There was a series of email exchange among one of my homeschool playgroups where we were discussing on homeschooling beyond kindergarten. Here’s my take on the topic :
“Pls allow me to think aloud by writing since writing seems to be the best way for me to put down what has been in my mind.
Why have I been homeschooling my children?
After some careful and honest thought, I come to conclusion that my reason for homeschooling my children this far is really not that noble…
(1) To save money
Whenever I ask myself this question, the first answer that comes to my mind is: to save money
Fees at “good” kindergarten is simply exorbitant. And while I know there are good PCF kindergarten, but none of them around my home impress me. With limited budget, Instead of sending to the PCF around my home, I think I can do a reasonable job teaching my children. Basically, I don’t see the reason why I have to send them to kindergarten that I don’t like.
(2) To lay a good foundation for children’s character.
This is one reason why I am really glad that I homeschooled E. He is still a child, and still do misbehave the way children do. BUT, by and large, he has reasonably good discipline and moral value. Sometimes, he even makes me feel ashame of my own flaws.
If there is one thing that hold me back from sending E to school, it has to be this area.
(3) Send them to school only when they are ready.
AI don’t believe in sending the children to school at such young age when they are not ready to leave our nest. My personal believe is that, 7yo is the right age for them to be out there. I’m still around as a SAHM to be there for him, to listen to him and to help him the moment he finishes school.
E is now ready to go to school. He looks forward to it, and has even thought of his schedule when he starts school. His reason for wanting to go to school: to make more friends.
I am fully aware that can work against me since friends can either be positive or negative influence.
I told him very clearly that: He will only remain in school if I see that he is not influence negatively. And I will not hesitate to withdraw him from school if I see that the negative influence is becoming a big handful to handle.
Why do I have the intention to send him to school…
(1) Tired of the responsibility of training him academically.
I’m not trying to train a genius, but, we can’t run away from the responsibility of ensuring our children is mentally stimulated.
Currently, I homeschool E about 3 to 4 times a week, 1 hour per session. And, it is not enough for him! He keep asking for more school. Sigh… I can’t keep up with him.
(2) Tired of the responsibility of stimulating him socially.
As homeschoolers, we have to create the social environment. While E is not lacking in friends and playmates, I find that he wants certain type of friends, and none of the group that we are in so far can fulfil that need.
What do I mean?
E is not the typical boy who likes to jump around, chase around, play balls, catching, etc. Those who know him will probably know what I mean.
So, I thought in a classroom of 30 students, the possibility of him meeting friends who are of similar wavelength is probably higher.
(3) Some think that homeschool is from God and is Biblical, while others?
While many commands from God is clear cut (No stealing, no adultery, no murdering, etc), homeschooling, to me, is something gray.
Somehow, I feel that it is time to let go, and let E out into the ‘world’, and trust God that He will take care of E.
(4) 6years and beyond is a looooooong time to homeschool.
I salute all out there who has made a decision to walk this path to homeschool beyond kindergarten. In my own opinion, the moment I homeschool Primary level, I have to do it all the way at least till O levels. At this moment, I can’t comprehend this!!!
(5) My hubby prefers to let E attend school.
He already told E that.
What is holding me back?
Social impact. This is the one and only reason why I will want to homeschool. The world is SCARY. The kind of things children and youth are into now is unbelievable. And I really don’t know if I am sending my son into Satan’s den by sending him to school….. I really don’t know….
Which is why if he is near to being out of control, I will withdraw him from school.”
Conclusion: I’m taking it one step at a time. At this point, I am at peace to give both E and I a chance to try out public school. But at any point, I am open to other options if it doesn’t work.
What Friends Say