A Homeschooling Interview with Devora:
Me: Until what age were you Homeschooled?
Devora: Until 3rd grade (9 years old).
M: What was your mothers teaching method? Did she follow a Curriculum?
D: My mother visited different
schools in different states and collected the curriculums to see what each
grade level is up to. She took the information and lessons she wanted to give
us and made it real and alive! For example, when learning about the Exodus from
Egypt, the house was transformed into a dessert (we live in the Midwest). She put tarp on
floor covered with sand on top, a huge sun mural on the wall and heaters to feel
the desert heat. We also drove over to the hardware store and bought cement to
make our own bricks at home.
We would learn Chumash one on one in the morning followed by other Torah subjects. Then in the afternoon English, math and other secular subjects along with lots of extracurricular opportunities (I took ceramics, art, gymnastics, Karate, Basketball, ballet, ice skating with homeschoolers and drama. We had so much fun being outside, exploring nature… nature is the best playground! We'd go to amusement parks and museums for kids.
M: What did you enjoy about being homeschooled?
D: I really enjoyed the freedom to blossom in a nurturing place,
where parents are sensitively catering to each of their children's specific
needs. Parents are always there to directly take care of any issue that might
come up immediately and they are there to constantly create a loving and
accepting atmosphere. Another aspect that's great about homeschooling is that
children's curiosity is allowed to flow and the learning can be based on where
the child's curiosity leads them.
M: What were some of your biggest challenges being homeschooled?
D: It was challenging that there
were no kids like us, and my parents were worried that our lack of social
experiences with children of the same age might affect us negatively.
M: How were those challenges overcome?
D: It came naturally. By
having an open and loving home and utilizing any sort of social experiences, it
did not cause us to lack in our social skills.
M: Would you homeschool your children?
D: YES!! I cannot imagine not.
My children would be nurtured in the best possible way by people who care about
them the most and know each child’s individual needs. The parents set the tone
of the environment the children are in and that is key! An accepting, genuine,
open minded, free, adventurous feel along with
rules, values and morals let the curious and quick minds of children to
express themselves and be the best they can be!
M: Where did you go after 3rd grade?
D: To a Hebrew Academy for half a day (Judaic Studies) 1 ½ hours away and all secular subjects taught at home. By 5th grade I was a full day in the Hebrew Academy and by 6th grade (11 years old) I went away from home to school 6 hours away from home.
M: Were there any issues socially?
D: Definitely no negative differences. More children in schools
have issues from being bullied and there is no space and time to calm down or
think. When in a safe environment the child could talk about their feelings,
and be taught effective coping skills, good communication skills and model good
examples.
M: What were the biggest challenges entering a mainstream school?
D: Academically, I was not used to school rules and the
classroom structure. I had to catch up on some material, but after a few months
of learning with tutors I was on par with the class. Socially, it was weird
being around all these kids that are the same age as you and to see people
being mean and bullying is almost a normal thing in schools. Parents should
prepare their child before entering a school from homeschooling very well so
there is less things that could be a little shocking. For example, the style of learning,
how other children might act, what kind of clothes is generally worn in that school
etc.
M: What is your message to mom’s homeschooling their children?
D: Tune into your
children! Figure out their specific needs so you can help them grow. You also
don't need to be scared that you might not be doing everything like a regular
school..it's ok, you are not a typical school, you are YOUR unique school. Make
adventures, be creative, give experiences. Of course always be on top of your game, tracking what skills your children
are accomplishing and where they might be taking a longer time to advance.
Thank you my dear Devora!
May you all have a wonderful week and I hope this interview was helpful to you on your homeschooling journey,
Always,
