08 – Reluctant To Homeschool? Cheri Was Too!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/216781256″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Welcome!  Today’s guest is Cheri, who is a homeschooling mom of four children, ages 2-11.  She and her husband both converted to the Catholic faith while in their college years, but before they met each other.  They live in a rural area outside Grand Rapids, MI.  Cheri has a degree in painting and art history and worked in the education department of the Grand Rapids Art Museum before leaving her career eight years ago to begin homeschooling.  Her husband is a writer and professor.

Cheri shares the following about her homeschooling journey:

• Like most people, Cheri didn’t “set out” to homeschool.  She and her husband explored the school options available to them, and they weren’t thrilled with any option.
• Cheri and her husband are both products of public education, but they wanted more for their kids.  Cheri says their public school education didn’t teach them to think critically but taught them to become “experts in memorization.”
• Cheri has struggled with feeling inadequate to homeschool, mainly because of the gaps that exist in her education.
• Cheri takes advantage of a “hybrid” model that allows homeschool students to attend a traditional school for two days weekly but be homeschooled for the other days.  This works perfectly for her children and their family.
• Cheri’s children are involved in various extra-curricular activities, but most are seasonal activities that are not simultaneous.  One constant challenge is to plan ahead to keep up with their busy schedules.

Cheri has advice to anyone who might be a “reluctant” homeschooling mom like she used to be!  Consider a hybrid model that uses either an online instructor or classes at a local school.  Of course, the main motivation for anyone to embark on this journey is that we all want the best for our kids and want them to love learning.  Join us to hear more from Cheri!