School?

I'll share some fun posts later, but wanted to take a minute to share what's been on my mind lately. As you can see, by the generic image of a school bus, John and I have decided to send Christopher to public school this year. This goes against everything I know to be good and true in some senses (no offense to my public schooling friends!). John and I are big believers in the Classical method of education. We believe that by using a trivium based approach to learning and emphasizing grammar, or rote skills, at this age, our children will learn HOW to think. We know they are capable of a great deal and enjoy pushing them to learn. Over the past year or so I've especially enjoyed the chance to observe the joy of discovery as my children's eyes light up. I've taught in a number of situations and enjoy the innate reward of helping children learn- but watching your own children learn really takes the cake.

We started our school year back up a few weeks ago. Ordered everything, and got to work. I have been enjoying the curriculum: Biology- so far learning about animals and narrating what we've learned, Ancient history- with map work, and narration, and reading and questions, Math- finishing up the 1st grade curriculum and he's doing great, and Language arts, including Phonics (almost done), spelling, copywork and fun reading. However, I've been pushing him everyday, with the occasional moment of frustration and burnout. It's taking a tremendous amount of time to plan and implement while caring for the other children, the house, and TRYING to work on my thesis.

So, after a great deal of discussion, and prayerful, contemplative thought, John and I have decided to send Christopher to school. I still feel that I could do a better job (!)- but right now I am trying to finish my schooling. All that's left to complete the masters degree I've been working on for more than 3 1/2 years is this thesis, and I am in the midst of finishing reading all of my research so I can start typing. And, I am unable to find the time I need to do that AND devote the proper energy to running a good homeschool. So, we made the decision to TEMPORARILY immerse our child in the school system. It's a pretty great school, with an award winning principal, smartboards in every room, computers, etc. We're trying to get him in a first grade class, although he'll start out in Kindergarten before they do all of the testing. I kind of feel like I'm selling out, because I'm still committed to the classical education method, and believe my children will learn best at home. However, At this time, it's just not practical and reality is trumping my ideals. On the bright side, I feel that when Momma's happy, everybody's happy, and I'm looking forward to devoting more energy to my schoolwork so I can FINALLY earn that degree! And I'm sure Christopher will make new friends and excel. But, boy, I wish I wasn't an adult having to make such (seemingly)difficult choices.