Welcome

Well, I know it must seem silly that I am starting a new blog, but I just feel compelled to keep track of this time in our family's life.

To give background on why we've chosen to homeschool:

Last year, we felt our oldest daughter (we'll call her Roni here) was ready for something more than what she was getting at home. We examined our options and felt we weren't really ready (though she would have no doubt been perfectly fine) to have her in a 5 day/week program. We found this wonderful private hybrid school where she would attend preK on Tuesday/Thursday and then be home M, W, F (presumably for homeschooling, though there aren't really requirements during preK). Not only was the school Catholic Christian, but it wasn't too far from where we lived at the time.

Once the school year started, it became clear that Roni and a boy in her class were a bit more advanced academically (socially too) than their classmates. It also was clear that the class of 3 kindergarten students lacked in certain areas, so the decision was made to combine the two classes. It did make a larger class, with 7 students, but the younger/less advanced ones had play time while the ready students did things like math and handwriting. Roni flourished. She was a sponge.

My husband had gotten a job back in Florida the month after school started, so after the first semester, the girls and I joined him. This meant, of course, that Roni would not be continuing the school year at her school. This was sad not only for her, but for me as well. I had no idea how we would educate her adequately to keep her on her current track.

We decided that I would complete the Kindergarten objectives with her at home in FL and then have her evaluated by her school at the end of the school year (this way we'd have appropriate records for the school year and also have a better idea how we should proceed for the 05-06 school year). Our May trip to Atlanta was pushed up to April and I was a little concerned that it was too early to evaluate for end of year (a whole month and half early). Silly me. Roni blew away the evaluating teacher and proved to have gotten further ahead than her classmates, her math skills showing a near 2nd grade level and everything else on target or into first grade level.

I had contacted some schools in our now local area about possibly entering her into first grade in the fall (she'll only turn 5 at the end of Aug.). Nobody in our COUNTY will allow her into first grade as a 5 year old, not even the Catholic school. So, we decided that one year at a time, I will homeschool - with the plan to eventually switch her over to mainstream school. I think if we stay in this county, she will require homeschooling at least through 2nd grade (age restrictions).

So, that is how I got to where we are now. I am going to use this blog to document the joys and struggles and how I'm trying to educate my daughter in the best way for her right now. If you are reading this and you find it boring, that is okay. I am chronicling for us, but if you've got suggestions or questions, please feel free. If you are a naysayer, that is okay too, I would just appreciate respectful language and keep the accusations to a minimum. :)

Until next time, God Bless.