These changes in our homeschool have actually been a long time coming. I have been homeschooling for what feels like ages-- 15 years. And I have three children that are done with our homeschool, though I don't know that I can honestly say that they have "graduated." (That is a post for another day.)
Making mistakes is GOOD-- I know that. But only if we learn from those mistakes! Making the same mistakes over and over again and expecting different results is foolish.
Hence, the need for real change.
For the vast majority of my homeschooling years, I have been using a set of principles that I felt very good about-- I felt inspired to go down that path. Unfortunately, I did not use those principles in the way that I should have. I wanted homeschooling to be easy, to fulfill my own selfish plans and desires. And so, I also learned that some of those principles did not work well for our family.
So while I am grateful for the ideas I once followed whole-heartedly, I have also learned that the personal needs of myself as a homeschooling mother and the needs of MY children must come first in our homeschool.
And that is why I am starting this new blog. I feel that I need a new beginning, a fresh start. I am not the homeschooling mother that I was when I began our educational journey just before the turning of the last century. I have fallen down, picked myself up, and gained insights that I feel may help another homeschooling mom out there, somewhere.
And so, WELCOME, as I share my experiences leading, guiding, and walking beside my children still being homeschooled in my care.
Ooo, I'm interested to see what you are changing! Especially as you are a large family momma and I'm not that far down the path yet with oldest only just 14 years old. For us we are mostly Charlotte Mason-y. We enjoy the occasional unit study and I like TJEd but it doesn't really fit my family.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful that we can change!?!?!? We made big changes this year, too. I look forward to reading more about your family's changes. :)
ReplyDeleteRachel, we've made big changes over the past several years based on the needs of OUR kids and OUR family but I've been silent because I didn't want to open myself up to the judgement of others especially when "their" opinion really didn't matter to me. It's so like you to say, "I dont care! I'm telling the truth so someone else can learn from my mistakes!" Thank you! I love you, dear DEAR friend!
ReplyDeleteRachel, we've made big changes over the past several years based on the needs of OUR kids and OUR family but I've been silent because I didn't want to open myself up to the judgement of others especially when "their" opinion really didn't matter to me. It's so like you to say, "I dont care! I'm telling the truth so someone else can learn from my mistakes!" Thank you! I love you, dear DEAR friend!
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to what you have to say!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Looking forward to your insights! We have made lots of different choices in our homeschool journey and now are dabbling in school (insert gasp). I don't know that I have left homeschool behind and so I will relish your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you are changing and why. I have enjoyed following your blog for quite some time and you have always been an inspiration.
ReplyDelete