Summer "homeschooling"

Reflections are an important part of any adventure, and this trial homeschooling is no exception! We started this week to see how homeschooling would fit into our day, our ability to work together, and to see if Josiah could see me as a teacher. Well fitting into the day seems quit easy and painless, a short morning session while the 2 yr old plays, some work during the 2 yr old's nap time and I sometimes have him do an activity or game in the afternoon. Our ability to work together and having him see me as a teacher are a whole other story! He is constantly whining and complaining. He first stated the words we were working on were too easy and then they were too hard. One of my problems with the public school has been lack of writing instruction and time to allow for the writing process (of course it isn't tested which means it goes out the window...). He barely wrote last year and it is an area where he needs some support. While implementing writer's workshop style instruction and brainstorming on stories he was resistant and frustrated. He was crying and yelling at me. However, I stepped away and he was able to produce half a page story. So that will be my strategy for writing: give him paper and let him go. Of course we reviewed the piece after and we even got some words for word study!

Starting...again!

Ok, so as I just realized it has been 3 years since I was going to start blogging. I had a test blog announcement and that was it! Well, I am back and ready to try it again. I have had many life experiences over the past 3 years that have helped further shape my understanding about who I am and specifically my experiences in education.

As my family of three grew to a family of four two years ago, I realize the extreme learning curve of a parent. We have experienced two years in the public school system in Durham, NC; some enlightening moments, others difficult and draining. I am beginning to explore the options of homeschooling for my family and look forward to sharing my experience and research.