Homeschooling...

I've had this topic of homeschooling on my mind a lot lately. I feel like a horse standing at the gate of a big race, chomping at the bit...just waiting to GO! And then I am reminded that my kiddos are only two and three! And I run into articles such as these:

http://simplehomeschool.net/the-truth-about-preschool/

http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/early.htm

And then I am reminded again and again that they are just toddlers. Learning happens EVERY day...and everywhere in and out of our home. I've been homeschooling them since they were born! But why is it that I am so eager to begin an official curriculum and start a structured school time with them? Will they benefit from it? Or is it that I am feeling like I need the structure? What will be best for them?

I have been busy preparing our schooling environment. Here's a recent photo of part of our school room:

Doesn't it look fun and inviting? Hehe. It just makes me want to jump in and LEARN (and teach)! :) But as the days are drawing near to the official "start" of our school year, I am beginning to experience some hesitations. Why am I doing this? For whose benefit? Am I pushing them too hard?

Isaac is a natural learner. He's one of those kids who just gets things and I don't understand quite how he does it. He talks like he's a 6 or 7-year-old and can hold deep conversations with adults. He's a thinker. And he does keep BEGGING me to start school. He seems eager to learn. And I'm wondering if starting an official curriculum is going to continue encouraging that love of learning or if it will kill it. What if he resists the work I set before him? What if it becomes "work" and he stops enjoying it so early? What if he's truly not ready?

I think I'm more excited to start than he is. And I just don't want to let my tendencies toward perfectionism rub off onto my kids. I don't want them to get a negative taste for "school" in their mouths at such a young age. Don't get me wrong...I plan to make it SUPER fun. And we're still going to be getting out for playdates, museum visits, and picnics at the park. They're still going to engage with their friends and get to be toddlers. I just think I need to take a step back and remind myself from time to time how old they really are. ;) And realize that this is JUST preschool. It's important...to be sure...but the most important thing is for them to grow and develop. And most of their learning is honestly going to take place outside of our structured "school" time.

As it gets closer, I'll post some examples of our morning routine (if we ever develop one). And let you know what we end up deciding to do with our time. :) I'll also include our goals for this preschool year (for both kiddos). In the meantime, here are some photos of what's in their workboxes at the time:

Naomi

Isaac