Aja's homeschooling is going so well!

I'm already seeing the benefits of homeschooling over crowded classrooms like the one in the picture.

Yes, I know. Yesterday was just the first day. LOL But you know, I just have a great feeling about this based on our experience. It really was an enjoyable day for the most part. Oh, sure. There was a bit of first day, back to school complaining and some frustration. But as Aja and I began adjusting to working together, things started improving quite quickly.

Aja and I are already pretty close. After all, she did live with us before, for nearly a year, while her Mom was in Massachusetts. Still, I feel like we're going to become even closer while bonding over schoolwork, projects, field trips and such.

Now mind you, I've never felt that homeschooling was as evil as some people think. However, I've always mistakenly believed that kids are better off in conventional school. Even after one day, though, I'm actually seeing great benefits to homeschooling. There really is something to be said for that one on one attention.

*Kids can't slip through the cracks as easily if they're the only student.

*The teacher really sees the student's strengths and weaknesses, up close and personal.

*Students, teachers and parents get instant feedback.

*Teaching takes less time with just one or a few students.

*Zero peer pressure.

And guys, forget about the myth that home-school children are lazy or don't work as hard as kids in regular school. The curriculum is exactly the same, but better, due to the completely individualized attention.

In fact, just after one day, I'm beginning to learn which areas I need to concentrate on, which I need to back off on due to the fact that they are already well ingrained and which I need to gradually work up to. Those last, of course are the skills that aren't quite where they should be yet. Can't imagine having that much insight on the first day with a room full of 30 or more students to assess.

Forget that whole, no socialization thing too. Kids have their siblings, friends in their neighborhood, kids in their extended family and there are many occasions upon which they can bond with other homeschooled kids. At state testing, for instance. (Yes, homeschoolers are required to take the very same tests other children take.) Plus, there are home school proms, home school athletic, art and other programs galore that they can attend.

As for the teachers themselves lacking a degree, well, honestly, anything K-12 that someone with a degree can teach, I can learn online and pass down to Aja. We may even study together at times, which is beneficial to both of us and just another wonderful bonding experience.

Plus, in homeschool, the teacher is not as restricted. Kids can study things they have interest in that aren't a part of the state curriculum in addition to their regular work. Because they have that time mentioned in the above list. And thanks, once again to that one on one relationship, the teacher becomes very familiar with the child's individual character too.

So, yes, homeschooling is going very well. Aja loves it. I love it. And more importantly, she is getting the best, most individualized education possible, with all due respect to the hard working teachers in conventional schools, of course.