|
Brenda has been cl for the parentsplace homeschool board since September 10, 2001. It is an easy date to
remember because it was her 13th wedding anniversary. She was so excited when she found out a few days earlier that her
name would be added to the top of the homeschool board.
Brenda has been homeschooling off and on since 1996. She has a wonderful husband and three boys, Derek
(17), Colton (13), and Gavin (6).
Brenda takes a Classical approach to homeschooling and sometimes wonders if she is addicted to buying books
of any genre.
Brenda takes the boys to the local library every Wednesday to meet with other homeschoolers. This makes
it very difficult to do schoolwork so they take that day as a break. The other 4 days are spent working hard.
Derek (17, 11th grade), didn't begin homeschooling until February, 2003. He was having difficulties in school
and needed an extra boost. He has done a lot of catching up over the last year. It has been a struggle to pull him back out
of the cracks he fell into in public school.
Colton (13, 9th grade) began homeschooling from the beginning. Brenda had a disagreement with a school principal,
who had unchangable views of how children develop and learn. Colton began the school's independent study program. The teacher
who evaluated Colton's work was very supportive and felt homeschooling was an excellent choice for Colton. Eventually, the
family moved to Italy, and Colton attended the local elementary school and managed to learn to speak Italian fairly well.
After moving back to the US he attended public school for a year (4th) and did very well. Once again, the family moved and
Colton decided to homeschool again because he could learn at his own rate, which was higher than the public school.
Once again, the family travelled to Italy, and Colton had the opportunity to spend a couple of months in classes with his
old classmates from the previous time in Italy. They have since returned to the US.
Gavin (6, 1st grade) attended the local Italian school for the first couple of months of their equivalent
of Kindergarten. When they returned to the US, Gavin became homeschooled and is doing well.
The family is now living in Texas where the homeschool laws are very homeschool friendly. They
really like that.
|
