Why and how?

The homeschool idea struck me when I had to go back to my stay-at-home mom life last year. I quit my job as a school teacher in a elementary school to stay home to take care of my two years old boy. He has a severe skin problem and he suffers the itchiness all the time. Eric and I cannot bear to let others take care of him since he needs a lot of attention.

I told Eric one day why don't we homeschool Evan instead of sending him to school until he gets better. To my surprise, he supported my idea and suggested why don't we include Ethan as well. And from then on, I started doing a lot of research online and asking around about homeschooling. The more I read about others experience in homeschooling online, the more I feel confident. There are so many resources that help me to confirm my decision and let me feel that I can do my best for the boys' sake.

Another reason for this decision is we want to let our kids be able to go back to Malaysia with flexible schedule without being tie up with the normal school day. The Chinese New Year is always on the first or second months of the years. We do not have long holiday here in U.S. But this is the important time of the year for us as a Chinese to reunite with other family members. I do hope that if we manage to homeschool the boys successfully, I can bring them home during this festival and let them celebrate with their grandparents and other family members who can only see time once in a year.

There are so many homeschooling groups around the nation and also Texas which provided many activities for homeschoolers. At first, I am a bit worry about the boys' socialization issue. A lot of my friends are opposed the homeschool idea and socialization issue is the most concern topic from them to me. Luckily, those organizations are doing their best to offer activities during weekdays.

There are many methods in homeschooling such as Charlotte Mason,Classical Education, Correspondence Schools, Eclectic Homeschooling, Montessori Homeschooling,Tutoring,
Umbrella Schools, Unit Study Method, Unschooling, Waldorf Method . For me, I do not wish to stick to one method. I think the best method is find a way to provide a fun learning environment for both my boys. I am so amazed that those moms or dads who are doing homeschooling is so kind enough to share their experience and resources online.

One of the thing I read about online is homeschooling is just a normal way to teach our kids at home since they are young. We already being their first teacher to teach them how to walk, to eat, to sing and guide them throughout early years.

I know the journey ahead of us is not easy. I know there is a lot of commitment and consistence. I know the great support from Eric is very important and we have to do it with great love and patience.