Homeschooling

I think I've mentioned previously in passing that we've begun homeschooling this year. I thought I'd fill you all in a bit more on that.

Homeschooling is something my husband and I always considered. We were both education majors for a few years in college before changing our majors to communications (decided separately...it was not a grand scheme). The two of us have been interested in the process of childhood development and the process of education long before we were committed to each other or had children. I'm sure those of you who read this blog regularly have realized that we're very hands on and passionate about experiences and every opportunity for exploration for our children. And those who personally know our family have noticed that we've got a clan mentality...we're a pack and like to stick together.

Those two thoughts, along with my husband and my wanting our children to develop strong relationships with each other and us, our Christian faith, and our desire to provide our children with time to deeply develop their interests have solidified our decision.

This decision was not easy to come by. We live in an area with excellent schools. When we lived in the city of Milwaukee and when we lived in the rural area of Belgium, Wisconsin, we knew the decision was going to be easier. But when we moved north of Milwaukee to our current location, the decision became more difficult.

But we are fortunate to have a very developed homeschool community in our area. There are many families and organizations that make homeschooling easier and more social. There are also quite a few businesses, including the cultural center, YMCA, arts center, and zoo that offer classes to homeschooling families. Those have made the decision a bit easier...and less intimidating.

As I've discussed my decision and this journey we're beginning, I've had interest from readers, friends, and acquaintances. Because of this interest, and also to help myself document and sort out my own feelings, I've began writing a homeschool blog (appropriately titled Ugga Mugga School). So far it is just me thinking through my decision and trying to locate some curriculum. As it goes forward, I'll be writing about the journey...the daily successes and difficulties.

If you're interested in homeschooling, thinking about it for your family, already a veteran home educator and needing a laugh, or just curious, you can follow my new adventure at UggaMuggaSchool.com.

The blog is still a long way from having a design or permanent layout. It's just in the beginning stages. But I know I would have loved to have someone to look to (or laugh at) so I'm hoping to provide my services for others. It's sure to be a memorable journey!

Physical Fitness

I was more than disturbed this morning when I read that more than 2/3 of Texas schoolchildren flunked their state's physical fitness test. The report says that third graders tested the best with only 37% passing. Bringing up the rear were high school seniors...only 8% of each gender passed!

Each of my children have different physical strengths, weaknesses, and interests. August really enjoys playing team sports and is in soccer and baseball. And although he's not the best on either team, he really has a great time and an even better attitude. My husband and I have had many discussions, however, and believe he'll thrive more in individual sports like tennis, golf, and running. This summer I got him in tennis lessons and he's become so much more confident and enthusiastic about sports. He's also asked to start running with me. I think he's coming into his own.

Hazel is both physically strong and amazingly coordinated. At a year she was dribbling a soccer ball. Now at 19 months she's passing. I think her sport future will be quite different than the others.

And Martha, she just loves to be outside running around. She doesn't thrive on structure, lessons, or practices. She's signed up for a few things this summer and fall, but I feel her long-term future may not be tied to many organized sports...although, who knows. That girl keeps me on my toes and surprises me each day!

What I'm saying, is that you have to know your child. You need to study their strengths, weaknesses, and interests. And regardless of what you come up with in the end, you need to get your kids moving!

When I think of only 8% of the high school seniors in Texas passing the state physical fitness test (which I'm sure isn't that strenuous), I feel sick inside. I feel bad for those children and what kind of future they'll have. And it reminds me that scientists predict this is the first generation believed to have a shorter lifespan than their parents. That is just too sad.

This 4th of July weekend, get your family up and moving! Go for a hike. Buy a hula hoop or jump rope and teach your children (and reteach yourself) how to play some classic games. Go for a bike ride. Get a sprinkler out and run through it. Go to a park and play. Go for a walk. Just get up, get moving, and enjoy some physical activity with your children!

And going forward, keep the following in mind to encourage lifelong physical fitness:

1. Model good physical fitness for your children. Get outside yourself and get moving.
2. In your family's daily life, incorporate activities your children can take into adulthood. Take nature walks, swim, take long bike rides, or go for nightly walks around your neighborhood after dinner each evening. The extra time bonding will be a meaningful bonus.
3. Turn off the TV. Encourage less lazy forms of entertainment.
   
4. Visit your local Parks & Recreation Department and see what kinds of classes they offer. It doesn't have to be expensive to get your children involved in organized activities and sports.
5. Make physical fitness fun. Play games like badminton, bocce, and others as a family.