So why did you decide to home school?

Oh How many times have I been asked that before by someone who had already decided I was a fanatical nut before I even finished explaining reason number one of many?

Every home school parent has their own reason for homeschooling. Many I run across have the same reasons, but just for kicks (and the sake of blogging) I'll tell you my reasons.

My reasons oddly enough have changed a little in the three short years I've been homeschooling. But in no particular order here they are:

For one, in public schools the teachers are spread way to thin! With anywhere between 15 to 25 five kids in a room the teacher can't see everything that happens. She can't always know when a child needs help. A kid that finishes work early becomes a problem. My son went to PS for K and 1st grade and he was always in trouble for talking. He'd finish his work and start talking.

Another thing is that everyone has some subjects they are great at and subjects they are not so good at. In a home school setting a subject that is a struggle can be worked at the child's pace with one on one guidance until they "get it." A subject that a child excels in is the sky is the limits! No waiting around for the rest of the class to get it!

Then there is the fact that everyone learns differently. Home school curriculum can be tailor made to fit each child's needs and learning styles.

There also is the fact that we can school whenever we want. We can school early in the day. We can school late at night. We can school in a house with a mouse or in a box with a fox. We can school all year around, just during the PS "school year" and take a vacation any time we please!

Then next couple may sound a little selfish.

First I love being there when they "get it." I love to watch them learn. I love that they love it. I love that I am learning too. I love being with my kids!

Next I love CONTROL! I control what my children learn, when they learn it and who they learn it from! Little Johnny on the school bus is not going to explain the birds and the bees to my kids! Mrs. Jones in room 1A is not going to tell one of my children the humans came from a single celled animal that for no reason whatsoever started to change over millions of years until TA-DA humans came to be!

And I guess finally if I haven't given myself away already.... I home school because that's what I think God wants me to do. He gave me these special little creatures to raise for Him. I'm going to do the best I know how to raise them to be what He would have them to become. I don't believe the PS system can provide that. I think that only I can. I said in the beginning my reasons have changed a little over the past few years. The change would be that this last final reason has become more and more important to me.

So there you have it...that's why I home school. I could probably add more but even the blogg reader must get tired of reading my ramblings eventually! LOL