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Welcome to week two of the Why Homeschool? guest post series! Last week’s post was so successful! If you missed it, be sure to check it out here. Also, if you are interested in participating, see the information here. Today’s post is from Jen- I have been following her blog for a long time and I am happy to have her post here! Thanks, Jen for all of your great insight!!
Hello! I’m Jen from Chestnut Grove Academy. I am a homeschooling mom to 3 boys, ages 6, 3.5 and 2. Currently we live in Hawaii (and yes we LOVE it here!). No, we are not military (though my husband and I are both prior service); we did come here with my husband’s job. I have a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I worked several years (before and after my Army service) in preschool/daycare establishments; as teacher and also administrator. I’m in my 2nd ‘official’ year of homeschooling. I started blogging sporadically in 2010, and more actively since 2011. I love blogging; mostly because it motivates me…I have to be doing things to blog about them, right? It also enables to me to share my ideas, and meet lots of really great people.
I first started considering homeschooling when my oldest was 2 and began researching then. (NOTE: I’m a BIG planner, you definitely do not NEED to start researching homeschooling so far or advance, nor do you need to research for so long in order to be successful). The main reason for my consideration is that we lived in a very rural area, and there were not any preschools close by, plus with cold winters, and knowing that I would eventually have more children, and the crazy expense that preschools can be – I decided why not teach him at home, after all, I use to get paid to teach kids before I had my own!
Elementary
Preschool
Remember that it’s not ‘public’ school; you don’t have to fit that mold. Homeschoolers have the flexibility to school how and when they want. You do not have to follow the school calendar, there is no 8-4 requirement, and you don’t HAVE to sit at desks. Do what WORKS for you and your children.
Remember WHY you chose to homeschool, and that there is no ‘right way’ to do it. What worked with one child, might not work with another. Every child and every family is DIFFERENT. As long as you are doing what you feel is BEST for you family, that is ALL that matters.
Cari says
Great post! I too spent a long time researching and experimenting with homeschooling before I finally committed. I haven’t heard of Pandia Press before, I’m excited to check them out, thanks!
Kathy Shea Mormino says
Hello, new follower here and I’d like to invite you to join me at my weekly
Clever Chicks Blog Hop:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/clever-chicks-blog-hop-13.html
I hope you can make it!
Cheers,
Kathy Shea Mormino
The Chicken Chick