We’ve been thinking about homeschooling for a while, but the decision phase crept up on us as we realized H would be reaching preschool age soon.
We first started discussing homeschooling as an option before H was born. We attended a class at TMS, required for Alex, but that allowed for wives to sit in as well. They talked about the dynamics of a min home and addressed specific areas of interest, such as finances, family, etc. One of the speakers discussed their family’s decision to homeschool. What I found intriguing was his mention that homeschooling was not a conviction for them. The decision to homeschool came out of practicality. His work schedule did not fall in line with a normal school schedule, so they needed more flexibility if their family wanted to spend extended time together.
His talk was encouraging for me. I didn’t have strong convictions about homeschooling either. Even though I feel that I was the type of child who could have really benefitted from homeschooling, I also believe that the challenges I faced in a public school setting were orchestrated and used by Him to strengthen me. And without attending public school, I would never have been saved. Of course, I grew up in a non-C family, so the circumstances were a little different. Suffice to say, I saw the pros and cons in both. I wrestled with this for a while. Why even think about this now, right? I’m a planner, almost compulsively so. I wanted to feel comfortable with whichever decision we chose, not to mention prepared.
I know homeschooling is popular in C circles, and for good reason. With the varying information being taught in schools today, intermixed with the unpredictable influences children receive (and bring home), I can see why parents want to preserve the strong, core values taught in their own homes. At home, children will receive the appropriate amount of attention they need and can work at their own pace. Even still, I didn’t feel equipped to take on the full responsibility of educating my child; I still don’t. I’ve always said that the one job I feared was that of a teacher. I’m a strong learner, but I have trouble relaying that information to another person. Just ask my sister; I’m sure those days of asking me for help on her math homework were equally frustrating for both of us.
Someone is ready to work! This is H “working on stuff”. His words, not mine.
Fast forward a few months, more mulling over the decision, countless hours of research, many emails and messages back and forth between friends who homeschool, yarping, thinking, more mulling… and here we are. We’ve decided to try homeschooling for preschool and see how it goes. I wanted to share why we chose this path in hopes that it will help others to decide if this is the right path for them. Our circumstances here are a little different, but I think the underlying reasons for our decisions can be applicable for any min family.
- Cost: We considered trying to send H to a local school, but it’s nearly impossible. Public schools are already packed as it is, so most don’t accept foreigners. We have friends who have tried to get their kids into a public school and were turned away. The only other option is private school, which is VERY expensive. There are many options for private education, but as with most things here, you get what you pay for. When we factor in the cost of curriculum, supplies, Chinese lessons, and extra curricular activities, they are significantly cheaper than any private school here.
- Flexibility: Given the nature of our work, we thought it important to be able to pick up and move at any time. This can be disruptive to schooling, as you can imagine. Most schools aren’t conveniently located, either. A lot of families purposely move farther away from work so their kids can attend school. While that might make sense for “veterans” in the field, it does not make sense for us right now.
- Control: Nationalistic “doctrine” isn’t taught during the elementary years, but is taught as children get older. I’ve also heard about the questionable quality of public education here. I’m still young enough to remember learning things in school that seem completely useless now and wishing that I had spent more time learning something else instead. I would love to be able to choose methods that H can be passionate about, ones that would really benefit him. I also want to be able to instruct him in faith and character — this is probably one of the most compelling reasons in terms of control.
- Preparation: Unless you’re sending your child to a top-of-the-line international school here, they would not be prepared to attend school abroad. The education system, methodology, and obviously the language barrier, would make the transition very difficult. H will be free to choose where to go to school in the future, or whether or not to attend college at all. We wanted to give him the best option in the event that he chooses to go back. I’ve also heard from locals here that many children these days do not know how to live in the real world. Having been sheltered and spoiled their entire lives, and living as only children, has affected their ability to interact with other people well. Most do not know how to cook or take care of their homes. I’m not sure if this would be helped or hurt in school here. I’m finding it increasingly important for H to learn life skills. I intend on teaching him how to cook, clean, and take care of himself (to the best of my ability).
This decision is obviously subject to change. If it doesn’t work out and it looks like H would benefit more from going to school, we’ll definitely reconsider. But for now, we’re going to put in an honest effort to make this work. Please yarp for us. This decision makes me nervous and I’m still in the middle of researching, choosing, and purchasing curriculum. We probably won’t start any formal teaching until after we move and finish up summer activities, but I’m hoping the transition will go smoothly, and that we will all benefit.
We’re thankful for…
- Friends who have offered their advice and support in homeschooling (Thank you Maura, Ashley, and Bia!)
- His constant and enduring provision in all things
- Opportunity for Alex to go to India
- Upcoming retreat to Korea
Some things we miss
- Ability to directly consult a homeschooling and C community
- Food variety (This week, real donuts)
- Warm weather and the beach
- Public libraries with English literature