When we began homeschooling almost 25 years ago, there were no support groups, home computers, or specific curriculum geared to families. In fact, we were criticized by our family, friends, and even many in our small town who didn’t know us but had only heard we were homeschooling our own children. We were told we were “nuts” and that our children would become “social misfits”. I’ve been told we were the first family in our county to homeschool our children; all seven of them.
At that time our oldest was in 4th grade and nearing the end of the school year while our second child was finishing Kindergarten. I’d heard a radio interview about educating children at home and like most, my first initial reaction was, “They’re crazy!” I was so very wrong. However, once we began homeschooling for ourselves, I could certainly understand the same dismay from those around us. As I had been, they were simply uninformed.
In the spring of 1983, my husband and I contemplated the possibility of homeschooling, but it was our 4th grader who unknowingly made our decision for us. I was stunned one afternoon after school when she burst through the door, slammed it behind her, threw her stack of books on the table, dropped her coat by the door, tracked mud through the house to the refrigerator, ripped open the door and shouted, “What are you going to feed me?” She was definitely not the same girl who had left our home that morning.
When Wisconsin’s homeschooling Act 512 passed just a month later, we decided to use the next four months to prepare to begin our homeschool in September. One thing was sure; I had my work cut out for me.
Without predetermined curriculum, I needed to develop my own. I first learned what subjects were required by Wisconsin law (Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Health) and then added a few more like History, Physical Education, and Bible. I collected flyers from doctors’ and dentists’ waiting rooms, picked up maps from gas stations, found posters and old books from garage and yard sales, and went to a local school auction where I acquired a chalkboard and wall charts for just pennies.
I visited fire and police stations, TV and radio stations, local manufacturing plants and businesses, a veterinarian, and many others; all of which were quite happy to give me loads of free flyers, posters, and information from safety tips to dog training to environmental issues.
I borrowed Math and Science books from the public library and wrote out Math drills and Science experiments I could use. I collected coupons and used them to buy notebook paper, pencils, folders, and other school supplies. Then, using a calendar, I set up our school schedule for the year allowing time off for special holidays and breaks. I was ready!
Was it worth it all? Yes! Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! The blessings have far outweighed anything I could have imagined.