Every Friday is park day. Just after lunch, Malachy and I met up with an existing group of homeschoolers in the tri-city area in which we live. I have been friends with one of the moms for a few years and she invited us to join them. They meet up every week (sometimes more), at different community parks and this month's featured park happens to be our neighborhood park. I'd say about six moms (and one dad) were there, but the group consists of about 50 members (and their kids). They also get together for different events throughout the year.
I feel sooooo much better after speaking with the moms (and one dad!) regarding their typical homeschooling day. What I primarily learned is that we are doing too much. I have been frantically trying to follow CAVA's (California Virtual Academy) suggested daily schedule. At the rate we have been going this particular first week of school, our projected end date for this school year is sometime in late April! Hehehe. Some of these moms say they spend an average of three hours a day on the actual curriculum but integrate their everyday life towards their learning program. Okay, so this gives me some breathing room (as I'm sure it does for my boy too!). Time to put the whip away! Hardy-har-har.
Malachy had a great time at the park. One of the girls attending today's park day went to the same gymnastics academy as he. Her name is Zoe and they're the same age. While at the academy, they were both so shy, they barely spoke to each other. However today he went right up to her, said hello and off they went to play the entire time. A bunch of other kids trickled in over the next few hours. I would look over to check on him and there he was, playing with the group, laughing the entire time. I am so proud and happy (and relieved), because this boy typically is painfully shy.
After a difficult first week, with the roller coaster ride of wondering if we made the right choice to homeschool, today's meeting at the park set me straight. This is right for my son. This will work for us. I no longer have a doubt. And I am happy!
:-)
I'm glad you were able to figure out how to make it better for both of you!
ReplyDeleteSusan
Well, I know better than to think that this is all going to be smooth sailing. Otherwise, I would have written "The End" and closed up the blog. I'm certain we'll hit snags along the way and I'll be happy to share! Hahahhaha. This week I have been struggling with my decision to attempt this huge undertaking. Today I discovered that this is the right choice for us, right now. Right here.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy mom that you are finding your balance. Just remember it's not supposed to be this stressful, otherwise I'm not sure who else would actually homeschool. Wish we lived closer so the kids could get together and take field trips and such! Miss you all and congrats on your first week done!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristen, that was really sweet! I wish we were closer too! XXO
ReplyDeleteSo glad you finally made it to Park day..
ReplyDelete~MaBear
So glad your day was better. The first year homeschooling is the toughest. I've heard it gets easier. :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you can now stop being sooooo hard on your SELF!!
ReplyDelete