After 2020 vision
Remember when someone got ahold of the world’s remote control and started pushing ALL kinds of buttons? Error codes, confusion, panic, on-off-on, volume up, volume down. Stuck on channels that conveyed messages you couldn’t understand, foreign. All you wanted to do was hit the power off, unplug, or reset. Yeah, probably sums up almost everyone’s 2020 I’d imagine. 2020 was supposed to be MY YEAR, 20, 20. I had such high hopes, but that is for another day. So bizarre to think that it was four years ago?!
My youngest came home from public Kindergarten, in March, like everyone else around here. The drastic change in the world, let alone individual daily life, was surreal. I had my baby home with me until he started Kindergarten, and we were both just getting used to the new transition. Then out of the blue, I find myself continuing his learning at home, communicating with his teacher, when all the schools shut down.
It wasn’t anything new. I had already been teaching him at home before, and during Kindergarten, but this brought on so many new uncertainties and perspectives I could never have even thought to prepare for. Yes, it was happening worldwide, but for me individually it took on a whole new level.
We got him through Kindergarten and come first grade the schools still weren’t opening so he did “distant learning.” We picked up some supplies from his teacher at a drive-through lane at the school. We will say it was an interesting year with a couple of teachers and everyone navigating new things, but he rocked it!
First grade was ok and with workbooks, it wasn’t so bad. He was learning how to navigate a computer so that was a bonus but I was thankful for actual hands-on materials.
Second grade was ok but he didn’t get to have workbooks. Everything was completely online except his Art class. The district initially didn’t expect too many to continue online after a questionnaire was done. After mask mandates were put into place they went from 400 enrolled to over 4,000 and then to 6,000, so not enough materials. They had to scramble for teachers as well. I appreciate all of their efforts. I know it wasn’t easy in the least for the teachers and staff as well. I was hoping they’d be able to get the workbooks needed at some point in the year, but no such luck. We did get to go pick up some supplies one time, but honestly, I’m not sure why when they kept everything solely online.
A lot of bumps in the road for a couple of years but that is understandable. Unprecedented times. It was ok but mostly because my little one transitions so well and can adapt to just about anything. Being stuck to a computer wasn’t the greatest so we made the best of it and made sure to have active time. I was concerned with handwriting where he was doing very little. His computer skills? Well, now those were becoming amazing for an eight-year-old.
I joined some homeschool groups to get us out there, mostly him, for socialization and whatever added learning we could get along the way. It was challenging with “distant learning” where he had to be stuck to the computer and log in at certain times throughout the day. So, after uncertainties, frustration, worry of the unknown, and getting his dad on board, we pulled him from the district and started ACTUAL homeschool!? Started in third grade and now he’s in fourth grade, cruising along. Scary and so exciting and amazing at the same time! Well, soooo many emotions, thoughts, concerns, etc. I know most who choose to homeschool have had similar feelings. I was glad to know I wasn’t alone and had some support groups!
I have been so blessed to be able to be on this homeschool journey for the last few years! I am incredibly grateful!! I have been feeling nothing but a pull to do this and continue. I am hoping to be able to continue as long as I can. He is loving it and thriving. I am loving it even though life has gotten more stressful. I’m determined to keep this dream going! I DO accept prayers on my behalf for this, along with all the good vibes. I am thankful for all the support!
Into the unknown
At this point, I have been hesitant {and living in craziness} to post, not knowing the exact direction I’m taking this blog so right now it will be whatever comes up and I need to get off of my chest. Haha OK, maybe not quite all of that..? Lifestyle, business, natural remedies, who knows right now? I’m just going to keep on keeping on and see how this goes. Since I’ve had this post drafted for at least a few weeks I’m going to call it good and start working on another one. Hopefully, it is still 2024 when I post it.
Thanks for being here! Let me know if you homeschool, too, and how your journey is going.
