One of my greatest fears is that someday one of my children will be walking down the street and end up on “Jaywalking.” Ok, so this isn’t one of my greatest fears, but it is something I worry about. The responsibility I have to my children to provide them with the best education possible is a very daunting task that I take seriously. And when I say “best education possible” I am not referring to the schools around here that cost more than a prestigious college, because to me, being exclusive and expensive doesn’t make it better or the best. In my head, when I think about it, I mean a well rounded, open minded, responsible and assertive experience that will teach my children and assist them into become life long learners. In no way would I ever expect a school to do it all for us, while my hubby and I sat back and watched. I have always thought that there were so many things I want to teach my kids that they would never learn at school, such as how to plant a garden, politics, religion, or foreign language.

Unfortunately, as time goes by and A passes grade after grade, and we try school after school, none of them seem to add up. Granted, we have only tried public schools, but that is what we have as our options financially right now. There are so many things that drive me lunatic mad over the schools she has attended. (this is why I am considering homeschooling) Our tax dollars go to these places and a lot of times I see them just throw that money away on stupid things. Meanwhile they cut out super important things, in my book, like art, gym, music, and history. “What,” you say? History?

I am far from proud to say this, but A has received very little historical education. This is for art, music, world, and local history. This past Thanksgiving I asked her a few questions about the pilgrims, as the boys have learned some stuff at preschool, and she knew very little about the whole story. She said they didn’t talk about it at school the last few years. I believe her as I see all her papers and stuff and know they don’t talk about current events and she knows very little about any historical event I try to discuss with her. She is only in 4th grade, so I am not expecting a dissertation of the world from beginning to now, but a little knowledge to complement what I am talking with her about at home would make the grade in my book.

I know Florida’s education is all based around the one evil test, the FCAT, which is, in my opinion, is responsible for the demise of a well rounded education in this state. If the subject is not addressed on that stupid test, it most likely will not be taught in a public school. Math and writing has been pushed and pushed until they take all almost all the time in the school day. I am all for math and writing, but there is more to education than just these 2 subjects. Furthermore, writing for example, is being taught as it is some kind of formula at A’s school. Forget anything creative. She has been given 3 ways in which she can open a paper and then must follow the same form every time. It makes her writing style seem so boring. When she writes stuff for us at home, her sentences flow so much better and is more interesting to read than her school style of writing. The whole reason they taught her this was so she could pass the 4th grade FCAT writing exam. For math and language, her teacher had her practice 30 minutes every night for over a month taking that stupid FCAT on the computer. To me that is so ridiculous. If they know the stuff than they know it. Why waste valuable time practicing to take a test when there are more things to learn.

Her teacher this year has them write a paper every week on a topic she gives them. The topic is always a creative one, which is nice, even though they have to follow the uncreative way to write it. I really wish that just once or twice the teacher would put in something with a little meaning, though. I mean, yes, creating your own festival, or favorite substitute teacher, or made up animal is cool and all, but how about having them write something about a famous poet or artist? I guess what gets me even more than the lack of a well rounded education, is the view that I usually seem to acquire from the teacher when I try to talk with them- I expect too much from my kids and the school. Maybe I do.

These are some of the main reasons why I am considering homeschooling my kids. I don’t mind teaching them at home all the things they don’t get at school, but it seems that there just isn’t enough time. A is already bogged down with meaningless busy work. So, I am going to be teaching A history this summer (anyone have a book suggestion?) as well as have her reading some of the classics, and reviewing the math she hasn’t quite picked up this year, but for some reason, still maintains a decent grade? (The books and math are another topic in itself). I don’t want to ruin her summer with more school work, but the idea of her not knowing the capital of the US or Florida, for that matter, seems worth having her do something during her 3 months of freedom. I already am working on “school” with Ty and will continue that. I am hoping that this little trial run of homeschooling with give me better insight as to what I am going to do. I believe there are so many pros and cons to each side, the mere decision making process regarding what I should do adds a few more grays each day.

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