As of January 4th I have taken on a part-time job and am currently putting in many hours, so many that right now I'm not sure when I'll ever get the laundry done again, or how often my house will be organized or when I'll get "Heidi time" to scrapbook ever again! Are you wondering WHY? I would take on a side job right now, with all that I have going on? I'll tell you why...and here is a photo of the reason...
Kaylie....
That's right...my new job is homeschooling Kaylie. From the start of 5th grade Scott and I have been concerned about the class she was in. Changing her to a different class or a different school were options we looked into but without success. Discussions with the principal, as well as district curriculum directors for our school district led to some minor improvement in her classroom, but not much.
Coming from an education background, this situation really steamed me!! Even during my recovery from brain surgery I just couldn't believe the 'junk food' diet that Kaylie was being fed in school. There was, in a nutshell, too much junk food (wasted class time, busy work, froo froo projects without a purpose, etc) and not enough meat and potatoes (solid learning) going on in her classroom.
After lots of consideration and prayer, Scott supported me in my decision to officially unenroll Kaylie from the public school system after Christmas Break. So far, we've been in school for 1 1/2 weeks and Kaylie is learning a lot!! I'm enjoying teaching her and I'm learning a lot myself--I'm getting a refresher course in 5th grade history and science at best!! It's great to get to spend one on one time with Kaylie and to get her back on track with study habits, etc. that she was taught so well by her 4th grade teachers in CA (We love you Ms. Saake and Ms. Saake!!)
Meanwhile, Kyler has started attending his Great-Aunt's Preschool here in Centerville twice a week. This allows me to spend more one on one time teaching Kaylie and Kyler can learn too! I still am in a once a week co-op for homeschool preschool with Kyler as well.
It's a new adventure and I know it'll have its ups and downs. For now we feel the benefits will greatly outweigh the sacrifices...although try to remind me of that when its 11 pm and I'm staring at a pile of laundry, a sink full of dishes and my math lesson for tomorrow isn't planned yet.......help!!! =)
Kaylie....
That's right...my new job is homeschooling Kaylie. From the start of 5th grade Scott and I have been concerned about the class she was in. Changing her to a different class or a different school were options we looked into but without success. Discussions with the principal, as well as district curriculum directors for our school district led to some minor improvement in her classroom, but not much.
Coming from an education background, this situation really steamed me!! Even during my recovery from brain surgery I just couldn't believe the 'junk food' diet that Kaylie was being fed in school. There was, in a nutshell, too much junk food (wasted class time, busy work, froo froo projects without a purpose, etc) and not enough meat and potatoes (solid learning) going on in her classroom.
After lots of consideration and prayer, Scott supported me in my decision to officially unenroll Kaylie from the public school system after Christmas Break. So far, we've been in school for 1 1/2 weeks and Kaylie is learning a lot!! I'm enjoying teaching her and I'm learning a lot myself--I'm getting a refresher course in 5th grade history and science at best!! It's great to get to spend one on one time with Kaylie and to get her back on track with study habits, etc. that she was taught so well by her 4th grade teachers in CA (We love you Ms. Saake and Ms. Saake!!)
Meanwhile, Kyler has started attending his Great-Aunt's Preschool here in Centerville twice a week. This allows me to spend more one on one time teaching Kaylie and Kyler can learn too! I still am in a once a week co-op for homeschool preschool with Kyler as well.
It's a new adventure and I know it'll have its ups and downs. For now we feel the benefits will greatly outweigh the sacrifices...although try to remind me of that when its 11 pm and I'm staring at a pile of laundry, a sink full of dishes and my math lesson for tomorrow isn't planned yet.......help!!! =)
5 comments:
I cannot tell you how many kids have moved here from Utah and Arizona whose education standards are not up to par with our education standards in Cali. So many kids having to be tutored just to catch up. This is unacceptable...good for you for taking action! This will be a struggle, but also a blessing for your family. GOOD LUCK!!!
yeah!! You did it. I know you'll do great and will enjoy spending some real quality time with Kaylie. The hardest part was probably just making that decision. I don't think you'll regret it.
Good for you and Kaylie!
WOW!!! Way to go. You'll really enjoy the time and learning. I know I do.
This is Kelli-Wow that just amazes me that you find the time to do it! I guess the benefits outweight the negatives. I found the key is finding the best teacher and requesting them (which our school allows us to do). Brinley is also in the Gifted program. Do they have a program like that there? Good Luck and my hats off to you!
This is great Heidi - good luck - I know you are a great teacher!
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