What’s the big deal about Hybrid homeschooling?

The skinny on Hybrid Homeschooling… They say never say never. Well, whoever “they” are, they are right. Before we had children, I didn’t see homeschool in my future perse’. But things change and our perspectives are allowed to change and that is OK. In our case, I’ve always been a nerd – I mean – passionate about education (wink). I actually had an idea that homeschool might be fun at the Kindergarten to 2nd-grade level, with more hands-on type activities. And so here we are. Fast forward to 2019 and we have just wrapped our 1st week of homeschooling!

We survived.

Just kidding! It was better than that. We had a good first week. We are still transitioning with some challenges – working with technology, managing problem behavior (hello @doterra essential oils and movement breaks), navigating the curriculum and the teacher’s manuals. (Not a fan of the curriculum texts and approach, but time will tell!). Obviously, I am hoping that things get better with time! If not, then we will know this format is not for us.

Big Changes.

Our journey is unique because we are actually participating in a “HYBRID” homeschool program. Little Luis attends his classes at the main campus 2 days a week and then has 3 days at home with his “satellite teacher” (aka MOM!). There are so many big changes for him this year. New school, new classroom set up and ratios, long full-day schedule, heavy academic focus compared to his play-based program the last 2 years. His first day was OK considering all the changes and new demands. He seemed more settled on the second day of school.

Budding Romance?

Little Luis told me that he has made a new “friend” named Ava. When I asked him how he made friends he said, “I don’t know. I just sat by her and started talking to her and we became friends.” Side note: that sounds like excellent dating advice little man! Awww. Is there a little 1st-grade romance budding? I’ll keep you posted. I am grateful he has one person he can call a friend.

Lots of choices. Really.

For folks curious as to our choices, I wanted to share that I am excited about our journey and eager to share it with you. There are plenty of mom blogs about homeschooling and even #bossmoms who homeschool. But I am super excited that we have pursued a middle ground here. Did you know that Forbes Magazine recently published an article entitled, Is Hybrid Homeschooling the Way of the Future? (check out the link here). Did you know that the number of homeschooling students has more than doubled in the last 20 years? The choice of homeschooling models has changed and now there are many options for parents who wish to explore a part-time Hybrid homeschool model.

Our choice. It’s quite practical. But also…

In our case, our choice is quite practical. Due to special needs, our son Luis needs a small class size with a great teacher-student ratio. But where we live, the average classroom sizes are close to 29 children per class and then there’s the cost of private education… (Don’t get me started!) But also, there’s the nerdy part of me that is genuinely interested in providing that one on one attention to my child’s learning. After all, I do have a doctoral-level degree in education… I’m kinda passionate about education and student development. Most of all, I know that no one is as invested in my child’s learning, character development and achievement as I am. I feel this is part of my calling.

Dare I say?

Dare I say that homeschooling is a part of my calling? Being a wife is part of my calling. And also contributing financially to my family is a part of my calling. I believe that impacting the world in a uniquely positive way is also a part of my calling. And my calling is not your calling and vise-versa. I believe I am accountable for how I live my life. With this in mind, I believe that no one can mother my children the way I do, serve my husband the way I do or serve my clients the unique way I do. And that is the beauty of one of my favorite passages of scripture (I Pet 4). Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well.

Yes, and that is what I intend to do!

How about you?

How was your first week back to school in whatever format you are pursuing? I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time… and if you are interested in checking out my latest styled shoot, please do take a look!

Michelle