{Week 2 (going on 3) See: week 1, our homeschool room, and off the cliff.}
Con: I made my first ever outing during ‘school’ hours (for what we now refer to as the mainstreamed folk) alone last week with all three children. We barely made it out alive, and under 45 dollars. I only needed Acrylic Clear Coat + some Spray Adhesive, but you’d think we were rabid baboons, because for some reason the kids were able to pull me down every aisle and ask for things. Repeatedly. And since I now home school, I wanted people to think that I am patient and kind – basically the opposite of abusively negligent. That meant no clenching of the teeth and whispered death threats. Instead, Aiden stood on one side of the buggy and completely tipped it in the aisle (see: ridiculously tiny shopping carts a-la Hobby Lobby.) while Malone crouched on the other side screaming “Oh no! Oh nooooooo!” As loud as humanly possible until I could scramble over with my bottles of paint. This was all while Emerson asked if she could “pppllllleeeaassseee have thisssssssssssss” in an epic whiney wail about three octaves too high for my taste. It was just enough commotion to summon all the older ladies who were also shopping that day, like moths to a flame. They cast doleful, borderline curious glances full of meaningful concern sprinkled with wiry smiles. So I gave in to a few requested crafts for the offspring because it was just a really long September and, well, bribery.
Whilst corralling the natives, I even saw another homeschooling mom and her brood. Right now, because we’ve been in adjustment mode, these beings in public and in action are a lot like unicorns in their rarity. I want to reach out and touch their hair and maybe even give it a creepy sniff while whispering, “Are you real?” So they can mace my face or something else completely overreactive for totally normal behavior.
All was fine and dandy in the wood aisle until we walked by a lady who was totally minding her own business. As we were passing, Emerson asked in the loudest and most innocently curious of voices possible, “Mama, is that a Boy or a Gurl?” So I did what any other normal person would do and totally ran away. Because sometimes it’s just easier to literally haul it out of said situation with your children before they say something else completely mortifying. If some kid called me a shim, I might punch their mom in the face. Just saying. When in doubt if the question was heard, haul it into another section of the store and play dumb. It’s like a rule of motherhood or something. (We had a talk later, but I will now use home schooling as my crutch if someone decides to confront me on the subject of why my children are so baboon-ish in public.)
Pro: I can go shopping in the middle of school hours.
Con: I integrated Malone, who usually has preschool of the Tuesday through Thursday nature, into the process on Monday. This means he drew a little, sat quietly through a few lessons, and then remembered that he’s basically a four year old hyped on chocolate milk and he’s exempt to normalcy with his crapping-the-pants exclusivity privileges. He took off in full Speed Racer mode around the kitchen island. Only to run into my giant sign I’m painting in the middle of the kitchen and be knocked flat on his rear, interrupting my verbal warnings which did absolutely no good whatsoever. I mean, doesn’t everyone create giant paintings in the middle of their kitchen? At first I thought he’d broken his nose. But he ran into a table the day before that. So basically, his face looks like he lost a gang fight with about three more four year olds, and I’m torn between getting his vision checked, vs. maybe I’ll stop rearranging the furniture because clearly he can’t handle change. It definitely adds to the visual interest when we venture into public and he screams in the middle of shopping aisles summoning the doleful glances during prime school hours. Awesome.
Pro: He goes to preschool so I’m still legit.
Pro: Ninja drills. It’s totally normal and way better than tornado or fire drills. I don’t have to worry about my children being lost in massive herds because I only have three to keep up with. They’ve been trained well for the UPS lady, and it makes a fun game if anyone actually ventures to the door. Because no one should have to see lady bits through pajamas at 11:00 when most normal people are dressed. And I don’t answer the door for randos. That’s how you die and or are chloroformed and taken to a second location where a man named Tuco wants to even the score in his latest drug deal while you question him confusedly because you have no earthly idea what he’s talking about. At least that’s what happens on TV. Duh. Maybe I should scale back on the Breaking Bad epis because I keep having weird dreams about drug dealers. There is no con about this one.
All sarcastic humor aside, in other (completely serious) news, I’m teaching Emerson how to read and she’s the driving force. There’s nothing cooler. I’m feeling kinda awesome at the moment even though I’ve done nothing other than create an environment for her learning. And this is amazing. The end.
And on another serious note because I’m not completely derailing this entire post off the interstate on it’s way to crazy town and into a field: A few of you guys have written me with questions about home school… on where to start. Here’s some things right off the bat that have helped me, and I was hoping you guys might share a few more of your fave resources in the comments section below. I’m (obviously) still learning as well and would love to hear!
If you’re thinking about home schooling your children, the first steps that help:
1. If you’re even thinking about home schooling your children, ask anyone and everyone you know who actually does it. Friends of friends, neighbors, etc. Get a well rounded picture of the process from there. It’s the first thing I did. Jamin even had lunch with another dad. We spoke to so many parents and mothers, we were inspired, and felt like we had a great grasp on it all before we even made up our minds and took the next step. Making the decision to home school can feel isolating and scary. Like there’s no one there and it’s all you. Surround yourself with wise people. Also, it helps to have a good friend you can count on who totally gets it. We have some amazing teacher friends, and home schooling friends (Shaunna, in particular, who has totally held my hand through this. It means the world.) It’s truly the most important thing you can do.
2. The Ultimate Homeschool Guide. Do not pass go, Do not collect 200. Order it yesterday. Devour it. She may have said a few things I don’t agree with (one pertaining to House Beautiful and never getting into their magazine if you home school- I took this personally ;}) but she’s a great read and real. You’ll love it.
3. 1 + 1 + 1 = 1. A few of you guys and some of my friends recommended this gem. I’ve already purchased two recommended products on her site and Emerson loves them. Her printables are endless and perfect, and her ideas… she’s my blogging idol in the home school sector. I want to knock on her door and sit at her feet and observe. Check her out here.
I hope some of this helps. In the beginning, what were some of your favorite resources or some great places to start that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear!
Layla K says
This is perfect. Thank you so much – I can not wait to check out some of these resources. Great advice! And as always, thank you for the reality you always paint so pretty a picture of. And LOL at shims.
Jenna says
Hahaha! My kids have tipped over the carts at HL too
Alexis says
These resources Re so great. We’ve really been thinking about this and I am putting my hands on anything I can find. This is perfect thank you.
Beth M. says
A few months ago, while being introduced to my husband’s fire chief/mentor/hero (who happens to be a woman), my 4yo daughter asked her point blank, “are you a boy or a gurl?” The world stopped at that moment and I died! Luckily she was not fazed and laughed about it. Can’t take them anywhere!!!!
Tracy @ simply-designed.us says
Oh my goodness I laughed out loud repeatedly throughout your post!!! You are flippin hilarious!! I have had days just like you described which is why I can laugh. My youngest, now 15, is also home schooling this year, for the first time and it is pretty cool to be able to go shopping whilst others are working or at school. The whispering of death threats really made me laugh! We love our children but there are days you’d love to just let them know how awesome you are to let them live. My favorite saying is “now we know why some mothers eat their young” hahahaha!!
Jennifer says
dying of laughter. i heart you so much.
I have to tell you, what has absolutely saved my sanity at THIS point is using http://www.time4learning.com for the bulk of our homeschooling. My boys are 8,6, and 2, and the 2 year old refuses to let me be fully involved in anything other than himself. 🙂 Their program is a really good price, you can pay in advance for a really decent discount, and they save everything; your portfolio is all online. The guys dig it, and it frees up my time for the babe. Once he’s older, I’d love to be more involved and go deeper with more “offline” things, but for right now, it’s a massive help!
Jessica says
Just wanted to say I laughed out loud today while reading your post… definitely what I needed! Thanks 🙂
Anne says
Lol loved this. My sentiments exactly about the doorbell ringing. I want them to be like ninjas when shopping too. I was so happy when we ventured out today and public school had early dismissal. I totally cracked up about too much moving the furniture:)
Brenda Johnston says
I can’t remember if I already posted this or not on a previous post, so if I did, sorry–but others can see it now. This couple has helped me tremendously in my homeschool journey. They have tons of parenting and homeschooling CD’s that are AMAZING! Bev is my favorite speaker! Here is their website–need to go to the homeschooling section: http://familyministries.com/ Also, this link: http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/mom-stuff
She has a ton of 101 Getting started tips and some great “heart” issue stuff that is encouraging.
Tanya says
Well, this is our 15th (!) year homeschooling. I do remember those first few months like it was yesterday. Actually, it was yesterday. Because even though I think we’ve come into our own with our homeschooling, life changes every day. New babies, new homes, weddings, grandbaby, grandbaby who needs a heart transplant, husband who donates a kidney… Life. The best advice I can give someone just starting out is to make sure that you’re choosing the best path for your own family. You and I could use the exact same curriculum, but we’d end up with different results because we have different kids. Choosing homeschooling products these days is almost mind boggling because there’s so much out there. I use Cathy Duffy’s reviews for reference, and there are times that I disagree with her, but usually she gives you enough information to be able to understand if something is right for you and your children.
Also, be flexible, love your kids, know that you can’t do it all, enjoy the process, pray. 🙂
Shaunna says
well, dear, it looks like you are on your way! And you’re more than welcome…this thing can be pretty hard. I got your back though. 🙂
xoxo,
shaunna
Heidi says
Thanks for these suggestions! I always said I would *never* homeschool my kids, but here I am considering it. It’s hard to know where to even begin!
Heidi says
When I homes chooled my bunch (and they were in 3rd, K and the Terrible Twos) we used Five in a Row. I loved it-and their site is great. The other ladies are so helpful and encouraging.
Becky says
Love your post and I can relate! I am half homeschooling my 1st grader, with the intention to do the same in the future for my 3 years old and 9 months old. We go to a “university model school” where paid teachers teach two days a week, and we are assigned homework for the homeschool days. It works out well for us because I don’t know how to select a curriculum…very overwhelming. For those interested in this half homeschooling concept, you can google university model school and see if there is one nearby. The national organization is NAUMS .
Jaimee @ Craft, Interrupted says
I’m new to your blog and am loving it – also – this post grabbed me, because my husband and I are talking about the smallest possibility of homeschooling our oldest, who has special needs and is not thriving in school. I adore your sense of humor girl!! Thank you for sharing your journey! I don’t know what we’ll end up doing, but it’s awesome that we have access to so many resources and blogs and mentors and experiences via the internet. I’m a blogger, too, and I feel it’s like having a legitimate “friend” to have other bloggers to follow through similar life happenings. Good stuff, and I’ll be back to read more : )
Sharon says
To teach each of my 5 children to read… I used: “How to Teach Your Child To Read in 100 Easy Lessons”……can’t say enough about this book….15 minutes a day….easy. I even taught my youngest son who has Down Syndrome to read with this book….and he is a FANTASTIC reader…..He’s almost through reading the ENTIRE BIBLE through this year!! This book actually teaches the child to SOUND OUT each word! Wow….what a concept! Not like other reading programs that teach too many “sight words”..,.sorry.,.,.I’ll get off my soapbox now. If you can teach your child to LOVE TO READ.,.,.they will learn for the rest of their lives. I’ve seen too many children struggle with reading….end up hating it…and never reaching their full potential. We have a very relaxed style of homeschooling. They learn by “doing”. They go everywhere with me….and every single day is an open book and chance for learning something new.
Sarah says
Laugh out loud funny. This is our first year of home school with a 7 and 5 year old and people tend to treat you a bit like a freak at first. I think the grandparents are secretly worried;) Hello from Alabama!
Courtney says
I initially began reading your blog for home decorating, but your jump into the occasional homeschool world post couldn’t have been more timely! We are considering homeschooling our two kids beginning next year and it is so encouraging to hear about your journey. I love reading about the successes and the difficult realities of it as well as having some of your homeschool resources to refer to. Thanks and keep the homeschool posts coming!
rachel says
Thank you for continuing to post your home-school adventures.
You are really very funny about your outing. One of these days I will get out of Costco without wanting to curl up into a little ball and cry…any maybe I can now find humor in those moments because of your example! : ) : )
Sarah says
As silly as this sounds, I use pinterest all the time! I have found amazing blogs by homeschoolers and classroom teachers with great ideas, guidance, and resources. I have found homeschool blogs to be full of free resources and encouragement. Someone already mentioned ‘confessionsofahomeschooler’- she is one of my favorites! She has a series of blog posts she calls a forum that covers every subject individually with lots of comments about different curriculums for each subject. It’s a huge help.
Good luck to everyone making the decision or beginning! I love it.
Shannon says
I just LOVE your blog!! I am so happy you decided to homeschool. We homeschool our boys as well, although we kind of “cheat” and by cheating I mean we go through a virtual academy in our state. We have a 3rd grader and a preschooler. We were going to do the traditional homeschooling but with my job I wasn’t sure I would be able to coordinate it all, but this way we have the flexibility of homeschooling but everything is laid out for us. I can’t wait to hear all of your adventures!!!! You will be great at this and your children will do amazing!!! So happy you took the leap!! Best wishes!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Shannon. Best to you as well. ;}