During the late summer months there is so much talk of the coming school year here in our area. From teachers to supplies and talk of what grade everyone is entering. Little do many of them know that it will be another Not Back to School Year for us.

The anticipation and bustle of when the teacher assignments will come and who will be in class with whom. The school supply lists are posted in each store and online to ensure each and every parent can fulfill their child’s teacher’s wish list of items.

When everyone finally gets to answer the question of who their teacher will be, our kids hesitate, pause, and then state they are homeschooled. My husband and I on the other hand aptly crack a joke about how bad our kids teacher is and how much we don’t like her! After they are done gasping, cringing, or trying to pretend they are not put off by that statement, we quickly follow with, “They are homeschooled”.

Another Not Back to School Year

A few years back, as the official public school year started here, my husband and I paused a moment on the opening night of school and noted the marked difference in the day that our children had, vs. their public school friends.

While the families on our street were huddled about at the end of their driveways in anticipation of the buses first stop of the year at their house….we were snuggled in my bed chatting and watching Oswald before we began our day.

While the school hallways filled up with the hustle and bustle of finding those first classrooms….we sat at the kitchen table enjoying our breakfast together.

While introductions were being made, seat assignments found and teachers going over their syllabi….we were done with math, English and onto our first art project of the year!

While classroom routines were being learned and more introductions made….we sat together having finished our seat work, eating lunch and discussing how to spend the rest of our day.

While buses were being found, loaded and driving kids home….we were playing tennis at the park.

 

While there was talk of busy first days and homework filled nights….our children were having a sleepover with their friends.

As Facebook filled up with first day photos of children in backpacks waiting for their buses, and beds were filling early in anticipation of another early to rise school day….my phone filled with photos of my girls while at their friend’s house just settling down at 10:30 pm, and boys in my home were loudly playing video games.

While day 2 and day 3 are spent settling in, learning to get from class to class on time….we spend them at the park (our socialization classes you know) gathering with our fellow homeschoolers (peers) to celebrate yet another “Not” Back to School Year.

While I have now graduated one child, and have two teen/tweens left in the house, this year is shaping up to be another wonderful not back to school year. In fact, we will be camping as the public school year gears up here!

So while kids are packing up their school bags the night before, we will be roasting marshmallows around the fire.

When the kids are loading onto the school bus, we will be sharing a family breakfast of french toast.

Instead of lockers, desks, and hallways, our children will have bicycles, fresh air, and the freedom to learn on our terms (Oh, and did I mention learning valuable life skills?)

Gearing up for your new homeschool year?

Consider trying a new Back to Homeschool Tradition. I have some ideas for you: