I just realized how long it has been since I sat down to blog. Last time I was debating virtual school vs. in person school for my kids (pre-school and kindergarten). I must have banged my head against the wall 500 times this past August. I couldn't figure out what the best choice was for our family. But now I can say, after weeks of debating back then... I chose neither! Since I am a teacher, not currently employed by a school district, I decided to teach my kids myself. (Before my son-5- was born, I taught elementary school for 10 years- 3rd, 4th, 5th grades and math coach. When he was born, I decided to take a leave of absence, which turned into a resignation when my daughter was born two years later). I miss teaching, but I have no regrets. I was thankful to be able to spend time with my kids at home. It's NO vacation though- let's be clear. Any stay-at-home parent will tell you it has been one of the most rewarding-but challenging- things I've ever done. This year, I've morphed those two jobs into one. I am a stay-at-homeschooler. I have the privilege of teaching 4 kindergarten students (my son and 3 of his friends) plus my 3 year old. It was an experience I hadn't planned on, but am thankful for how things turned out. I've been saying, "we've turned lemons into lemonade, and a lemonade cocktail for the teacher/mom." Teaching a small group is an ideal situation. It has been amazing to see their strides and gains since September. I can't wait to see how they progress by June. That being said, it is VERY challenging to teach your own kids. I give full time homeschoolers major credit, as I don't plan on continuing being a homeschooler next year. It is HARD to put on teacher hat then mom hat with your own kids. But we are making it work right now and I can say with confidence and pride that I have taught my son how to read and write. It will be a story for his biography someday- with the pandemic raging, his mother taught him how to read and write. Or maybe it will be a story for my bio. Between my years as an elementary teacher, a stay-at-home parent, and now as a stay-at-home teacher, I am thankful for the great picture book ideas I have gotten from my kids and my students. I am still making time for my writing and now have four polished manuscripts that I am ready to submit. We can never be certain of the journey ahead, but is it exciting to think about the possibilities. Cheers!
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