Reasons I home educate

When I started back this week I had one of those days  where I was wondering why I home educate.  Maybe it was as my 9 year old son crawled under the table and could not seem to locate his math book, or the looks of confusion when asked what are you suppose to be doing? The fact they we are cooped up indoors is not really helping my cause.

On Monday night I was thinking I better come up with a list, because I needed to review why I was doing this and not doing something else all day.   I have been home schooling for seven years, and for me it is a still a good idea to be reminded of why I choose to keep my kids home and educate them.  .  After making my list I was inspired and had a much better Tuesday.

So here goes. . .

1. I love having the best of my kids.  I love that they do not go to school and come home spent and grouchy.  I am privileged to spend the best times with them.

2. My kids  are becoming independent learners. . I love that they are problem solvers, and possibility people.  They love books and get excited about learning.

3.  I am so glad I am there for their "aha" moments.  It is wonderful to watch the light come on. 

4. I enjoy watching them become active learners.  They do not sit back and expect to be spoon fed information 

5. I love being in charge of my day and not having the school schedule dictate my time. It is wonderful to take a day off and enjoy the sunshine, play in the snow, or watch a rainstorm. 

6. I am glad my children can learn at their own pace.  Time is on our side. 

7.  I enjoy watching them pursue their own interests and hobbies.  I love that they have enough time to do this, and can go in depth on a topic. 

8.  I am glad my kids are developing life long friendships with their siblings.

9.  Knowing that I am an active part of the people they are becoming is a privilege.

10.  I like being a part of something bigger than myself.  I know I am shaping the future.

There you go.  These are the bigger picture pieces that I tend to forget in my day to day activities.  It was good to be reminded that when we home educate our children, we truly are a part of something noble.

Why do you home educate?

~Becky

Ready Made Preschool Update

Last July I shared a program I was very excited about called Ready-Made Preschool.   I wanted to update you on how it is going now that we are in Week 11.

I absolutely love this program.  The activities are fantastic.  All the materials that you need are right there in the envelopes provided, or in the box.  There is very little preparation involved.  I gather the supplies and share the lesson with my daughter.  She is thrilled with the program and asks every day when we are going to do her preschool program.

I enjoy watching her get so excited about learning.  She is mastering her alphabet and numbers.  But, there is another piece I did not expect to gain from this program.  The program makes me feel like a better mom.  I feel like I am not failing one of my younger children and am giving her a great foundation for learning.

Coconut tree with letters after reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

Making a web while talking about "W."

Cooking Chocolate pudding for "dirt" desert while studying the letter "D."

 She has really enjoyed the variety and quality of activities.  I would highly recommend this to anyone.
~Becky

Radical Article & Thanksgiving

I have never really felt that radical, but after reading this article I might have to reconsider.   It is an interesting article on home education.  I am always glad that I have the opportunity to home educate.  I can't imagine missing all the "a-ha"  moments with my children.  I love that part of it.

I am from a really big family. ( 19 kids big)  We all got together this last week for Thanksgiving.  There were 52 people there in all.  I have included a picture for your entertainment.

Kayes Thanksgiving. 

Have a great week!
Becky

Free Chemistry Book Download

    Every once in awhile things just make you smile.  A friend of mine posted a download to The Golden Book of Chemistry.  Why is this so funny you ask?  Well, apparently this book was banned because the experiments could be dangerous.  But, my understanding is that you can download it now for free (remember I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV).
So use your best judgement on whether or not you should allow your children to read it.  It has some excellent explanations on chemistry. I felt more informed reading it. 
Enjoy!

Becky