Why we chose to homeschool.

Since I started homeschooling I was under no false pretences that it was going to be easy. I knew this because I knew our children, and I also knew that from my experience of being homeschooled that I had my share of rough days.   I had experienced, public school, and Private as well as homeschooling, my perspective is pretty varied and so I knew that no mater what form of education we chose for our children that there are going to be good days and bad days.  There are benefits from the public system, and there are benefits to private as well as homeschooling and there are draw backs to each as well.  Here is my personal thoughts on the Education systems here in Canada.

 The Benefits of Education systems

1.) Public school: allows a wide variety of cultures and ethnicities to reside together in one class room, so the teaching must be broad, and not based on beliefs or personal convictions of the teachers, great for those who are hoping to have their children raised in a non-bias or religious environment.  Because of the vast number of students, students are able to find friends, that fit with their own personality, likes and or dislikes. More variety of sports and arts options.  Students are in school the whole day, parents who are career minded have options. 

2.) Private school( Christian) or Other wise

Beliefs and culture of a choice religion can be taught, in a classroom with little or no government involvement. Parents can be more involved in there child's education.  Class room sized tend to be smaller.   More personalized education, and the education is taught from a certain belief system and or curriculum.  Sports and Arts programs are more readily available to be a part of, because of smaller number of students in the over all school. Students are in school all day, and parents who are career minded have the option to send their children to school.

3.) Homeschooling/Online schooling

Belief systems can be taught by parents at home.  Students with health issues which does not allow for them to attend a formal school setting can get a Formal education, from the comforts of home.  The student work load can be varied through out the day and time of day to do schooling can also vary.  Students have the freedom to learn in comfort and develop mastering skills in each subject.  Family time, and personal freedoms are in plenty.  Social settings are by choice,  homeschool groups, church groups, dance, extra activities and time to do them. Students are more involved in siblings activities and home activities as well. Students have the option of spending time in school work or in other activities.  Can break from school when needed. Bullying is less likely. 

The Disadvantages of Education systems

1.) Public school: 

As a student among 100's or thousands of kids, you can get lost.   Teachers are bound by the curriculum set out by the governments of each province. Parents have little say in what their child is learning or being exposed to.  Students dealing with personal issues are often over looked and ignored, just because they remain unseen or  teachers just don't have the time, or training.  Sports teams are very competitive, it is hard to get on to a team, because the best are the ones chosen.   Religious freedoms Mainly to christians has been taken away from the students. Sciences and social choices are taught from a secular point of view.  Religious teachings of any are not permitted. 

2.) Private school: The cost. Christian education in particular is very expensive, and really is equal to another mortgage, in monthly costs(in Ontario) Private schools tend to be very cliquey, students and in some cases including staff.  Smaller class sizes means students tend to be more likely to bully one or just a few students.  Sports teams seems to be limited to certain sports and others are omitted because of lack of funding, or support for that sport.  Sciences and Social choices are taught from the perspective of a certain faith or religion which may be a benefit and disadvantage depending on where you stand.  

3.)Homeschooling

Social classroom time is in non existence.   School sports teams are not an option for most students. Parents must be committed to teaching their children.  There is a sacrifice of personal space on the part of the parents.  Students who are more social may struggle with the transition more.  Being bullied by those who think Private or Public education is the only way to go.  

Why we chose to Homeschool

Having spent over a year on our decision to homeschool our children, it was not a decision made spur of the moment.  We weighed all our options and made our decision based on our children's needs and desires, our religious choice, our financial reasonings.   We listened to peoples opinions and did our research.  We looked up homeschooling groups and activities for our children to be a part of, and made sure that "socialization" would be a priority.   

Our first choice for education for our children was private Christian education,  and our eldest daughter attended school for 2 years at our local christian school, she loved it.  However we noticed in her second year a shift in her behaviour, one we didn't like, and neither did the teachers, we began to get notes home, and other issues that kept coming up.  In review of the cost for Christian education for her Grade 1 year, and now seeing again the rise in the cost every year, has helped us to make the decision to homeschool.  Although we could afford the schooling, we feel it is no longer being stewardly with our finances.  We feel that although Christian education is important to us, we feel personally that it is not worth the money;  Others will strongly disagree with us. However we feel that we can better spend our money of developing our relationships with our children, we can allow for family time and trips that we do not have to pull our children out of school for.   We love to travel and would like to do more of it in our future, and homeschooling allows us to take school with us.  Our children education is not only book based, but also based at home and the importance of family, and caring for our home and each other in a much more personal level.  Homeschooling as allowed us to teach our children based on their needs and we have been able to attend homeschooling groups and outside the home activities that while attending school we did not have time for.  Our children if attending the Christian school in our area are on the bus for 1.5 hours each way to and from  school. Thats over 3 hours a day on a school bus, my children benefit more by being able to go to Gymnastics during that three hours verses sitting on a bus.  My children love to be outside, homeschooling takes us a max of 3 hours a day, and the rest of the day we can spend outside, learning, playing,  visiting and enjoying each others company.   My children are learning the basics of house cleaning, and taking care of our belongings.  My children are still very young, and we will take one year at a time, and see how it goes.

I enjoy teaching my children, and as a christian I enjoy that I can raise my children in a faith of love, and joy and continued Grace from our God and King who willingly died in our place on a Cross.   This is why we chose to homeschool.   It may not be what others think as the best option of our children, but it the option that suits our family best.  What works for one, may not work for another.   It is not easy and I don't have a whole lot of personal space, but what I do have is the ability to raise my children,  and be a part of their everyday, and not just be the cook, and maid, but the teacher,  and mommy.   I get to sit outside with my kids in the  middle of day and have a picnic, I get to take snow man building break with my kids, because we can.  I don't see my time with my kids as a burden, although at times, I will admit, I would like to hide, just for a few moments.  I take my moments in the evenings, date nights with my hubby and refocus on whats truly important to me.  Having lost my mom at a young age, I am well aware that life is here and gone in a moment, and I want to spend as much time with my children as I can.