Thursday, May 08, 2014

What I've Learned

After over 9 years of homeschooling, I have learned so much about the process.  I have streamlined just about everything we do and realize that we don't have to do anything the way others do unless it directly benefits us.  It's so much better to create your own mold and evolve into your own style.  Here are some other things I've learned:
  • I've learned to buy some curriculum a year ahead so we can use it for 2 years. We just go a little slower that first year, then finish quickly the second year.  This saves money and time.
  • I've learned that while a homeschool group can be a wonderful thing, it gets dull after a while.  The older my kids got, the more they just wanted to hang with the 2 or 3 close friends they've made from those groups.  Also, really good (teen) classes, field trips, and activities are a lot less frequent so you start planning more of your own activities with just the close friends. 
  • I've learned that so much more understanding, enthusiasm, and retention happens in 60-90 minutes of formal instruction rather than in the 4-8 hours I see frequently happening in the middle and high school homeschooling years.  
  • I've learned that outside activities (sports, arts, religion, field trips, hanging with friends, etc.) are very important and make for a more well-rounded kid.    
  • I've learned to savor this precious time with my kids.  They really do grow so fast.  K is less than a year from starting her dream career.  She is at one of the best cosmetology schools in the country.  She already has a few job offers from major NYC salons, and pending offers for when she gets her license in a few months.  J is graduating LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts in less than 2 months.  She has amassed $15000 in scholarships and grants for 4 semesters at a performing arts college and will be living on Manhattan's Upper West Side in the fall.  And W, whom I've been homeschooling since Kindergarten, is now a teenager taking 4-5 MMA classes a week, has a keen ability for computer programming, software, hardware, and gaming, and who has such a healthy and bright outlook on life.  He has pushed hard through his dyslexia and hardly any of it is noticeable anymore.  He is now doing most of his academics independently and his entire curriculum and output are on or above grade level (well, spelling is almost there, lol).  I only see great things happening for him.  I know I will look back at this time and know it was the best of my life. (Not that things will all be downhill from here, but having my whole family together and seeing them take steps to begin their adult lives is the most incredible, precious thing there is to me)

9 comments:

Rosie R. said...

Loved reading this entry. How I wish I could have stayed home with my kiddies, but such is life! You must be so proud of your babies! Well done, mom :)

We bought tix for the senior concert this friday night! Wish your daughter good luck! Cant wait to see her even though I dont know what she looks like LOL!! I'm sure she will be brilliant :) My daughter and the whole family are so excited for September. LaGuardia class of 2018. Wow :D

NYCitymomx3 said...

Hi Rosie, Thanks for being so kind. I get reflective every now and again, lol. We're going to the show Friday night, too. Congrats again to you and your daughter. LaG is awesome!

Rosie R. said...

Omg. Just wow. They were incredible! We enjoyed it so much. Feeling so blessed that my Cailie will also be on that stage one day! Congrats to your girl!

NYCitymomx3 said...

I was blown away, too. I'm glad you got to see it. I told you that school is unbelievable. Cailie's gonna love it there.

Anonymous said...

Where do I find home schoolers groups, family's where? Need to talk to homeschooling autistic parents with teens. Are there any in Bklyn.

Anonymous said...

Cont. thoughts of relocating home schooling guidelines are different in other states. My child's looking forward to change and a new home as his friends are all moved away. Looking to move closer to family. May stay to the end of the year. Then leave. Any home school study groups 13 yr old autistic. I like how you plan your curriculum. The nature study my child loves things like that and science experiment. You incorporate what your children likes with the curriculum in mind. You balance it well. I know we have to be creative.

Anonymous said...

Cont. it's our second yr. we finish out the six grade in homeschooling after the Christmas holiday. This yr. he is to be in 8th grade I don't feel he is ready need to extend 7th. A parent should be able to make that call.

Anonymous said...

? That was a question. Thank you in advance. A loving mother. Yes I'm real. Also thank you for being here. Blessings to you and yours. Stay at home single mom.

NYCitymomx3 said...

Hi Anonymous, there are lots of homeschool group in and around the city. Brooklyn has several. Not sure about any groups specifically geared toward autistic teens (homeschool groups are fully inclusive) but I'm sure there are parents out there you can talk to. The Charlotte Mason method of learning sound like it would work well for your son. Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope you continue to visit. Good luck with everything.