First Day of Kindergarten!

Why homeschool? I get asked this a lot (often it comes with that questioning-do-you-know-what-you're-doing look of concern).   I don't have a quick or easy response. I get tongue-tied and hum and haw.  So forget the humming and hawing- here's how it is:  My gut (and my husband David's too) tells us it's the right thing for our daughter. She is a quiet, intuitive child that studies the world around her, slowly and intently soaking it all in. She questions everything and her curiosity is insatiable. And she is VERY sensitive (to loud noises, unkind words, etc...). She is earnest and gentle. While she loves the company of other children and playtime, such events wipe her out and she needs to sleep afterwards.  Stimulation overload!  Naturally, we want to provide her with a safe and nurturing learning environment where we can cater to HER needs and interests. This speaks volumes to me.

The decision to homeschool was made much easier by the existence of Spring Leaves.  It is a group of homeschooling families that meet once a week at the Pender school, and have a wonderful facilitator, Julie, to help us out, and translate our homeschool activities into curriculum speak, provide support, guidance, etc... Or this at least, is my very early understanding of it all.  Today, I received an abundance of helpful information to put my newbie anxieties at rest.

So our first Wednesday at Spring Leaves was wonderful. Our beach picnic was rained out so we met in our school classroom.  After a brief but energetic play in the gym, we ate our picnic lunch and chatted about the various topics and activities the children and parents were interested in exploring for the upcoming year. Lauren expressed an interest in Art (the group came up with many forms of this: dance, yoga, sewing, pottery, painting, calligraphy, etc...) and other topics were discussed as well (i.e. gardening, field trips, outside learning, science, cooking, etc...).

Matthew, the near 3 year old, had a fabulous time exploring the classrooms 'fort' structure, and the many tubs of blocks, lego, and trucks.

Lauren felt at home here and enjoyed the company of the other children very much.  And me? I feel stoked about the upcoming year. This is a huge relief since I was walking into this feeling a tad nervous and a bit sad. Hard to believe my little girl is in Kindergarten. Time moves much too quickly. But after today, I realize that homeschooling will just be an extension of what we already do at home.  As one of the other mom's said today, not to worry "it'll all just FLOW." Thanks Kim.

So here's to broadening horizons and imaginations,  and to new friends. Can't wait to watch my kids eat it all up.