Decisions on Home Schooling

I have done what I've consider "tons" of research on homeschooling and I still feel like I have only scratched the surface. There are sooo many benefits in doing it, but also sooo many ways of doing it. I have been reading several mom blogs on the subject. I have been very encouraged by Candy's blog @ http://www.keepingthehome.com/ and another mom's @ http://www.ladyofvirtue.blogspot.com/ . "Home Sweet Home School" was also an excellent book to read, very encouraging, (somewhat redundant in some parts) but nonetheless excellent with regard to including a Christian way of life as an integral part of schooling. A big kick in the butt for those who don't feel up to par as a "teacher".

I have to come to realize that if I want homeschooling to work for my family, it will have to come from a deep belief within, not just a mere trend that I want to follow or a "cool" thing to do. I am known for starting really neat and cool projects, but never quite finishing them or losing interest halfway through and starting a new project.

Now my oldest boy is 18 months old right now (my second is due in 7 weeks). Some might think this is silly, but knowing myself, I am starting my schooling preps NOW.... not 2 months before the start of school. In fact, I now have to view it as "I am already homeschooling" and need to keep it up.

So today a friend an I will be going to a Argyll Home Education Centre in our city http://argyll.epsb.ca/. I actually home schooled myself through this program when I was in Grade 10 and 11. I failed miserably as I am not or I should say, was not, disciplined at all (I'm trying to stay positive here, hehe). My parents also had very little involvement in my home schooling as it was mostly done online with online teachers.

Now this Home School Centre offers many ways of home schooling and I want to be completely involved in schooling my children (contrary to my parents way of doing this). I want to use their programs mainly as a guideline and source of resources. I am interested in the traditional or perhaps blended programs, where parents have the most control.

My friend is new to this "home schooling" thing and she want to accompany me to see for herself, learn more and see what the requirements and curriculums are.

I will let you know soon what I thought of my visit there.