Being a Teacher...

Many of you know that I stay at home with my children and that I home school them. I love being a teacher. Even before I had kids I was a preschool teacher. Early Childhood Education is so important. The first years of learning are so important. During this time you can also catch if children have delays or disabilities. Because you caught it early then the child has more chances of being caught up to their age level.
Home school can be challenging if you are not a teacher by nature. But anyone can do it. You know why? Because you, as a parent you are the child's first teacher. Homeschooling opens doors for personalize education that in public schools children are not getting and they also struggle on getting one-on-one with teachers. As for me, homeschooling came easy because of my background of teaching and growing up in a home where my mom was a teacher. I have many years of experience behind me.
When Nathan was born I decided to stay home with him. I had considered putting him in preschool but the cost was horrible. Every Friday I was going to have to pay $200. Can you imagine paying $200 a week? I couldn't have done that. So staying home was the option. But it was great. I was able to use all the training I had from school and from work that Nathan started right away learning. Every three months I reviewed his development by the time the first year passed he was way ahead of the average one year old. By the time he turned 2 I noticed that something was different with him. He was falling behind and was struggling. I continue to teach him at the level that he was and he slowly picked up skills. Finally after long struggle through test after test they finally could tell us what was going on with my son. Testing started when he was 3 1/2 years old. Testing finished as of last month; Nathan is 5 1/2 years old. He has autism, on the lower end of the spectrum. He has ADHD. Finally he has anxiety disorder with a sleep disorder. Through 2 years of testing this is what all of the doctors and specialist have come up with. With all these things fighting against him, some people have asked if I still want to home school him. They think that it would be easier if I put him in public school and let them be the teacher.
I would love for him to go to a school where he could make friends and be part of what a normal kid does every day. But reality for Nathan is right now, he can't handle a classroom. He makes himself sick and he won't eat or drink. He is scared. So why would I put my kid through all of that just so he can have someone educate him. I won't. As long as he is struggling in crowds and needing another method of how to learn he will be home with me learning it. If it wasn't for the option of homeschooling Nathan he would be so behind right now that I would be frustrated. Some days are hard but so rewarding. Like yesterday, he learned in science what happens to ice when it melts and how many teaspoons a piece of ice is when it melts. Now, that is learning. I still teach him through textbooks but he needs the time to also explore the world around him. I am excited to see what in store for the rest of the year and when the next year starts.
Abby and Savannah are also learning right along with him. I am so surprised at how well they are picking things up. I am teaching Nathan in kindergarten textbooks except for his language arts, that is pre-k. The girls are learning everything that I am teaching him. Kids are smart and can learn things very easily. I want to encourage every parent to take the time to read to your child or teach them a new skill. You will be so proud of your little one when they have mastered it. God bless and have a great learning day with your family.