I enjoy impromptu interviews with my kids. A few quick questions allow me to discover what they are feeling or confirm what I already suspect. After making a dynamic shift in our homeschool strategy this fall and joining a co-op, I wanted to see where my middle grader was in her thoughts about the year.
Me: What do you like best about your new co-op?
11 YO: I like being with my friends all day. I like the writing curriculum we are doing and fine arts. I also like packing my lunch and needing to get a new backpack for the year. I like getting out of the house for a full day each week.
Me: What do you dislike about our co-op specifically or just joining a co-op in general?
11YO: Nothing.
Me: If you could change anything about co-op, what would it be?
11YO: I wish we lived closer to it. (Me: We only live 22 minutes away.)
Me: Would you suggest other homeschoolers join a co-op?
11YO: Yes.
Me: Why is that?
11YO: Because it’s fun. (Shrugs shoulder and slips away to read.)
Our family goals for searching for a joining a co-op this year were three-fold. First, we needed some new homeschool friends. Second, I needed some encouragement and support in this gigantic task of homeschooling. And Third, I wanted a group that provided an academically full day for all of my kids in one location. We are just 8 weeks into this endeavor and we are so thankful for this community of homeschoolers. We had become weary and this quenches our thirsts. I am glad my suspicions were correct with my middle grader. Being a rather independent learner has its advantages for her, but I knew she was feeling a bit lonely. The girls in her learning group are great.
Have you ever interviewed your kids after a change in the family routine? Or maybe nothing has changed recently and you’d like to get a feel for how the kids are feeling about a certain school subject, the change in seasons, a new grade level, or some other aspect of being a kid. I love interviewing my kids and I encourage you to do the same! You might be very surprised at what they share. (I give you permission to even make up an excuse for an interview…such as writing a blog post or something!)
Lindsay Banton is a caffeinated mother to three great kids. She never expected to homeschool, but has found that it is a wonderful addition to their lifestyle and wouldn’t change it for the world. In addition to homeschooling, Lindsay works alongside her husband in campus ministry at a large university in Connecticut. She grew up in Virginia but has settled into life in New England, learning to love the long winters, cool springs, green summers and gorgeous autumns- and has built a boot collection to meet all the demands. She is currently blogging at www.lindsaybanton.com.