I am up to my ears in curriculum for the fall- trying to decide which sources will be the right fit for me as a teacher, my individual kids and their learning styles, the subject matter, manner of presentation, etc. I've reread all my educational theory textbooks in a few weeks. (I'm suddenly glad I wasn't able to sell back all my textbooks- they have become invaluable now that I'm looking for real answers to real life problems in them.)
I love having the freedom to decide what is most important to teach, but it is also very difficult and a heavy responsibility. Its tricky sorting out what is 'best' among all the billions of resources available AND what is doable in our family situation.
I love the challenge, though. Combining two of the things I love best - my kids and teaching- is so fulfilling for me. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be home with my kids and to have all the resources of this modern age at my disposal. I'm grateful for the freedom to teach my own- and pray it continues to be lawful to make that choice.
And may I also mention ?.... It is so cool to have my own little secret lab complete with guinea pigs to try out all the educational theories I've always wanted to test! "Bwahaha. Prepare the subjects..." ;)
I really liked the following tidbit I ran across from a June 01 Liahona:
Its no small choice taking your children's education by the reigns. And I feel the weight of the decision very heavily when I try taking it on my own. But when I remember that "The Lord giveth no commandment unto the children of men save he shall prepare a way for them to accomplish the thing that he hath commanded them." it calms my fears and gives me courage to go forward. I know that teaching my kids at home is God's will for my family right now and He can help us be successful."In our divinely given role as teachers to our children, we as parents have much more support than we realize—including our Father’s abundant help."
We begin school August 1st so I'm working towards having my game plan by then. (And I'm secretly hoping that underneath that stack of curriculum I'll find the self discipline to keep us rollin' all year long. "I know its in here somewhere...")