IB Program and "Homeschooling"

There are a LOT of changes going on in the Roach household.  It started about 5 months ago with me staying home from work.  I can't believe it's been five months already.  I didn't feel "settled" for awhile, because I didn't know if my long term disability would be approved and if I'd be home for good.  Now that I know that I'm home for good, I'm starting to get settled into a routine, and now that I've started to get settled into a routine, I've decided to change it up a bit.


Let me start with the IB program first - Cameron and Anna go to a private, Christian school.  They go there because I wanted them to have a Christ-centered education as well as a challenging curriculum.  It has been just that for Cameron since he was in 5K, and it has been that for Anna since she was in 3K.  I have been very pleased with their education.  This year though, I've been noticing that Cameron needs a bit more of a challenge.  He is getting straight A's (without hardly any effort at all) and needs to be further challenged.  So, we started looking into the IB program.  The IB program is the International Baccalaureate Diploma program.  It's a highly regarding, very challenging college prep program.  We have all of Cameron's documentation together and are attending the informational meeting this week.  I'm thinking that it will be something that we will seriously consider for Cameron.  He has already written his essay for the application and I guess we will see how it all goes.  He is looking forward to the challenge.  I don't think the program is for everyone.  I think you have to look at the needs of your kids on a case by case basis, but for kids that need a challenge, I think it is a great opportunity for those kids to meet their full potential.  


I'm kind of torn knowing that I will be moving Cameron (potentially) from the school he has attended for the past 8 years.  I'm also torn knowing that the biblical based education will not be part of his studies.  No more bible studies, no more verse memorization... but for Cameron, I truly believe the pros outweigh the cons or else we would  not be considering it.  On the other hand, it's kind of exciting.  I think it's a great opportunity for Cameron and I'll be happy to see him challenged in this program.  Also, his best friend (and a kid I call my own son) is going to the program as well.  Cameron and Chris are two peas in a pod - smart, funny, sarcastic, witty and the BEST of friends.  They spend pretty much every weekend at each other's house... I joke with Christopher's parents asking them who has custody of the kids for the upcoming weekend (this weekend is mine - YAY!!!  Love having Christopher over!).  I would really hate to have these kids separated.  They are such close friends - and they will be able to encourage one another through the program!  We haven't made a final decision on the program - also, Cameron will have to be accepted into it, but it's something that we are strongly considering.


Homeschooling - OK, so I'm not really a "homeschooling" mom.  My daughter Sara is only 2 1/2.  As for Anna, there is no way I would take Anna out of the school that she is in.  But, as part of my changing up my daily schedule, I decided Sara would have "school" everyday.  The best part of our "school" is that we don't  have to have it if we don't want to.  But, I decided that I wanted to make good use of our time together and give her a bit of a head start for when we decide to enroll her in actual school.  So, for now our "school" will consist of coloring (where we will learn colors), puzzles (wooden puzzles which will not only develop her spatial orientation skills, but will teach her farm animals as this is what the puzzle is), we have a "bible stories" coloring book so we will be able to talk about bible characters as she colors, I bought flashcards to learn letters and letter sounds, flashcards to learn numbers and counting.  We even bought a "treasure box" that I decorated with stickers to make it look somewhat interesting that she will get to pick a prize from when she has good days.  We're looking forward to starting "school" at home.  


Cameron said it's not school because I don't have a curriculum, but I say any environment where you are "learning" can be school.  We have a book of zoo animals, so maybe once we get those mastered, we can have dad take a day off of work so we can have a "field trip" and go to the zoo.  


I give home schooling moms a TON of credit.  I really don't think that I could do it.  I don't know that I have enough patience.  When I'm explaining something and it makes complete sense to me the way I'm explaining it, it gets me frustrated when I can't get the idea across to the kids.  Not the best attribute for a "home schooling" mom.  So to all of the home schooling moms out there, who have all the patience in the world - I give you a ton of credit.  To have such patience with your kids is absolutely wonderful.  I think I can do it at this age (2) but I'm sure I won't be a long-term home schooling mom.  For now though, I think I'm going to enjoy our "school" time:)  We will officially start our school tomorrow - maybe I'll even get a picture of our first day of school!