Thoughts here have been about school. Whether or not to put B in school, whether to homeschool, whether to use a curriculum...blah blah blah. It gets involved very fast. So far, the things I have come up with are this: I do not believe I am patient enough to homeschool without some sort of curriculum, B is not an unschooler, B is more social than I am, and needs more interaction than I think homeschooling will give here, even with planned group things. Now, given that she is 3...these may or may not actually be the case. I don't know.
So, the plan as of now is this. I am going to get a preschool/K curriculum/activity set - whatever you want to call it, and we are going to do that, and focus on academic basics. B is starting to want to learn to read - but I need some guidance on how to help her learn without boring her - or drilling her. Then next time the school fairs come around, I will be going to them. I plan on looking at what is out there, and what we can get into, and putting her name in for Kindergarten lottery. From there, we'll see. If we get in somewhere that we like, then she will go there. If not, then we will likely homeschool through K and try again for first grade. The public schools near us aren't awesome, and I don't want to send her there.
We are also continuing our gym classes this summer, and probably this fall. And if we can find a good one, will add in a dance class. She would love that.
All in all, it is a big and difficult task to figure out schooling here. I wish greatly that I lived in the house I grew up in and she could walk to the elementary school I went to. It was a great school and the walk was about 10 minutes max.
For now, this will do.
Schooling is a such a challenging conversation and really an evolving one like you've said. As a family with two educator moms, you can only imagine our conversations. I can say that we're thrilled beyond belief with our son's school, but will it be his school until 8th grade? Who knows. Needs change, learning styles evolve, etc. Definitely a twisting journey! Good luck as you take these first steps...
Posted by: labelsareforjars | June 16, 2009 at 04:55 AM
I think this is the best way to approach things. What is right for your family, your child, today. I have no doubt that you'll choose the path that is best for B, as you always do. Motherhood is ever-evolving, eh?
Posted by: korin | June 16, 2009 at 09:57 AM
I happen to wish that you lived in the house you grew up in, too....
Posted by: Mom | July 15, 2009 at 02:31 PM