Oh, the Places He'll Go

Liam graduated kindergarten this month ...

... though not officially, yet. (He's trying to set his diploma on fire with the little flicker light his homeschool group's class carried as part of their graduation theme. That's my boy!)

Liam won't be finished with his kindergarten curriculum until July, as I'd planned way back when. Some of our homeschooling friends have done the same, others are already finished with this year's studies. We've our lessons arranged so that Liam is in school year-round. I don't really like the idea of a period of hard study followed by a static period; so to fit with my philosophy of constant learning (and an enriching learning environment, a bit Mason-y), Liam always has lessons. Yet, it's set up so as not to be a chore, rather a fun activity.

There are some days we don't have lessons. When we moved, we didn't have class for a whole week. Sometimes we do lessons when I'm sick, though it's mostly the flashcard and treasure-hunting variety. The long calendar year allows for breaks. It gives Liam time to recover if he's struggling with a particular lesson. The lesson isn't over until the right answer is deduced and understood. Sometimes we have rough days and I need a break. We don't have teachers' conferences or regular holiday breaks; we use holidays to teach.

Now that's Liam's almost finished with his K5 curriculum, it's time to start planning for first grade. That's a whole other forthcoming post.

I can't believe that we're almost finished with our first year. I think the prospect of homeschooling seemed more daunting that it actually is; I may change my mind if Liam decides to continue to homeschool when given the choice after 6th grade. I was so terrified last fall, so hesitant. I didn't want to veer from the books, because, afterall, I was certain that all of these publishers knew more about my boy's learning style than I did.

Of course, they didn't.

I also discovered my teaching style throughout it all. We began the year all rigid and classroom-like. We stuck to little boxes of time. Then I saw what worked and what didn't. Liam taught me how he learned best: in a relaxed environment where he was allowed to WANT to learn instead of having the will to learn heaped on him.

We've helped each other through this journey, him and me.
We have more adventures on which to go.

Comments

[Alayna]

Liam gets the choice after 6th grade - that's awesome! I'm glad he will be able to choose whether he wants to be homeschooled or not. I'm sure there are many adults out there who were homeschooled and feel as though they missed out.

[Rebecca]

Dana, congratulations on (almost) finishing up your first year of homeschooling! You, Chris, and Liam should be proud. (Ewan, too, for that matter!) Should Liam decide to attend 'regular' school after 6th grade (which, from research and personal opinion, is a great thing offered at an appropriate time), what would the plan/school options be? Living in the city, as I do, limits those options some.

[Joanna]

It's awesome that you've been able to pursue this option that obviously really fits your family. I don't know if I will homeschool my kids, but I think it's so important to have choices. I hope that now, with Kindergarten (mostly) under your belt, you won't feel like you have to defend your choice all the time. For your own sanity. (Screw the haters!) Someday maybe you can write up your curriculum for other homeschoolers.

[Sprittibee]

Good for you! YIPEE! Congratulations Liam! First Grade is a breeze. So is second. Third is a hard year because the math is a big jump from 2nd Grade. Fourth has been hard (mainly because of my schedule with my husband working nights... and because my co-op fell apart). But hopefully, 5th will be FABULOUS next year (and hopefully we'll be back in Texas when we do it!). YIPEE for me, too!