A Case for Homeschooling

I officially started homeschooling Nicholas last week. We're keeping it pretty simple this year, since much of a formal preschool would involve socialization and sensory activities. It's been a blast so far! We're doing learning games, crafts, and cooking, and I get to put my teacher hat back on when I plan. I'm enjoying this time of fun activities. My goal is to always keep it fun, but this is a special age, when everything is new and exciting.

Many of you already know that we are planning to homeschool. The reactions we've gotten have ranged from, "That's wonderful!" to "Why on earth would you do that?" Homeschooling is pretty popular around here, but I still get asked when Nicholas is going to preschool regularly. I don't think there's anything wrong with preschool (or public/private schooling); we've just decided that this is what's best for us and our boys.

Chris and I are both products of the public school system. One of us loved school so much, she made teaching her profession. The other, well, hated it, but still excelled upon entering college. Despite our differing experiences, we agree that school can take the most enthusiastic of learners and squelch the excitement. It was something I saw over and over again in the classroom- kids entering kindergarten were beyond excited, and couldn't wait to start school. But, by the age of seven or eight, many had lost all interest. I think this is especially common with boys. Boys are innately active, and expecting them to sit in a desk and do worksheets much of the day is just unreasonable. Even in my room, where I tried to incorporate as much active learning as possible, there was still boredom. The brighter kids already knew much of what I was teaching, and the struggling students were often left behind. I mean, how could any teacher meet the individual needs of every single student? Is there any way that teaching one-on-one could compare with a ratio of 20:1? 25:1?

The biggest concern on everyone's mind seems to be the social aspect, and I agree that being in a classroom/large group settting is important. Nicholas is attending church about twice a week, soccer class once a week, and has several playdates mixed in as well. For those of you who still think of homeschooled kids as "freaks," I have two words for you: Tim Tebow.

Hopefully this post has answered some of the questions you didn't want to voice about why we're doing it. We have no doubts that it will be challenging at times, and I'm sure there will be ups and downs, but I guess the bottom line is that God's given me an opportunity to teach my children at home, and has certainly given me the desire to do it. What better reason could there be?

End of Summer

It was a 90 degree day today (pretty hot for September), so we took the boys to play in the fountains. I guess it was our goodbye to summer. I really noticed a difference in Daniel since the last time we were there a couple of months ago. He dove right in! Here are some pictures from the afternoon:

First Soccer Class

Nicholas had his first soccer class today! (It's not a league, but a class to teach him skills, and get the kids used to dribbling, etc.) The class is located in an indoor-sports complex, so Nicholas spent much of the time looking around and taking it all in. His teacher, Coach Terri, was wonderful with the group (about ten three-year-olds), especially considering that she looked to be about 7-8 months pregnant! It was fun to watch him run around, and he was clearly exhausted afterward. He ran up to us and exclaimed, "That was fun!" When I asked him what his favorite part was, Nicholas said, "Playing soccer!" (Well, I can't say he's the most detail-oriented child.)
I forgot my camera, but will include pictures soon.

Look Who's Walking!

Daniel took his first steps (more than just one) yesterday! As Chris came in the door from work, Daniel walked across the kitchen to greet his dad. I have a feeling he's still going to be doing a fair bit of crawling until he gets more comfortable on his feet, though!

There's no place like home! (back from the beach)

Well, our first family vacation has come to an end... We headed down to Virginia Beach on Wednesday, and spent two nights there. The weather couldn't have been more perfect, but the best part was watching the boys' first reactions to the ocean. Daniel was a bit apprehensive at first, making whimpering sounds, but enjoyed it quite a bit the second day, eventually laughing each time the surf came up and tickled his baby toes. Nicholas immediately started doing "karate"to the waves and saying things like, "I'm going to get you, sea!" In reality, it was more like the sea was chasing him- he kept running away each time the waves crashed.

The only downside was getting the boys to sleep each night. It was after nine by the time they were both out, and I'm sure the huge chocolate ice cream cone Nicholas ate after dinner didn't help.

We spent Friday morning at the Virginia Aquarium, petting rays, and watching sea turtles and sharks. Both boys had a blast there. Check out our family photos (link at left) to see them in action.

Despite the fun, we were all ready to be back at home, eating home-cooked meals, and sleeping in our own beds. There truly is no place like it!

"Nigh -Nigh"

Well, it's official: DANIEL SPOKE HIS FIRST WORDS! Last Tuesday evening, I was taking him up to bed, and Chris said, "Night night, Daniel." Daniel looked at him and replied, "Nigh nigh." He then told Nicholas (who was absolutely thrilled by this) the same thing.

He's been saying Mama and Dada for two or three months, and we thought we heard him say a couple of other words, but other than that, this is the first thing he's repeated (and said again the next night!). So, I guess it's official~ our baby's talking.

Things just ain't the same as they used to be!

Although we've been parents for over three years now, every once in a while Chris and I have one of those moments when we realize that things just ain't what they used to be. For instance, before we had kids, a typical Saturday for us would go something like this: lie in bed as long as we wanted, get up and have a leisurely breakfast while devouring every word of the paper, go the gym for about two hours, come home (or to the pool in the summer) and read for a while outside, then eventually get showered and go out to dinner and maybe a movie. Now, it's more like: waking up to crying/playing sounds at six, trying to catch a front page story and down a cup of coffee while cutting up strawberries/feed baby/refill cereal and juice... You get the picture.

This past Saturday, we were getting our carpets cleaned and needed to be out of the house for an hour or two, so we decided to venture out and do something we haven't done in months- take the boys out to breakfast at Cracker Barrel. I don't know what we expected, but it was basically the same scenario described above, just at a restaurant instead of our own table. Daniel was fine as long as we kept plenty of food coming his way, but Nicholas spent much of the meal pouting because his fork was too big. (It actually was fine- I completely blame myself for this because I said, "Oh, I should have brought a smaller fork for you!" BIG mistake!) About halfway through, Chris and I looked at each other, laughing, and thinking the same thing: Things sure have changed!

After the meal, I took Nicholas to the bathroom. Ever tried to pee while using your leg to prevent a three-year-old from opening the stall door?

No, things aren't the same, and I'd by lying if I said I didn't miss the old life from time to time, but I adore my boys, and life sure isn't boring nowadays!