Recently I have made big changes in my homeschool. After years of teaching from a Charlotte Mason/Eclectic method, I have enrolled my two older children in a virtual academy. This was not an easy decision as I am not one to think traditional education is effective. In addition, I dislike teaching for the standardized test. I prefer education to be a lifestyle and filled endless curiosity where the books are enhanced by life and not a substitute. I have grown accustomed to daily copywork, narration, nature studies, and book discussions. While I give tests, I am not one to test frequently or in every subject. A virtual academy will be a big change in my household.
So why the change? My reasons are largely personal and have nothing to do with the education being provided in my home currently. I know that does not shed much light but as I said my reasons are personal. Personal issues often result in big household changes. This is one of those times.
My 7th and 5th grader will be switching to this environment midway through the year. To my pleasant surprise they are looking forward to this change. They think it is cool to get a new computer and find a new direction exciting. I am looking forward to the relief it will bring to my household for the time being. I am not looking forward to a traditional year. I will continue to educate my Kindergartner in a Charlotte Mason/Eclectic fashion. I suppose this is my last thread of homeschooling for the rest of the school year. At least that is what I’ve been told by some other homeschooling moms.
You see, when I announced to some homeschool friends of the big changes to occur in my home they assumed that was the end of my homeschooling career. While I understand and agree that virtual academies are schooling at home, I refuse to give up the notion that I am not a homeschooling mom. This virtual academy will not erase the years I have put in nor will it mean I give up teaching my children. Virtual academies are a real option to educate your child at home. Yes, it does mean that someone else dictates the curriculum, the grading scale, and will be called the teacher. Yes, it does mean that I transitioned from teacher to learning coach. I am sad about that. Part of me wants to run for cover and hid under the banner of failure. Yet part of me wants to claim victory since I am following the needs of my family despite my pride, my desire, or fear of other homeschoolers criticizing my decision. This decision may not last past half a year or it may become what we do for now on. Regardless, my experience as a homeschooling mom should not be forgotten. I should not be called a lesser homeschooler because my children will be attending a virtual academy. I feel the need to constantly explain that I am still educating my Kindergartner in a homeschooling fashion so the title of homeschooling mom is not ripped from me.
Let me further explain that many feel virtual academies are a form of schooling at home and not homeschooling. Yes, I agree with that. However, I also feel that homeschooling is about flexibility. Parenting is about doing the best for our children. There are times that doing something we never thought we would do is exactly what we should do. I should not have to apologize for my decision to use a virtual academy. I am the same homeschooling mom I was a month ago. I have retained all my knowledge and experience. I also long for the day that I am the teacher once more.