A new day

Well today is our first day of home educating and I am a little nervous!

I think we got our wires crossed as Dave wanted me to sit with him each day and critique how the day went including showing what Theo had done. But I think to do that will put unnecessary pressure on the home ed process, so I declined his offer.

Dave is unsure about home ed and is talking about Theo's job opportunities, well I want him to experience being 5, there will be lots of time for job opportunities later in life. I have written a structure for our days so I know what things I would like to cover with Theo, it is very game and play based, Dave does not want me to wing it. I decided I have the structure but will also go with the flow if Theo is happy doing something, I will not drag him away from it, our learning involves the child and will be as much child led as possible.

Dave's argument is that homeschooled children never learn to be self disciplined and they all enter the Arts rather than any professional qualification. He has only known a handful of home educators so I don't know how he has reached this conclusion. Of the ones we know: 1 has gone into drama, 1 into singing/music, 1 into conservation, 1 off to Uni. Giving a 3:1 ratio of practical/Uni. Going to do some more research on this and ask in USA as they have a lot more homeschoolers.

J is off today still recovering from Swine Flu, so she can join in with our story reading and game playing. It is lovely to have then both at home and this morning has been very relaxed, it would have been even more lovely had we not had to do the 7 am college run for Emily. I feel so tired and it is only 8.50 am. early to bed tonight I think!