Call me crazy...

In 20 days we will embark upon our homeschool journey.  I'm sure many will call me crazy, but I'm OK with that.  Honestly, I thought homeschoolers were nutso too until I actually considered doing it.  The more research I did, the more time I invested in the plight, the more I began to think of it as the best thing I could do for my kids.

My initial reason for homeschooling (and is still very much a front runner for top reason) was that I wanted to be with my children.  Annika is gone all day and both her and I would rather be together.  When I told this to Brian, his response: "So, you want to homeschool just because you want to be with the kids more?  Is that the right reason?"  To that I responded, is there a better reason?  I don't want to pull my children out of public school to shield them from reality, nor do I think that our schools are insufficient.  It's quite the opposite.  Sure, I would love to keep my kids "little" for as long as possible, but I think homeschool can open up the world to them.  They can experience so many things they wouldn't be able to in a standard school setting.  Think: meaningful field trips, ability to travel together and explore our world, volunteer opportunities within the community.

I also believe very strongly in our school district.  We have amazing teachers that are truly invested in our children.  We have only had a fantastic experience with teachers, peers and other parents.  I also believe that not everyone learns in that environment.  Annika learns just fine, but could be doing so much better.  She needs 1x1 time and individual attention and she just can't get that in a classroom of 24.  Bianca on the other hand just may thrive in that environment.  We are up in the air about her.  Bennett I think will be labeled as "naughty" or hyperactive.  I don't want him to always be hollered at because he is an active little boy.  He will thrive learning kinesthetically.  Only I can give him that opportunity.

In April, I will be attending a homeschool conference in St. Paul.  I look forward to learning as much as I possibly can and fully preparing myself for what is to come.  The kids are all very excited and enthusiastic about this opportunity.  I've already made several connections with other moms and a few groups out there dedicated to homeschooling.  There are so many opportunities to get involved in, you'd be surprised at the number of people who homeschool.

Coming up next...  My homeschool philosophy and how I will go about all of it!  Oh, and wish me luck.  I'm going to need it!