Homeschooling the First Year: A Slow Summer Start

by Carlos Lorenzo

It has only been a month since we made the decision to homeschool, and already I have experienced more emotions than I had in the last two years. The combined fear, uncertainty and excitement are exhausting, but in my heart I know we are on the right path for our family.

We are blessed to live in a state where the only legal step required for this change is to mail a letter to the state board of education stating our intention and promise to school 180 days next year. The process is fantastically painless. Yet, I still have not submitted that letter. I can’t blame it on the lack of printer ink or a stamp, because I haven’t even typed the thing. I suppose I’m hanging on to that as my last chance to chicken out this summer, even though I know I won’t change course. I don’t want to.

Despite my stalling, we aren’t wasting any time this summer. From the moment we decided to leap into homeschooling, I instinctively knew we would school year-round. One reason being that our summers are so hot we don’t spend much time outdoors. Better to take our breaks when it’s a little nicer and we can enjoy field trips more.

Another reason is that the kids don’t actually like long breaks without learning. Even when she was in public school, our oldest would beg to do “lessons” during her summer break, and this summer proved no different. Finally, I enjoy the idea of taking spontaneous breaks whenever the urge strikes. If we have enough days built up, we don’t have to worry about dropping a week because a friend came in for a visit or simply because we need a break.

I did, however, realize that we all needed a little de-schooling time, even if the kids were ready to jump right in. My compromise was to gradually ease into our new life. This summer, we are focused on developing routines and finding what works for us in terms of how and when we like to do different activities.

Academically, we’re taking it easy. Although I must admit, it is easy to get carried away, since I am enjoying science, history and reading as much (if not more) than the kids! We aim for at least three days a week of school, which usually includes math and lots of reading. Anything else we complete is a bonus (or lagniappe, as we say down here). Starting with small goals has definitely relieved me of much of the stress and anxiety I had a month ago.

Even though I’m still holding on to that letter (for now), we are already past the point of no return. This week, we told our oldest about our plans to homeschool. Her response was underwhelming, especially since she had spent the last six months telling us how much she hated school, how she didn’t want to go back ever and how she wished she could homeschool forever. I suppose I shouldn’t take it personally, since she assures us that she is happy about the change. I think her reaction is merely one of relief that her world has finally been set right. I can feel that peace within myself as well, only mine is covered with self-doubt. As a result, I have set a goal for myself this summer to be more like my six year old: cool, confident, and grateful for this opportunity.

Michelle is a wife, mother, writer, and Cajun who prefers everything extra spicy. Follow along at Lagniappe Academy as she and her two girls find their groove and finally submit that letter to the state.

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Tagged as: de-schooling, goals, Homeschooling the First Year, legal requirements, summer, transition, year round school