School--My Opinion Thus Far

I've had many families ask me what I've thought about our school experience so far.  Well, the kids have only been in for four days, and so my opinions may change, but here is my take SO FAR.

When homeschooling, I dressed my kids well using thrift store finds (yes, I'm a name brand shopper, but refuse to pay name-brand prices...I see it as my part in keeping clothing from the landfills and also helping out whichever charity is running the thrift store).  For school, I've had to purchase clothes--uniforms.  I actually like the idea of uniforms, and it makes it easy to get out the door in the morning.  Con:  I have to get out the door in the morning, even if my toddler is throwing up when my husband is out of town and I haven't slept, the older kids still have to get to school, and I still have to get up early to make them a lunch. 

When homeschooling, it took us about three hours in the morning to cover math, reading, history & writing.  Then the kids could explore at their leisure.  We had separate science co-ops, art classes, etc which filled in any gaps.  Time-wise, taking them to school isn't saving me any.  When they come home (around 4) it still takes about an hour and a half to get both of them to finish the math, reading and writing they've been assigned.  So, rather than only sitting and listening to me for 1.5 hours (then doing their practice work), they are in a class for 6 hours, then coming home and doing practice work for the same period of time (1.5 hours).  I realize that the school we chose has separate art, science, and music classes, so it's not completely fair to say they are in class for 6 hours, but according to their written schedules, those classes are only around 30-40 min. each, once a week.  So, I suppose I can fairly say that they are in class for about 4.5 hours (they do have recesses and lunch).

I find myself saying things like "Try to think of what the teacher means by this question and answer it so you'll get it right."  Basically, I'm teaching them how to pass a class.  Not a bad skill, but when we homeschooled, we discussed different ways to solve problems, rather than seeking the way our elder wanted it done. 

I find myself finding amazing learning opportunities in different places, and feeling sad that my kids aren't all there to experience it.  And off-season times for museums and such are hard to take advantage of!

There is a pro in that I had some quiet time today while Payge napped.  However, if I ever needed quiet time in the past, Zac and Chayce were very good to give it to me by playing Legos or building a fort--together.  Both have expressed sadness at seeing the other pass in the hall and not being able to really interact until after the final bell has rung.  Zac put it best:  "I saw Chayce going in from recess as I was going out...I tried to say hi, but then had to go find someone else to play with."  He is making friends, but finds the short recesses are not enough to build a friendship on, persay. 

Bathroom passes:  Blech.  Enough said.  I completely understand the WHY behind them (25 kids, 2 teachers...25 kids who don't want to be in class who learn quickly that potty breaks are an awesome way out...).

So, do I like them being in school?  I don't know yet.  Give me a few more weeks, and I'll have more to say--I think.  As for right now, we're going to stick with it because it is working education-wise.    They are learning, and that is my main goal.