We’re Taking The Plunge!
The homeschooling plunge, that is.
After much praying, discussing and thinking we’ve decided to start homeschooling this year, rather than next. We are not going to send her to the small, private Kindergarten we were originally planning on. I got to thinking that if we really are going to homeschool and still do Kindergarten next year again why not just do it this year and see where we’re at next year. This is the perfect time for me to “try my hand” at homeschooling. If we fail miserably this year she can still go to public Kindergarten next year and we’re no worse for wear! If we are a huge success I can choose to do the Advanced Kindergarten program the homeschool system we’re using offers or put her in First Grade if I feel she’s really ready. ( Or, maybe, if I’m really ready!)
The homeschool system we are using is by Christian Liberty Academy. Which, incidentally, is the same one my family used when we homeschooled! We will be enrolling Katelyn into their school system and signing up for the CLASS Administrative plan. We will be sending her work to them for them to grade and they will provide transcripts and report cards. They are nationally accredited so when we do put her in school in the future all of our ducks will be in a row.
I was told about a wonderful homeschooling group/ co-op at a church in a town close by that I’m so excited to be joining. I feel like it was the hand of God that showed it to me. I got an e-mail from a woman at church yesterday telling me that she heard I was thinking of homeschooling and that her daughter homeschools and is part of a Christian homeschooling group. This was wonderful news that came at just the right time! She gave me her daughter’s phone number and told me to contact her. After speaking with the homeschooling mom I was super encouraged about the whole process and it just seemed to seal the deal for me.
I found out yesterday that I don’t have to “report” to our town this year that I’m homeschooling since she won’t be five when the school year starts. I will have to report next year with what my homeschooling plan is. The good thing about CLASS (Christian Liberty Academy School System) is that they do provide testing on the students to gauge where they are academically so I’ll have those tests to show the school system if there is ever any problem.
I’m excited and nervous at the same time! I’m loving the Bible based Kindergarten curriculum they have. Their Kindergarten, Advanced Kindergarten, Modified First Grade and First Grade curricula covers the span of children ages 4-6 and the level they are at academically. I like that! We all know a four year old who can read already and who will breeze through regular Kindergarten or the six year old who may not be quite ready for First Grade but has already done Kindergarten. I like the flexibility and options they offer.
I feel like this will be a good fit for Katelyn and for my teaching style. I have such a peace about this decision. We feel like with Katelyn’s personality and some of her emotional “issues” she needs to be schooled at home for a while. While Katelyn is doing her work I plan on doing some simple, preschool learning with Madelyn too. My head is reeling with schedule planning, ideas and homeschooling stuff. I was wide awake at 5 am thinking about all of this! I will most definitely be blogging more about our daily schedule and any additions I’m making to what they send me. ( Like art and music) I’ll also take pictures of our set up once, well, it’s all set up!! We will officially start once the curriculum gets here and we’re all set up with supplies and everything we need.
Another thing that had my mind spinning this morning was my excitement over my first prenatal appointment tonight. I’m praying and hoping for a nice, strong heartbeat. I’ve been a little nervous about this appointment but I know it’s all in God’s hands.
Thanks for reading and wish me luck!
