Health & Fitness
A New Beginning, Preschool!
The decision to teach preschool at home wasn't easy. In a family of public educators, branching out to teach my oldest child preschool at home is going to be an interesting journey.
About a year ago, I sat my husband down and let him know we needed to start preparing for today. Why would Sept. 6, 2011 stand out on our family calendar?
You see my husband Ryan and I, we both come from a family of educators. My maternal grandparents and parents were all teachers with master’s degrees; my grandfather was a principal for some time too. Ryan's father was a teacher, with a master’s degree as well. We sat down to discuss in great detail Aiden, our oldest child and his first year of formal education...preschool!
We had talked since his birth how we would need to save up for preschool among the long list of costly necessities a child must have provided. No, I'm not talking toys, games and the other WANTS in life. Necessities, for example: food, shelter, clothes, stimulation/education; all things a child needs to thrive. Our family lives a relatively frugal lifestyle. I am a Stay-At-Home-Mom, but manage to hold down three side jobs and volunteer. Ryan is an Electrical Engineer, transitioning jobs in two weeks from one medical device manufacturer to another. Together we're working to pay off college debt, one car loan (the other is paid off), monthly bills and a mortgage on our starter home.
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Back to preschool, as we prayed as a couple for the answer of how to give Aiden a top notch education, while ensuring our family values remained intact, we realized preschool was not affordable from our local public school district or a private institution. Nervously I noted to Ryan how well behaved and knowledgeable a number of youth were in our church’s youth group that we volunteer for. I named off several homeschooled teenagers, feeling out a reaction.
Ryan smiled and responded, “So you’re thinking about homeschooling too?”
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It felt great, we both had a strong feeling in the same direction of homeschooling. We weighed the Pros and Cons, discussed how our family and friends would react, but in the end felt strongly it was the right decision for preschool at least. We talked for many months and prepared for this new endeavor for our family. I think what really sealed the deal on homeschooling for preschool, is the fact that my three years of study at a University in Michigan were for the purpose of becoming a teacher. I paid great attention and have the basics of teaching down! More, I have taught preschool at several development centers over the years as I worked my way through college.
Today has been a day long planned for. Books, binders, art supplies, cd’s, dvd’s, calendars and the gamut of preschool education materials have been sought, printed & purchased. Today we begin a new journey in learning and I am excited to share my experience with you.
Letter of the Week: A
Number of the Week: 1
Color of the week is Red
Concepts to teach: Holding a pencil & sitting still during lesson time
Things for me to juggle this week: 2 children, 1 household & management of 2 local farmers markets.
