I’ve taken on the journey of homeschooling my three children. From my own school experiences filled with monotony and bullying to my time as a summer teacher, I always knew this path was right for my family. One day, in sheer frustration, I calculated the actual teaching time in a typical school day. After accounting for preparation, transitions, and settling into classes, I found that only about two hours of the six-hour day were spent on direct instruction. I refuse to subject my kids to such inefficiency.
Whenever I mention that I homeschool, I’m often met with an avalanche of unsolicited opinions. It seems everyone has a take on my children’s education, and somehow, their perspectives are viewed as more valid than mine.
What grade are your kids in?
I honestly don’t keep track. It’s not about grades; it’s about skills. For example, my 7-year-old can read The BFG and novels about the Revolutionary War. He understands basic addition, struggles a bit with subtraction, but can multiply. He can count coins and has some grasp of time. He also knows that Lafayette was wounded at the Battle of the Brandywine and that Alexander Hamilton was present. That’s where he stands academically, not confined to a specific grade.
Aren’t you concerned about socialization?
Absolutely, because traditional schools are supposedly the gold standard for socialization, where kids are grouped solely by age and expected to conform. My children engage with peers of all ages. They take skating lessons, attend co-ops—essentially classes for homeschoolers—and enjoy playdates and kayaking. Sure, some friends live farther away than I’d prefer, but when we visit, the kids bond across age gaps. That’s socialization, not a bunch of kids obsessing over fidget spinners.
Is this about religion?
For many families, yes, but not for us. While we appreciate our faith, it’s not the reason we homeschool. We do include religious education to avoid Sunday school, but it’s supplementary. Secular homeschooling is a legitimate choice, and we’re part of that community.
Do you recognize your privilege?
Yes, I’m fortunate to have the option to homeschool. This privilege does not mean I must adhere to conventional educational standards.
Aren’t you undermining public education by opting out?
These are my kids we’re talking about. I care about their education and work to improve the public system, which desperately needs reform. I attend rallies and voice my concerns to legislators. But no, I’m not running for the school board right now; I’m focused on raising my kids. Are you volunteering for that? Well, why not?
Homeschoolers are weird.
That’s not a question, but I’ll address it. Yes, my 7-year-old knows the lyrics to Hamilton and loves his Revolutionary War figurines. My 5-year-old has a fascination with dinosaurs and wants to share his knowledge about Spinosaurus. They both enjoy playing with Legos and watch popular shows like Ninjago and Scooby-Doo. They might not know about fidget spinners or Pokémon, but they are happy and free to explore their interests.
How do you think you’re qualified to teach?
I have extensive training in composition and rhetoric, which is a form of pedagogy. I also utilize various curricula and online resources, making homeschooling accessible and manageable.
What does your day look like?
We do “school,” focusing on subjects like reading and math, along with social studies and science. After that, we have lunch and some leisure time. You often see us at the park or the splash pad in the afternoon because formal schooling doesn’t take up the entire day. Play is crucial for young kids, and I ensure they have the freedom to express their creativity and learn from the world around them. We embrace life and find joy in it.
For more insights, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and to learn more about home insemination, visit this link. If you’re considering the process, this site offers useful information as well.
In summary, homeschooling is a unique journey filled with creativity, learning, and personal growth for both parents and children alike. It allows for individualized education tailored to each child’s strengths and interests while fostering a diverse social environment.