Traditional School or Home School?

back to school is....in the bag!!

                        
                 What do You desire for my child's education this year, Father?

Now for many of you, you're scratching your heads!  What does she mean? Let me preface this note by first sharing that, as a veteran mom of three (two of which are- thank you Lord-successfully working young professionals), I am here to say that you are not locked into only one form of education!

 The Shaw kids have, at various times in their educational experience gone to public school as well as private, attended "university modeled" and cooperative home schools. I have even said that my son Jeremiah in 6th grade was "unschooled" (a tale for another post!) We've experienced a wide variety of education options depending on their individual need, our circumstances and most importantly, the Lord's leading.

So fast forward to now, and once again I find myself  teetering on the precipice of homeschooling....ready to take the plunge! Hudson has been attending a wonderful private Classical Christian school these past 5 years and we feel he is at a point where he could apply himself a bit more rigorously and this home school co-op will clearly provide that challenge.

 We are fortunate, and by that I mean BLESSED from on high to be joining a very talented group of moms who will be forming this co-op ( a group of about 6-8 kids being taught cooperatively by various moms, according to their talents!) The kids will be taking a few courses as well through the Florida Virtual School.

 What's unique here is...I will not be sharing in the teaching this time around! Our co-op will have a few professional "teacher" moms, a Doctor who loves the sciences (and dissecting things!) as well as a professional artist!  It's so clear God has orchestrated each little tiny part of putting this together!

So I find myself  diverging once again from the norm, but happily looking forward to an all together different type of school year with Hudson, anticipating a year of being... a short order cook, chauffeur, cheerleader & counselor, Sea Cadet chaperone as well as taking a few creative field trips, since we're not as locked into a full time school schedule this year and who knows? Maybe Hudson will take up playing an instrument, developing his musical skill (it was about this age his sister and brother began pursuing their music interests!). I too will be busy supporting and encouraging and helping the "teaching" moms as much as possible. This will be such a different year for Hudson but that, even in itself, I believe will be a good thing.

 If I have learned anything over these many years it is that God loves our kids even more than we possibly could, and He is faithful to direct their steps...even the steps that may diverge a bit from the norm!

our 2 older kids happily returning from a day at Red Bank, a terrific public school in Clovis,CA

our musical duo...for a season!

the Shaw kids and their Mom...a few years back!