After homeschooling

 Yeah, I am talking about homeschooling being almost over... a lot.  In watching the Today show, they featured a woman who had been a stay at home mom like most of use homeschooling moms are, and she decided to become a wedding planner after planning her daughter's wedding.  She was told that she was an excellent fit by the vendors she worked with and so moved forward to pursue her dream.

My dream has changed so much over the years.  I am first, and foremost an artist, but I so love working with my kids and I love writing and talking about homeschooling.  Will I stay involved in homeschooling, and market myself as an expert?  Will I go back to my artwork?  Will I find a happy medium where I do a little of both?

These are things that keep me up at night.


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Homeschool study hall?

I spent the bulk of last week in a coffee shop.  Since my daughter had to be in Atlanta this week for her internship, I found a nice place to work and play on my computer while I waited for her.

I also took the time to observe the people in the coffee shop, which by the way was jam-packed with people... young people... and older people too.  It kind-of reminded me of homeschooling.  All of these people co-existed together, all in each other's space, without anyone getting bent out of shape.

Well, actually, I got bent out of shape a little when someone put their dirty-used cup on a table I was using to eat a salad... That was annoying, but I merely lifted an eyebrow, and had the cup taken away.  As the week moved on, I found myself playing twister with people as we plugged in and unplugged computers, sometimes each-other's accidentally.  I found myself watching laptops for people as they went to the bathroom, and asking the same for myself. 

One time I looked up from the computer and observed everyone working shoulder to shoulder from front door to back door of the space.  It reminded me of the idea I once had to provide such a space for homeschooled teens... a place where they could get out of the house, and still get their school work done.  It would be kind of like a homeschool study hall. 

I wonder if something like this would work?



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Non traditional education, Tradtional graduation?

This New York Times article  almost suggests that homeschoolers are caving by having a traditional graduation after bucking the system and having a non-traditional education. 

Meanwhile, I am looking forward to my son's graduation next May and trying to figure out how to make a great big honking deal out of it.


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On Homeschoolers Promoting Homeschooling

I came across an article this week on homeschoolers promoting homeschooling, written by Sam Blumenfeld.  From what I can tell, he is a homeschool curriculum provider and speaker and homeschool conventions.  In the article, he suggests that Homeschoolers actively promote homeschooling through numerous channels.  They include having a homeschool book exhibit at the local library and  getting to know the local media, among other things.

I have to applaud his effort, but as a parent who has homeschooled for over 8 years, I suggest a different approach.  In my experience, nothing has won people over to homeschooling better than setting an example.  By simply homeschooling my own kids, appearing "normal", and having my kids thrive and turn into productive young adults, I have seen more people warm up to homeschooling and even consider it as a valid educational option. Sure it takes time, but it wins them over for good.

Sure, you can take promoting homeschooling on as a project, and try Mr. Blumenfeld's approach, but it seems very stressful, and you will need to do a lot of work to convince others to homeschool and to keep them on board.  Furthermore, it will take precious time away from your children's homeschool journey.


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