First Generation Homeschool Family
My husband and I are first-generation homeschooling parents. We both grew up attending public schools. Before getting married, we discussed many topics, and one was whether we would consider homeschooling our children. Without the background of experiencing it ourselves, we were depending on other examples in our lives at that time. We observed other couples who chose the homeschooling route and tried to find all the information we could. After much research and prayer, we decided that when the time came, we would indeed pursue homeschooling our children.
Our “Whys”
Our main reasons for this choice, our “whys,” might be different from yours, and that is okay! But our “whys” get us through the challenging times when we just want to give up. These are our family’s “whys” for homeschooling: a home-based education with a Christian worldview, flexibility and freedom to plan a schedule that worked best for our family, and the comfort of knowing where our children are and that they are safe.
Our oldest finished his freshman year, our youngest is two years old, and we have three others in between. We have many years of our homeschooling journey ahead and look forward to all the lessons learned by them and us along the way!
There is no place like home . . . even to school and educate your children! Although we have a long list of reasons we chose homeschool, I simplified it with these ABCs. Also, a complete alphabetical list will follow with some things that are a little less serious than others. For this list, I had some help from fellow homeschool mamas from a Facebook group called East Mountain Homeschoolers.
A – All About Your Children
Schools are busy places with so many people who need to come together to make it happen. There are many public, private, charter, and other in-person options. No doubt, everyone involved is needed and necessary. At home, it’s you as parents and your children. You know your children best and can arrange their educational needs as you see fit. Children change quickly. Some learn faster, some slower, and as parents, you can best gauge where they need to be challenged or where they may need to slow down. Even though it’s you as a family, you are not alone. There are many resources, support groups, and co-ops to make your homeschooling go more smoothly with the support you may need.
B – Benefit of Flexibility & Freedom
Two top favorite things about homeschooling are the flexibility and freedom we have. Whether it’s flexibility in schedule to make room for other pursuits or flexibility in curriculum that you want to go through. You have the freedom to do what’s best for your family. Maybe you need to start your school day later, or maybe only have lessons on certain days. Whatever your family’s particular needs, you are in charge of it. You are the authority! Although you want to make sure you meet all your state’s requirements, you are free to choose what fills their routines and schedules.
C – Choose the Best Curriculum
There are endless options for homeschool curriculum. One of the first things you decide is what type of education you want for your child(ren). From there, you can choose curricula that best fit those educational goals. You want to include all the basics of reading, writing, math, social studies, history, and science, but you choose what that looks like for your family. Not to mention, there are so many ways to meet those needs that may look different from a traditional classroom.
Curricula can be faith-based, textbook style, online, hands-on, children-led, Montessori, Charlotte Mason, and more. In addition to wonderful curriculum options, you can join co-ops that have a certain focus, join sports groups, take lots of field trips, and more!
There are so many benefits to homeschooling your children. Here is a fun list of more reasons moms love to homeschool their children. This list may even just spark an interest for you! There are also a few articles by other ABQ Mom contributors that can answer your questions or give you the necessary information on how to start your homeschool journey.
» » » RELATED READ: So You’re Thinking About Homeschooling? Here’s How to Start « « «
A – Adventure
B – Bonding
C – Community
D – Developmentally Appropriate (honorable mention: Dog Mascots)
E – Excitement
F – Field Trips
G – Goals
H – Hikes
I – Interest-driven
J – Joyful Lifestyles
K – Kindness
L – Learning for Kids & Parents
M – Motivation
N – Never Home
O – Outdoors
P – Park Days (honorable mention: PJs all day!)
Q – Quality Time
R – Reading
S – Socialization (honorable mention: Sleeping in!)
T – Take Breaks
U – Unplanned Learning
V – Vacations
W – “What grade am I in, mom?”
X – eXtracurricular activities
Y – You and your children can do this!
Z – Zero unexcused absences!
» » » » » » » » RELATED READ: Guide to Homeschool Resources in Albuquerque « « « « « « «
