We’re pulling Nathan from public school and going back to homeschooling. 
So, remember how we made the decision to put Nathan in public school last August? That was after homeschooling him through 3rd grade. Well we gave it a valiant effort this past semester, but it was NOT working.
The past couple of months have been so challenging. To put it simply, Nathan was bored, overwhelmed, and acting up. He continued to do great academically and was at the top of his class in all subjects, but social behavior was another story.
It’s been hard figuring out what we need to just work through and at what point is enough enough. That point came about 2 weeks ago when, after a lot of thought, prayer, and yes agony, Nate and I made the mutual decision to pull him and homeschool.
I was reluctant. I still am, to be honest. But I do feel like this is the move we need to make. It’s become clear to us as his parents that Nathan isn’t mature enough to handle the adjustment from homeschooling to public school at this point. And it is a huge adjustment. He went from one-on-one attention with less hours in school and more time for activities to being one of 20 kids, being gone for 8 hours a day, and more pressure on all ends with public school. It was just too much for him.
One good thing – at least we tried public school. And it’s not that we won’t ever try it again. It’s just that for right now, it’s not working.
And I also got to know the school, principal, and teachers pretty well, between all the meetings, phone calls, emails, and notes. There was no lack of trying on anyone’s part. And the principal and teacher were very understanding when we told them of our decision to homeschool.
The plan now is to homeschool for the rest of the year. I’ve bought Nathan’s 4th grade books and we’ll resume school this week. We don’t know what next year will hold. We’ve considered applying to a nearby private school, but the odds are stacked against us for that. So for now – as we’ve always done with the kids and school – we’re going to take one step at a time.
I’d really appreciate your prayers as we get back into homeschooling with all four kids at home with me again. Emily is still in kindergarten with me teaching her so that won’t be new, but having my morning taken up with homeschooling Nathan will once again make my schedule get even busier. The good thing is we’ve decided to try a different approach with some of the curriculum. Instead of the all-time-consuming A Beka for everything, we’re giving Switched on Schoolhouse a try with two subjects. This takes some of the pressure off me to do everything.
What does that mean for blogging? Well I’m being much more selective on the projects I’m taking on and I’m also focusing more on my content vs branded content. I still have my amazing review team, so we’ll continue to offer great reviews and giveaways too.
I always find myself re-evaluating things in January and well, this year is no different.
About Erika
Twitter: NerakG1974
says:
Good luck on the homeschooling. It sounds like you have a plan figured out and will do great! As a public school teacher, I want to say thank you for making it clear that your decision is what is right for your family and giving the school credit for trying their best to meet your needs. So often, when we lose a student at school, I ask myself what more I could have done to help that student. Your post was an eye-opener that sometimes, no matter how hard the teacher tries, what is best for the student is something different than we can provide in a classroom setting. I wish all kids had the opportunity to do some of the neat things you can do with homeschooling.
Twitter: MusingsSAHM
says:
Thanks, Karen. The whole experience was eye-opening for me too in better understanding teachers too. Nathan’s teacher was wonderful and I am so glad we had the chance to get to know her. I know now, more than ever, that it takes a special person to be a teacher and I am so grateful for you, Karen, and all the others who teach and really truly care about their students. It makes a huge difference.
Erika recently posted..From Public School Back to Homeschool
Twitter: NerakG1974
says:
Thank you. I am coming to realize more and more each day that what I do DOES make a difference. I think it’s wonderful that you home school. I don’t think I could handle my own daughters for that amount of time and still want to spend time with them at the end of the day!
Twitter: MusingsSAHM
says:
It really does!
And I certainly have my days where I wonder if I can really do it. I really have to take it one day at a time. And my daughter is another story – we are so much alike that we butt heads a LOT. She’s in kindergarten now but we are seriously considering putting her in school for 1st grade next fall. I think a lot will depend on how well she does with me teaching her K-5 for the rest of this year. I stress more about that than teaching Nathan 4th grade!
Erika recently posted..From Public School Back to Homeschool
Twitter: atara2
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I love posts like this. Thank you for sharing.
Twitter: MusingsSAHM
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Thanks for reading, Stephanie!
Erika recently posted..From Public School Back to Homeschool
Twitter: serendipitymama
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As a teacher and parent, I understand you want to do what is best for your child. It seems it was all too overwhelming for him. He was switched to a completely different environment than what he was used to and change is hard. Would the school work with you on easing him in? Maybe one hour every morning for the first subject and gradually go up as he adjusts. We did that with a student in my district who was home schooled and is now in fifth grade. I think he has other things to learn and benefit from being in a school environment, so that could be the best of both worlds.
Twitter: MusingsSAHM
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We are considering that, Danielle. Some very good tips – thank you!
Erika recently posted..From Public School Back to Homeschool
Twitter: SariahAshley
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Wishing you all the very best of luck Erika! You are so amazing and such a wonderful mom!!
Twitter: MusingsSAHM
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Thanks Sariah. Love you girl!
Erika recently posted..From Public School Back to Homeschool
Twitter: janinehuldie
says:
Sending you all my prayers and good thoughts on this. It does sound like you do have everything pretty well laid out and organized though. My hat is off to you on this and thank you for sharing your journey here with us. Happy New Year!!!
Janine Huldie recently posted..Potty Training Bites…
Twitter: MusingsSAHM
says:
Thanks Janine!
Erika recently posted..Disney on Ice – Manchester, NH Tickets {Giveaway}
Hi Erika- I love reading your blog, you always have amazing insights. My husband is a public school teacher, and I admit that I have been curious (and sometimes, forgive me, critical) of people who homeschool their children. Your post really helped me better understand that each child needs something different, and each parent is truly trying to do what’s best for their children. I’m ashamed that I have been so judgmental in the past, and I appreciate your openness on this topic because it truly opened my eyes. I aspire to be a wonderful parent like you- your children are truly blessed to call you Mom. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your world with us.
Twitter: MusingsSAHM
says:
Keara, thank you for the very sweet and honest comment. It’s times like this when I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to be a blogger because I meet so many amazing people like yourself.
Erika recently posted..Disney on Ice – Manchester, NH Tickets {Giveaway}
Twitter: KGLalalandmommy
says:
I think it is great that you all gave it a try and saw that right now it doesn’t work. I think you made a great informed decision. Good luck!! Many prayers sent your way.
Katherine G recently posted..My Worst Cooking Experience Ever
Twitter: MusingsSAHM
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Thanks Katherine!
Erika recently posted..Disney on Ice – Manchester, NH Tickets {Giveaway}
Twitter: housefulofchaos
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How does Nathan feel about switching back to homeschooling?
Christy recently posted..Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books I Want to Read in 2013
Twitter: MusingsSAHM
says:
He’s relieved. I had thought he’d be more upset but he surprised me. He said he will miss his teacher but he is glad to be back home with me.
Erika recently posted..Disney on Ice – Manchester, NH Tickets {Giveaway}
My sister had the same issue with her boys and public school – hence the reason she homeschooled them until their senior year. They went back just for that final year so they could have the opportunity to do the whole graduation thing.
Princess Nagger is lucky – the school she’s at right now is excellent, with the most amazing teachers. I’m hoping when we move back to Seattle next summer that her next school will be just as amazing. (*fingers crossed*) I bet Nathan is going to flourish under your tutelage the rest of this school year. 
((HUGZ!!))
Stacy Uncorked recently posted..Cat Tales – Center of Attention
Twitter: MusingsSAHM
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Thanks, Stacy! You are awesome!
Erika recently posted..Payless Shoes: Comfort and Affordable Fashion {Review}
Twitter: jugglingactmama
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have you looked into any of the charter schools? we’ve been researching them for ethan… we like some of the montessori style schools that let the kids learn as fast as they want… might be another good option
good luck!
ang recently posted..Toffee Monster Cookies
Twitter: MusingsSAHM
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Yes…but at 13K+ a year and very hard to get into…well that’s why I said “the odds are stacked against us” for private school. Plus we live in the boonies where there’s very few options here.
Erika recently posted..Payless Shoes: Comfort and Affordable Fashion {Review}
I applaude you for being able to take on such a diffult task. iam for homeschool but my husband is a little against it because he is saying we cant afford it because he thinks there has to be tutors and etc. and the more i look into it . We really dont have the money for the books,and stuff that is needed for homeschool. i looked into private school’s also and i agree ,they are very expensive. not only the tution but the books and fees and such.
You are a good mom and everything will be fine. You’re doing the best thing for your child. Yahweh must be smiling. Hang in there. Some day you will be glad that you, and your husband made this decision.
I just started homeschooling, I love your organizing ideas. I am always open to any tips you have when it comes to homeschooling! I am very new at it and a little nervous!!
Twitter: MusingsSAHM
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You’ll do great, Trista! It can be a lot of work, but it’s so worth it and the best part is you can do what works best for you and your kids. Feel free to email me if you ever want to chat – musingsfromasahm at gmail dot com
I definitely will , thank you!