Coming Out

After weeks (actually years) of thinking about homeschooling, we finally made the decision. I say we, meaning my husband and myself, but quite honestly this is my circus. I can't blame him. I am the teacher, the expert when it comes to this stuff. He is an RN. I definitely defer to him with all things medical. But I have to say, he has been supportive and even a little excited about this homeschooling thing! So after lots of research, figuring out what needs to be submitted to the district, what I will be held accountable for, finding local homeschool groups, finding local activities to keep Mommy sane, it is time to come out. Although I feel very strongly about doing this and I have all the right data and big vocab words to back it up, I am nervous. So I run it past some of my closest friends first, because I know they'll be supportive. I could tell them I want to shave my head & have a tye dye mohawk and they'd be supportive! But that's why we have close girlfriends right?! And of course they are. Next are the Grandparents. This is sticky to say the least! The reaction was interesting. Finally, I had to come out to the public schools. My 7 year old already attends the local public school (where I am PTA Vice President by the way). I have spent the better part of 2 years volunteering in that school, creating programs, assisting with programs, yadda yadda. I was very nervous anticipating the Principal's reaction. Again, I was pleasantly surprised. So I guess the moral of the story is, put a little faith in people. They may (and usually do) surprise you. I am sure to run across some more opposition along the way, but who doesn't? Going against the status quo is never easy. But if you believe in yourself and believe in what you are doing, that is all that really matters. I feel enthusiastic about education again. I am renewed in my commitment to teach. I am giddy with excitement over the endless possibilities for learning. So I guess this is the last step of my coming out process......................My name is Kelly, and I am going to homeschool my children next year.

In the beginning....

So we have decided to homeschool our 7 & 5 year old girls. Yes many people think I'm nuts. But more often than not, I am met with praise, enthusiam and even envy. This has been an unexpected surprise. When we finally made the decision a few weeks ago, I was all ready with my defense - ready to defend how homeschooling offers my children a hands-on, fun approach to learning, how I will provide adequate socialization (this is a biggie), how I will keep my own sanity.....this list goes on. But I have to say, it's rarely been needed. I knew I would not have to defend HOW I would educate them; I am a certified teacher in NY state in both Special Education and Early Childhood Education with 15 years experience. I guess the 'shock' that I have received has been more about ME not subscribing to the status quo of public schools, being that I've dedicated my life and career to that very thing. Well, I have to say that 15 years in and around the public school system is a HUGE reason why I want to homeschool. I hope to highlight the process from the very beginning, give some insights into what I think the problems are with public schools and possibly help others who are going through the trials, and joys of homeschooling their own children. Who knows...maybe this blog will help me keep my sanity? We'll see..............