You're Homeschooling?? Are you NUTS???

That was my reaction when I logged back in. You like us. Well, we'll be sure to have you coming back for more.

Tiffany and Julie wrote about why the chose to home school, so here is mine.

 I have been asked by several, why I decided to home-school. I am sure I was asked for many reasons... Doubt, fear, interest, concern...Well, it really boiled down to the different experiences that Brieana and Dylan have had in school..

Brieana had a very traumatizing year in Pre-K, which I didn't know until a year later. Her teachers aide, dragged her by her arm on the floor, from one end of the class room to the other, then they had the audacity to accuse me of hurting/neglecting my child. Knowing perfectly well I don't. That theory was quickly debunked by DFACS (Department of children and family services) They spoke to Brieana and knew if the first few minutes of speaking with her, that she was neither abused nor neglected. Can you believe, after all this, they had the audacity to ask me to speak to the school about becoming an EMT, my occupation at the time. I could not believe it, you think I abuse my children but are willing to ask me to come in and speak to more children?? Preposterous!

Moving on, she had good teachers and bad teachers both here and in MA.  She loves school work but not actually going to school. It was rough, because we have moved around so much,  switching schools. With homeschooling, it won't affect where we live. Even MA has the same program offered. Luckily, we have planted our roots and won't have to worry about moving.

When Dylan started School in the fall of 2010 he had an amazing teacher. She kept me up to par, emailed me, called me wrote notes, etc more than once a week. She was very involved. They had a daily folder which included behavior, notes, as well as homework, which he had 4 days a week. We had several conferences and I knew where Dylan stood. I also knew, what our goals were.  Then, we moved to Tifton, where we are now. His teacher, was nothing like his last teacher. I made several attempts to contact her, she only responded once. I am not even sure if the problems we spoke about were addressed. This was In April 2011. In May, it was getting close to the end of the school year, I still had not heard anything, but was getting concerned, there were things that I worked hard with Dylan to ensure that he passes. I wanted to know that our hard work paid off. I didn't want Dylan to have to stay back. I would have been devastated as would he! Well, on the last day of school, his teacher called me, to tell me that Dylan was being placed into first grade not promoted. Her reasoning?? She feared he wouldn't do well even though he passed all of the criteria that needed to be met. I was furious! Momma bear wanted to rip her to shreds!! The things she was worried about could have been addressed with us at home. Hello! I am an active parent, I am very involved with my childrens live's. A phone call sooner would have been nice. We could have addressed that he kept moving his seat closer to a boy in his class. I mean, come on. There were some other issues, but I don't want to get into them. These were some of the basis of my decision.

I had voiced my fears to one of my best friends. She has been home schooling her two children- Since day one. Her son who was a  first grader, was far more advanced than Dylan was. I must admit, that made me jealous. Not because I am jealous of her, but jealous that her son was getting far better of an education than was offered to Dylan. And she was doing it at her pace. Lee had encouraged me to look into homeschooling for a long time, I was worried that I was incapable of doing so. I felt I would hold them back, not giving myself enough credit.

My friend mentioned to me that she would be switching to the K12 program and told me about it. This intrigued me. She then looked to see if My state offered it and was happy to hear that they did. She gave me the website and I researched. After telling my findings to Lee, he encouraged me to call and get more info, he said it seemed like the best thing for our children. I did, and they were so very helpful and resourceful. The statistics were astonishing and I knew it would be the best decision for us. I asked the kids if they would want to give it a try, explaining that they could say no, and I nor their father would be upset if they said no.

Both agreed, this is the path that they wanted to take-So I began the enrollment process. And while doing so, I still gave them opportunities to change their minds-even to this day, as we have begun some lessons, I still give them the option and the answer remains the same. This is what they want.

The enrollment process took about a month to complete. Once I got the approval email, I was shipped their books and supplies, which came in about 4 business days from day of approval. Began to explore the online school (OLS) and found some support groups on Face Book.  I had many fears and questions. The support group answered all my questions, even the repetitive ones, and welcomed me to the family. I also have support of my family and friends including a teacher!! I am very grateful for all the support! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Well, things have changed a tad. Dylan is still enrolled in K-12, at least for the time being. I started doing traditionally home school her in February. I do it solely on my own. I don't use a certain curriculum. I feel like if I spend the money on a curriculum and we end up hating them, that's wasted money that a one-income family can not afford. I did pay for <a href="www,education.com" title="Education.com"></a>, <a href="http://abcteach,com" title="ABC Teach"></a> and T<a href="http://www.teachervision.fen.com/" title="Teacher Vision">eacher Vision </a> All are great sites but Education.com is by far my favorite. Another great site, <a href="www.teacherspayteachers.com " title="Teachers Pay Teachers"></a>

Both of my children are happier and take pride in their work. They look forward to learning, even if it's late in the afternoon in our Pj's. I have seen great improvements and Dylan and nothing makes me happier. Even the little ones have started picking up on learning. I know, this is the best decision. If you ask them if they would like to go back to a brick and mortar school, you will get a quick response of no.

After doing this for two years I can not claim to be an expert. I will not lie and call it easy, I do have days where I want to give up, scream, and run away but the moment of clarity is when you see your kids light up because they learned something. So, I will continue this journey we have begun until I am no longer needed. The friendships and the bonds I have made along the way have made it so worth it.

~ Amie