Why I Want to be Homeschooled - Dove

Well, in school, all day long its just work, work, work in a chair until it's recess. Sometimes we get to work in a group and have play time, but that's hardly never. Most times, I just wish I could have a break in school.

I learn at a difference pace than some of the other kids. Like, instead of working on something for one or two days, we all have to work on it for one or two weeks. I'm one of the faster kids and I feel like I'm just writing the same old thing everyday and nothing new.

Before homeschool I went to Dilworth Elementary. It was more fun than the school before that, Hickory Grove Baptist Christian School. For the first few years, Hickory Grove Baptist was cool for me, but we didn't have recess until almost the end of the day. The whole school day was spent in a chair, looking at the board and copying everything down except for the fifteen minutes we had for lunch.

In homeschool, I can have a break and learn at my own pace. It's like my school and I'm still getting my education. It's mostly online and sometimes it's interactive and pretty fun. Other times, it's just reading.

Got Guilt?

Homeschooling is not a joke. It's not. There are a lot of parents really excelling at homeschooling. I really want to be one of those parents.

In the beginning, I thought I was doing an okay job. Initially, I was to be a part of a co-op but I realized that my schedule wouldn't allow us to commit to it. It would have been fantastic to learn with a group and have that structure, yet creative energy. But, now I'm doing this alone...as a single mother. There are no re-inforced lessons from anyone else outside of me...got it?

The deal is, you've got to stick to the lessons and follow through. How many people do you know that start a project and leave it unfinished and go to the next idea? Well, it could be the same thing with homeschooling -- if you don't commit to following through.

I've started some great lessons, but without following through they're only mere  introductions. I realized that I can actually fail my daughter in educating her. I asked Dove, "Do you really trust me with your education?" Innocently and naively, she answered, "yes." Several months later, I look around and see that we've been relaxing. I haven't honestly been utilizing our time wisely or even recording our lessons and effectively evaluating and assessing her.

What would happen if she had to go back to school? How do we know if she's ahead of the game or have to repeat the year? What if I'm not really equipping her with the best (my intention of homeschooling in the first place)?

Well...I'm about to get rid of the guilt and actually organize my lessons so that I can effectively teach my daughter.

I'll keep you posted.

The Real Truth - Part I

To be honest, I never imagined that I could be with my child all day long without getting irritable at some point. I know some homeschool moms have their mouths gaped open with my honesty. But, I get that from other mothers as well. Come on, all day long? I used to get frustrated helping with homework.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip. Several of the attendees were homeschoolers. I became intrigued with the process and how smart and responsible the children (teens) were. I knew then that if I ever had the opportunity to homeschool then I'd jump at the chance.

Well, that chance came when I was let go (pushed out by a big bully manager who made it his job to try to make me feel like an idiot) from the Bank of America. The whole summer, my daughter and I got to know each other. And you know what? It wasn't as bad as I thought! Well, she is a sweetie pie and I'm not just being biased because she's mine. I figured that I'd give it a go...and hence our story begins of homeschooling... the behind the scenes truth - raw and uncut.
Alicia Diane
Alicia Williams
www.askaliciadiane.com