Our Educational Journey

Every once in a while an idea pops into my head and won't get out! Generally they come out of no where and I don't know what in the world brought me to this line of thought. I feel as though I have been led towards home schooling. It's important, even though I don't yet understand why.

This thought terrifies me! Home schooling takes organization, lots of organization, time, effort, planning, etc. I did not study to be a teacher, I never had any desire to homeschool. Eek! I have a million thoughts in my head and don't know where to start. Bee is only one. Definitely not old enough for homeschool yet. 

I have learned lots during my research and found myself getting more and more overwhelmed. I found a blog that made me feel more at ease. It helped bring things down a couple notches by helping me focus on the more basic things Bee will need to know. I just need to start somewhere.

http://www.latter-dayhomeschooling.com/2010/09/secret-to-homeschooling.html?m=1

Tot school. I can start there. Exploring. Colors. Letters. Shapes. Numbers. I can do that. 

Tot school is similar to pre school or pre pre school. I don't have to pick a style or technique. I don't have to have activities planned for all day, everyday of the week. I can have activities ready for days that Bee wants more. 

The activities I mentioned above do not have to be complex or time consuming. My goal is to have pre planned activities that will last about 10 minutes. I will add a list/links of the activities as we go. If they don't keep Bees attention for that long that's fine. Change the plan. 

Life with a toddler means that things change at a moments notice. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that Bee doesn't follow a schedule. He doesn't know how to read a clock or how to tell when things should happen. He however does follow a routine. Our tot school will simply be added into our daily routine. I'll keep you posted on that.

Our tot school is going to officially start in a couple months. When Bee is 15 or 16 months old. I want him to be able to focus for short periods when he is 18 months. 

Why 18 months? When Bee is 18 months he will be attending a program at church on Sundays called Nursery. In Nursery they will have a brief lesson, a simple activity and plenty of play time. I have served in the Nursery and know first hand how beneficial it will be for him to already have the skills to focus for a short time. 

My second reason is our second baby will be here when Bee just over 18 months. I am hoping that providing Bee with activities he is familiar with will help during the transition time. Something that we can do together and also something that he can do when I'm busy. 

Are you a home schooler? I would love some tips or advice. 

I'm not sure where this adventure will take us or where we will end up but for now I am excited to begin. 

Wish me luck as my journey begins.