Discussing homeschooling...

I am taking, for my credentialing, a class in Schools & Society that is actually pretty interesting! We've gotten to watch a really interesting documentary on the history of education in America, had some good discussions, and read some interesting books. Today, in our continued journey through methods of education, the professor wanted to discuss alternatoves such as charter schools and... you guessed it... homeschooling! She asked if anyone in the class knew anyone that had been homeschooled, and two thirds of the class raised their hands, including me. And of course, before I could stop myself, I blurted out that I do homeschool my kids. She immediately asked me if I would mind getting up and talking in front of the class about it, just sharing the whys and hows we do it. I did so, and found that by sharing, it opened up a great discussion. Turns out another woman, who I've chatted with a few times, homeschooled her kids too, since they were a military family and her daughter had been to 5 schools in 5 years. Her daughter, homeschooled from 5th grade on, went to a local community college at 16, graduated with an Associate's Degree at 19, and is working on a Bachelor's degree, double major, at a UC now.

Anyhow, it was kind of neat. My heart was pounding, as I am not the best public speaker, but the resulting class discussion was definately worthwhile. There was one other woman that had tried homeschooling her children too, but stopped after a year because she was worried about socialization (you can read more about my views on socialization here). We talked about methods, socialization (of course), legal stuff, and more.

And in other news, we currently have no vehicle, which is making life interesting. I was driving Cassia to her new ballet school for a trial lesson, and the engine started shaking every time the truck was at an idle. Suddenly, the temperature gauge shot waaaay up, and smoke started pouring from the exhaust pipe. SCARY! Ended up having it towed home, and no, I don't know yet what's wrong with it. I don't have the money to fix it at the moment either, though my BIL may help with that. In the meantime, lots of bike riding, walking, and buses. Which Cyrus loves. He's been trying, for a year or so now, to get us to have a car-free week. We're almost there! I did borrow my sister's car today to drive out to a friend's house for a homeschool group business meeting, but besides that I haven't driven in a couple of days. I don't miss it as much as I thought I would... yet. I know that time will come! We're are likely going to have to miss a 4H project this week, because it is being held out at the coast.

Other than that, all is well. I talked with a teacher this week and found out that once I have my multiple subject credential, it is only a matter of one more test and one more class to get a single subject as well. I also plan on taking a intensive two week course over the next summer that gives me a "foundational level science credential", allowing me to teach any basic science class for grades K-12. I could totally see myself teaching science (on a part-time basis), more so than teaching (full-time) in an elementary classroom. So that's my plan. I do want all the (three?) credentials because that gives me a better chance of employment in the future. And, for me, the multiple subject one is easier to get as I can do it online through the CalState TEACH program. No classes to attend! (Besides a couple per semester). I also want to take a few science classes, various disciplines but mostly biology, to brush up on things, but I can do that at the very local community/junior college.

I had truthfully gotten a bit down about my future, and all the education I still have looming on the horizon. I thought to get a single subject in science, with an emphasis on biology, that I had a LOT more school left than I really do. And as I mentioned above, having more than one form of credential makes me more employable. I am thrilled that I get to take some science classes, probably even only one a semester... I love science. I may even eventually get a Master's, but that's some way in the future! Anyhow, science teachers are becoming very in demand, so I feel good about that, and for the first time since last spring, I feel excited again!

Oh, and yes, we've been doing some homeschooling too. Bits and pieces here and there, but we're getting it done!