their memories and experiences. I don't want to overprotect and shelter my kids and I want them to have a broad range of experiences. I worry that I cannot offer them what they get at school. Then I get frustrated that I am trying to mimic the school experience and not forge my own path. I get scared that I will get mother burn out, but then again I may find new joy in motherhood that I have missed or taken for granted.

A little more information for you: my older children Z-6 and F-4 are exceptionally bright. Of course I am a proud parent, but we are usually pretty modest about this around the children and this is the feedback we receive from other parents and educators.

O-2 yrs is probably bright too, but really what can I expect from a two year old?

F is methodical and literal. Loves legos, order, pleasing people, and riding his bike. He is kind, generous, and passionate. He struggles with strong emotions and handling social conflict. He is a big reason why I feel so strongly about learning conflict resolution skills in the classroom. He loves numbers and math and although he can read, he does not like to read. He gets frustrated that he has to practice it to learn the skill.

Z is creative, curious, disorganized, and strong willed. She loves to read and enjoys chapter books. Friendships are important to her- especially deep friendships- not acquaintances. I often wonder if the time spent at school encourages close friendships or many acquaintances? She also likes manipulating numbers. She is empathetic and competent. Outdoor play and bike time are treasured activities. She enjoys school most of the time, but is often bored w/ the content. The homework is so easy, I struggle to get her to acknowledge it long enough to finish it. She also gets a terrible attitude during the school year and is exceptionally tired in the evening, in spite of 12 hours sleep.

Our family moves frequently- we have moved 4 times between 2001-2007. We are facing a prospective move next year for a temporary development assignment for work to either China or Oregon. We will be in Oregon 6-9 months and if we go to China instead, it would be 2-3 years. Easing these transitions for the children is a priority for me We currently live in AZ. It is fairly easy to homeschool in this state.

What are your thoughts and experiences with homeschool? Personally? Professionally? Family dynamics?

What are the experiences of homeschoolers you know going to college?

What are your thoughts and experiences with public schools? Personally? Professionally? Family dynamics?