We talk about homeschool as part of this blog because it is a natural way for us to live out the Minivan Ministry mission: to help you make Jesus the driving force in your family.
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV
At the same time, we do realize that homeschooling is not for everyone. We respect those who are part of the public or private school system as well. There are great Christian influences there as well.
Everyone’s experiences are different.Here are some from my 10 years as a public school teacher.
Everyone’s experiences are different. Here are some from my 10 years as a public school teacher. Click To TweetSchool Busses and Early Mornings
I remember the first year I was out of college. I would get so excited seeing those bright yellow busses driving by. The early mornings were tough, especially driving across town. But it was exciting to be part of something bigger than myself. I loved teaching. I loved my kids. I loved education. As they years went on, I still loved those things, but I realized that those big yellow busses also meant a lot of stressful paperwork and sometimes difficult new beginnings. It was great to get a new start, but there were also new challenges.
As a homeschooler, the beginning of the year isn’t marked by the big yellow bus. When I see those busses, I get excited that my kids don’t have to be on them. I know my students. I am thrilled to keep my kids home with me, and to be able to get out and explore with them. There are days that are far less than perfect, but the good far outweighs the bad.
There are days that are far less than perfect, but the good far outweighs the bad. Click To TweetSetting Expectations
As a teacher, the first week or two was spent teaching rules and procedures. Very few other things got accomplished. The time I put in was definitely worth it and necessary for a good school year.
As a homeschooler, I still have to teach my kids the expectations for the new school year, but I can do it in the context of other school subjects. We get a lot accomplished as we are reestablishing our new routines.
Assessments
Another thing that took up a lot of time at the beginning of the year was assessing students. Don’t forget grading and analyzing the results, and sometimes grouping students for the best educational experience. Unlike some homeschoolers, I see great value many of these assessments. They help me see what my students know and still might need to learn in a particular area.
As a homeschooler, I am thankful that I get to choose only the assessments that do have value to us and pertain to what we are learning(with the exception of state required exams). I can immediately implement instruction that falls in line with what my kids need to learn, without teaching to the lower and middle students in their group.
Field Trip Fun–Once or Twice
I loved planning field trips. We had to plan them at the beginning of the year to reserve our spot. Then there were permission slips and reserving school busses. The real bummer was that we only got to take one or two.
As a homeschooler, I get to go on as many field trips as I want. In fact, I even help organize a homeschool field trip group. We probably go on an average of one field trip each week. Since kids remember experiences better than book work, I think it is well worth the time and effort. It’s also a nice break in the routine. We get to get out and be part of the “real” world. It also gives us some of that socialization that non-homeschoolers often seem to be so worried about.
Paperwork, Paperwork, and More Paperwork
There was so much paperwork. Everyone wondered why we didn’t even go a full week or two before we had a teacher work day. It can be summed up in one word–paperwork.
As a homeschooler, there is still planning and the paperwork of getting portfolios together, and lessons copied and set up. I love that I get to choose what I want and truly feel needs to be done. My work load is also reduced since I don’t have 25 students. I don’t have to worry about transportation checklists, who is buying lunch, or what needs to be documented for an Individualized Education Plan.
25 Minute Lunches
We were allotted 25 for lunch–not counting transition time, waiting in line for lunch, bathroom breaks, or lunch meetings. Once everything was said and done, I usually had less than 15 minutes to actually eat. I refused to bring any frozen meal that had to be heated more than 2 minutes and 30 seconds because it just wasn’t worth it.
As homeschoolers, we enjoy taking a little more time for lunch. Sometimes we enjoy a break and chatting while we eat. Other times we spend lunch enjoying a new type of music, listening to someone speak latin, or watching an educational video. Later in the afternoon, we enjoy the occasional Poetry Tea Time too.
For Those Who are Still in the Public School System…
I commend the hard work of public school educators. If you are a parent, please show your support! Click To TweetPublic school has it’s perks. I commend the hard work of public school educators. If you are a parent, please show your support! Give words of encouragement and understanding when your child has a less than perfect experience. 25 students is a lot to manage. Try as they might, teachers aren’t superhuman.
If you have students in the public school system, they can be the light to other students and teachers alike. You have a great opportunity to share God’s love with the world.
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV
What memories does the beginning of school stir up for you? How do you shine light in your school?
Steve Goodwin says
Great post. My two girls are 4 and 2 right now and I just became a SAHD and have been looking for ways to show my girls the world around them from a different perspective. I love that you show education from both sides! We are still unsure which way we are going to go (home school vs public) but we still have another year to make our decision.
Steve Goodwin recently posted…Contentment – An Important Money Principle
Jacqui Odell says
I always thought it took a special person to be a teacher. Thank you so much for sharing your story!!
Kay says
These are great! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Kay recently posted…Stepping Towards God’s Plan.
Megan Elford says
This is such great insight into what’s involved! I don’t think many people actually know what a teacher is responsible for – they think it’s 6 hours days and summer’s off. But really, there’s so much more than that to it!
Megan Elford recently posted…Muskoka Bible Center: A Different Kind Of Vacation
Carrie says
The memory may not be the yellow bus, but Solomon remembered last year when we did a 1st day of school party. He brought it up before the first day of school this year. I was touched and of course after the move was not ready for a party this year ( not even sure where the party supplies are). So,this year on the first day of school it was lunch at Olive Garden! Memories. Then, yesterday, we found a great shaded park with picnic tables and had school outside…..all day. Homeschooling is fantastic!
Heather Lawrence says
Love seeing how the other side prepares for back to school. I know that most people think that teachers have a easy job but this clearly shows how hard a teachers job is!
My little ones aren’t going back until September 1st so we have been busy getting indoor shoes, new backpacks and cute outfits.
admin says
Back to school shopping is definitely a fun part of the festivities! Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Mihaela Echols says
Yes homeschooling isn’t for everyone I agree. But like you I’m very excited that my kids don’t have to go on the yellow bus.
Mihaela Echols recently posted…Our Vows
Lauren says
Never thought about it from a teacher stand point. I bet that is a nice change! Teachers’ jobs are so tough.
Tiffani says
Hahaha, I will have to share this with my mom, she is a retired teacher who goes back and substitutes. The children always tell her, “You are like a real teacher, not like a sub, but a real teacher.” She just smiles.
Tiffani recently posted…You Can Trust Him
brianna george says
being a school teacher certainly is a special calling. One I am so thankful for that several of my firneds have. School years beginning always stir up memories of helping my dad with his grade book — he was a teacher for 40 years.