Juggling Hats
I wea
r many, like you.
We all know what we do, what hats we wear. I don't think I need to put to words all the lovely colored head warmers I wear each day.
But there's one more hat I'm thinking of wearing. I've been thinking of wearing it for years. Really since my first born came into the world.
Teacher.
I've talked about it on this blog, on twitter and with friends. I've purchased homeschool book, after homeschool book. I've prayed about it, thought about it, dreamed about it… weighed the pros and cons.
In my mind I've already got a plan to move the three boys into the same room when the baby is older, bunk the two older ones, and turn the baby's room into the school room – and my office.
I'd have a long L-shaped table. On top would be a school computer for my son and my computer for working. We'd have file cabinets for books and school supplies. And a map, American Flag and other school paraphernalia on the wall.
We wouldn't use it all of the time. Mostly in the cold winter months – or hot summer months. On the days when we really needed the structure of a room devoted to school books and work.
The other months, the other days when we could be more spontaneous, we'd learn wherever the learning felt natural and right. At the park, at the zoo, outside, at this local state park that my brother and I used to do our school work at as homeschooled children.
So muc
h changes when you get healthy and repair vitamin deficiencies…you can tackle the world with a smile. Nothing seems daunting or too much. Nothing. What once frustrated you, now hardly gets a rise from you at all. When before you could hardly muster the interest in getting out of bed, now you greet each day with a smile and plan to cram it full of learning and work and kids and fun.
So much as changed for me.
And now I feel like this really could be a positive experience for everyone concerned. And I know a little 5 year old boy who would be on cloud nine to call me his teacher.
I wonder… am I ready for that hat?
That tall, heavy – but brightly colored/striped/polka-dotted – fun hat?
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Comments on Juggling Hats
You will do wonderfully with whatever you guys decide to do.
Did I ever tell you I was homeschooled through 8th grade? I know it's come up a bit recently, but I don't remember who with… (darn mommy brain…) In any case, my brother was through high school. It can be a wonderful thing! I had a bad case of the mommy vs. daughter vs. homework thing… so I opted to go to public high school. But my brother was one who thrived with it.
Good luck!
I'm totally going through that same inner battle right now. I want to home school so badly but I just don't know if I could do it all…or if I'm ready to make a commitment that enormous! My eldest is in half day kindergarten this year…and we both like it. But I can't stand to think of her away all day! Plus, I love thinking of all the family adventures that homeschooling could bring…
@Corinne:
Yet another reason why we are buds! I was homeschooled from 2nd grade through highschool. I loved it. And I also know what I'd change if I were to homeschool also.
It isn't for every child and when the kids got old enough to request what they wanted, I would hear them out…for sure.
I know for a fact Nicky wants to be homeschooled…but, really, I have no idea if it'll happen this year or not.
Still dreaming…
Nell
@Maegan:
And you wouldn't have to make a big huge commitment. Start with promising yourself one quarter and then go from there. Or even one year and go from there.
That is what I'd do, if we end up homeschooling. One year and one kid at a time.
Nell
From what I've read here on your blog I think you would be an awesome teacher. I plan on homeschooling too. My sister-in-law is using a great system that we plan on following (with a few changes… of course!)
@Blessed:
What system would that be? If you don't mind me asking?
Nell
I love your plan & wish you well in making this decision!
I think you'd be awesome w/ the entire thing. Your children are lucky to have a momma willing to do it!
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How exciting… I would love the opportunity to do this for my boys. I wish you the best! I know they will learn lots from there great mom!
Cindy´s last blog ..Happy Valentines Day!
Nell I can't think of any reason why you wouldn't be ready to take on the roll of teacher as a home-school mom! You already do so much teaching with your kids! I think taking it small like you said is key. And I just know if you do it that you'll be great at it.
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@Sharon:
Sharon, thank you for the kind words of encouragement.
Nell
Nell Taliercio´s last blog ..Juggling Hats
@Cindy:
Thank you, Cindy. I'll be sure to keep everyone in the loop with what I decide.
Nell
Nell Taliercio´s last blog ..Juggling Hats
@Tishia Lee:
You make me smile!
Nell
Nell Taliercio´s last blog ..Juggling Hats
I think you are going to make a great teacher. If you think about it, being a mom involved being a teacher. You've had to teach them so many other things like how to use the potty, how to tie their shoes, etc. It seems to me that you've done that well and you will do this well too! It's just a little bit more structured. Well wishes and blessings for whatever you decide to do.
Denise
Blessings from Above
Denise´s last blog ..Julie and Julia
My initial reaction is to overwhelm you with encouragement and every ounce of passion that I have for this subject. I'm going to try to refrain from doing too much of that, so as not to scare you. I'll just say that I think you are totally ready for that hat! And, I'm very excited that you are seriously considering it.
Okay, so I have to say more. I can't help myself. You must read some John Holt books. Even if they don't have you deciding to unschool, they are wonderful for really getting a grasp on how children truly learn. How Children Learn is an excellent one. If you decide that a curriculum really is the way to go, I've heard loads of good things about the Son Light curriculum. Even though I definitely fall into the unschooling category and don't plan to use a curriculum, I am still considering ordering some of their books down the road. Their curriculum is more like a giant book list.
Okay, I'll be quiet now. I think you'll be incredible at this. Just leap right in. The water is great!
If you end up doing it, please fill me in! I think you'll do MARVELOUSLY! I have such utmost respect for any parent who's taken this on.
I've often tossed the idea around like a football, almost too afraid to dip my toe in and get wet. I'm fearful I'll fail my children.
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting´s last blog ..Rashes, Botched Medicines, and Doctor Blunders, Oh My!
@Denise:
Mom's really are the best teachers! Like you've said, we are all teachers and maybe just don't realize it.
Nell
@Madeline:
Madeline, this is so fascinating to me. Thank you for leaving a comment. I don't think I knew this about you and it makes me like you even more.
I know you'll be simply fabulous with Levi.
I had a wonderful experience being homeschooled and the parts of it I think could have been better, I now know how to make better for my children… should I go that route.
We'll have to chat more about this some day!
Nell
Nell Taliercio´s last blog ..The One – Two Punch
@Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting:
I have the same fears! I fear that in so many other areas, though. I'll keep you posted. But for what it's worth.. I think you'd be amazing. And thanks for stopping by the blog!
Nell
Nell Taliercio´s last blog ..The One – Two Punch
I bet you would be wonderful as a homeschool mom, Nell. It sounds like you have it all planned out…why not?
Best wishes to you with your decision!
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@Stephanie:
I'm going to spend time in prayer — and, of course, there's another person in this equation that would need to be on board…one that I call my sweetie and best friend.
Nell