Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Big Decision in the Works

Monday, Scamp and I went to a friend's home for a playdate. My friend homeschools, and I wanted to ask her some questions about it since she has children around Scamp's age. Beef and I have decided to either send Scamp to a private Christian school or homeschool her. Right now with the budget, it's looking more like homeschool is the option for us.

I've been in lots of prayer over this because homeschool is a big endeavor. The decision to homeschool has come up sooner than I thought because Scamp will be four this year, and we are deciding whether to send her to preschool a couple of days a week or not. I've already been working with her on the things she'll need to know to enter kindergarten.

I've discovered many people have strong negative views about homeschool. I mention the word homeschool, and people snarl their noses and say "Doesn't she need to be around other kids?" Homeschool does not mean I lock Scamp in a closet. I'm leaving the decision up to God. What He puts on my heart is what I will do.

God started opening my eyes and making it an option in my life ever since I met Beef in college. Many of you know he and his three siblings were all homeschooled, and they are the brightest, most well-rounded people I know.

I've been researching, and the city and state I live in have great options for homeschoolers. This is an exciting yet scary endeavor, but I know God will be in control of it all.

6 comments:

Hyperactive Lu said...

As a home school kid, its tough! On the kids- the comments and looks and criticism on schooling and being a home school kid. Its also tough on the parents. I remember my mother stressing and worrying. Home school is much different now than it was when we were home schooled. We felt like aliens if I told someone that we were at home. Of course, the idea of being sheltered and void of social interaction ALWAYS came up!!! My husband really wants us to home school. I don't know if I can. We have made the same decision y'all have- pray about it and its either home school or private school. I don't know how we'll afford 3 kids in private school. It might come down to home schooling is the only option. I'll be praying for your decision! I know its a tough one!

Mel at Adventures of Mel said...

Just a suggestion, but you could actually connect with a local homeschool group in your area and go to a couple of their get togethers and see how it goes, see how your daughter likes it. It might give you more of an idea if it is for you guys or not.:)

gail@more than a song said...

Some of my best friends home schooled their kids and they are some of the most outgoing kids I ever knew! You're doing the right thing to pray about it and leave it up to the Lord and let Him direct you, then you can't go wrong!

Angi said...

95% of the kids at our church are homeschooled, and they are all normal, fun, typical kids. My kids WISH and BEG to be homeschooled (they are in public school - they have also attended private Christian school for several years). With all the options for kids - like Karate, sports, dance, etc. - there are plenty of ways for them to "socialize"! My kids wish for a little less "socialization" and more time at home! Keep praying - He has a plan!

Mari said...

Hi Shawna...I found your blog through Ginelle's. Praying about this is best and I am happy you are considering it! We are home schooling Abigail our kindergartner, and Anna, our pre pre-kindergartner is learning right along with her. We are thoroughly enjoying our experience so far. I'd be more than happy to talk about this with you. Drop me an email through facebook. In the meantime, I will be praying for you as you consider your options and pray about your decision! Good luck!

Sarah B. said...

Let me know if you have questions or would like to talk about it! I homeschool all of my children, and, miraculously, I have not locked them in a closet yet! Just kidding. . .

Micah is in fourth grade this year, and Harrison is in Kindergarten. Scott thinks he's in school with his older brothers, which I adore. When I worked @ LifeWay (just quit in January), I helped a lot of people choose curriculum. I've also tried lots and lots and lots of curriculum.

How to educate your children is a huge decision, and I will be praying for you as you decide!