Recently I shared how excited I get when I purchase a new planner for the school year. I love planners by Lilly Pulitzer. If you're a planner person and haven't tried hers, I highly recommend one. This year I upgraded to the jumbo size and that's because we have some jumbo plans this year! Here's a link to the one I purchased. Lilly Pulitzer Jumbo Planner
When I think of it and inhale, I still hold my breath for a minute just like before you jump off of a high dive. I cannot believe I'm doing this but with most things in my life, if it isn't a little intimidating, exciting, over whelming and hard work, it's not worth having.
We are venturing into home school! Saying it out loud makes it real and I can feel my heart race a little when I think of the challenges.
First, my photography business. There are times in the year I'm so busy that finding time to shower is a challenge. There are several hours in a day, that I have to tell my son to entertain himself because I absolutely have to get some work done. My first question was where will I find the time?
Then there was the concern of being qualified to teach him. This concern is layered and I have a few thoughts on it. Education wise, I was able to find what gave me peace about not having a degree in teaching. We have chosen to do DLO which stands for distance learning online. We have opted for BJU Press Homeschool It is accredited and he receives transcripts. At any point if circumstances arise that myself or my husband couldn't facilitate his program for him, he could transfer to public school. That's not my desire but gives me a peace of mind that his learning is on track or exceeds expectations required for his age and peers in public school.
Lastly, the social aspect. I understand the stigma and out dated way of thinking home school kids don't have the same social opportunities. This is not only untrue anymore but the opposite is true.
Home school hours cut out many of the time consuming realities of public school. For kindergarten, our class time will be around an hour and a half to two hours. This increases with age and grade level but is in line with the same time that a child is getting actual instruction in school. We have more time to do so many fun things, to go on play dates with friends, to go to the library, visit the aquarium, swim with friends, visit the zoo, kids corner at Home Depot or anything our hearts desire. It is completely freeing to me. Are there activities my son wants to do that I'm not equipped for? Absolutely! He is currently asking me to take him fishing. If you know me, you know it's not my thing but it brings me joy that my son wants to learn. I'll be doing some research and figuring out how to give this next adventure a go. Not only is he growing and doing new things but guess who else is? Me! I'm making it a priority to let him experience life and nothing makes me happier than to create these new adventures, memories and learning experiences together. Home school gives us time back and life back. It allows me to raise the child placed in our lives. It allows me to guard his heart from things being taught in school that don't align with our core values. It allows us less time at a desk and more time doing real life activities.
If you are considering home school for any reason and the fear of the unknown makes you hesitate, please know there are so many options that can fit you and your family! You don't have to be a certified teacher. You weren't one when you taught them to stand, walk, talk and get dressed. You are still that same loving, nurturing parent and you don't become disqualified to teach your kid because they turn five and are eligible for public school. If I can find the courage, time and determination to do this while also owning a business, you can too.
If you would like some back to school photos, contact me at https://www.belovedphotography.net/contact
P.S. Any typos or run on sentences here are not for lack of my education but that my kid wants my attention!
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