I know I haven't talked much about this year's homeschooling journey, and it's been for a few different reasons, but mainly because I am just so swamped!
While everyone will tell you that you CAN home school while working out of the home in a full time job, when your kids are older, no one quite prepares you for the chaos that it can bring, when extra-curriculars (for you AND your child) are added into the mix!
Lately I've felt like the proverbial yo-yo- zinging from one place to another,
and then starting all over again!
Miss Grace is now in 7th grade-eek- MIDDLE SCHOOL- when did THAT happen?
We had a more eclectic outlook last year, with a lot of unschooling, as she was so far ahead, grade level, on so many different subjects. So this year, when I needed to rein her back to certain topics,it's been a bit difficult. That free-thinking, rabbit trail approach, doesn't do well when presented with heavier grade level textbooks and topics! Add to that her ADHD deciding to show out in most way possibles, and by last month, I was looking at changing curriculum in multiple subjects!
The result is a home school where I've learned to be more flexible and allow for 'variances on theme'. So for example, is she finds the chapter on Astronomy "boring!", then she has to take the Chapter test and pass with a B+ (I'd say what would happen if she doesn't, but so far she hasn't gotten below an A!), be able to find correct answers to any ones she missed and explain them to me, and then she can rabbit trail to her happiness, on any science topic, but she has to relate it to astronomy in an oral lecture to me. Math is still pre-Algebra (yes, she's a year ahead still), but I'm not worried about finishing it all in one year, because she IS so far ahead.
So if we need to review and work on percentages and fractions, because we're doing a lot of cooking that week, or she's helping me with seating charts, then Real Life Math comes into play. Trust me when I say, you don't realize how MUCH basic Algebra you do in everyday routines, until you have to explain how you came up with answers to budget and finance questions! BUT, the good thing, is that this helps offer up the answers to "I'm never going to use it in real life" questions that are inevitable in Algebra!
History has taken a turn I didn't expect. I knew we were moving away from textbooks and into more lecture series, but I was really surprised at how odd things would send her off on tangents, and how the timeline approach would change to one in flux, where she goes back and forth with relative ease. And I did not for sea the extent to which she would bring science into her history research, and give me presentations that are multi-faceted in their approach. It is a bit concerting to be having high school/college level discussions about ramifications and cause/effect with a 12 year old!
But all in all, some things seem to be not as important, as technology changes not only how we interact, but how we teach. It's hard to argue with the logic of not needing an excellent spelling capability, when literally everything in use for business and personal life, has a spell check on it. So this year is about finding the balance,about making sure tech skills are walking alongside traditional ones, and starting a new path for her. It's been a trial of learning to balance what she truly loves and cares about, with what she needs to learn. And a lot of that is emotional as well. Kids with ADHD tend to be behind emotionally, and this year it seems like she's trying to catch up all at once, making for trying moments for both of us. But sometimes, it's just saying we need some help to find that balance, and we did!
And along the way, there is a LOT of guilt. That's the part that nobody every wants to talk about. How you wonder if you're really doing enough, providing enough education, allowing too much free time, not getting your kids the norm (unschooling=lots of explaining!), wondering if you should try that newer/prettier looking curriculum (that you know in your heart your kid will hate).....it's enough to make your run around like a squirrel trying to find that last nut for winter. Especially if you were raised traditionally, in numerous college prep schools, and you're getting a lot of negative comments from family and friends!! There is SO much changing of learned behavior for YOU, that sometimes you wonder if home school is really educating you along WITH your child! And there is a LOT of need for SUPPORT. You need your tribe- those that understand, get it, and have been there! They are your life support, and without them, the challenges could break you down and make you quit! And honestly, we have been there at the quitting point numerous times this school year!
But then, something happened, and I realized what I really HAVE been doing is raising a confident, intelligent, child, who not only CARES about people, but is a wonderful ambassador for how home school works. Now you get it- you provide the spark, her imagination provides the ignition, and it's a sight to behold when it all comes together for others to see!
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