Realizations

We've come to realize we want need more flexibility than what "schooling at home" provides.  Now, I know I can plan our day and meet objectives without doing all the busy work, but good grief having everything planned out for me was one of the reasons I chose to go this route! 

Three different learning styles, three different grades has proven a great challenge for me.  A is struggling with Math, k12 style.  That means I have to teach the lesson differently than what k12's teacher's guide suggests.  Work!  My baby is worth it, of course, but I didn't plan for that.  Language Arts is "boring, just a bunch of reading", but she is learning a lot of different things.  T is doing well overall, but doesn't like to write (much like her sister, A) so getting her to complete a written assignment is like pulling your hair out, strand.by.strand.  We often complete such works orally. (so glad I don't have to submit work samples!) She's a competitive perfectionist which allows her to strive for 100% on everything she does, but also leads to a diva like meltdown if that goal is not achieved.  humph, now I have to send that into a room full of other kids to do a diagnostic test?!  I think not.  E is coasting.  He slacks off, procrastinates and excels all at the same time.  I often have to remind him he is to do his work on the computer, not watch videos or play games (even educational ones).  He is a typical 5th grader and my only child doing well with k12's virtual academy.

I realize that if I put my mind to it, I could have every one's work prepped for the week, assessments printed, materials available for use the night before.  I just didn't want to have to do all that while using a virtual academy.  I thought it would save me some time.  I wanted it to save me some time.  It's not.  There's a lot of busy work, that while I can skip some of it, some of it is essential to mastering the lesson.

I miss my freedom!  I don't like being required to attend teleconferences, outings and various testing locations.  I miss Black History lessons.  We initially moved those lessons to Saturdays so Dad can teach but the kids felt punished because they had to do "Saturday School".  So we incorporated Black/African historical facts into E's k12 U.S. history lessons and the girls listened in. 

All in all, this year was a huge learning experience.  I'm glad my kids were able to attend some of the outings (limited since we are a 1 car family).  I'm glad I am making this decision now to return to independent homeschooling for the next school year.  I have six months to purchase workbooks, print free resources, etc.  I just realized I need to get organized, too.  eek!