Starting Grounds

After much thinking and considering, Dan and I have decided to enroll the girls in an on-line school for next year. (Ohio Virtual Academy) This will be an experiment of sorts, to see how it goes.

I know what you may be thinking: as a teacher, aren't I supposed to want my kids IN a classroom? Isn't that what's better for them?

Yes and no.

As a teacher, I certainly appreciate the benefits of a classroom and the learning environment there. I do. I also love being in a classroom and working with students. That being said, I don't necessarily agree that a classroom environment is the only way for kids to learn. There. I've said it.

So we're going to give OHVA a shot and see how it goes. See if it works for us. If not, they'll be heading straight back to their current school. End of story.

And can I just say, I am pretty excited about the adventure of doing this. I can't wait. Oh the work...oh the frustrations..oh the blogging moments! But imagine the possible successes? The achievements? The new experiences, even. One my great joys on this journey of education has been in watching these two unfold into their own selves; seeing them take those first steps towards true independence as they each gain information and knowledge and make it her own. And I cannot wait to see what they'll do with this at-home experience. I truly cannot.

When we tell people our plans to do OHVA, I get one of two responses: supportive or skeptical. Hey, I'm not judging here. Everyone is entitled to his or her personal opinion.

But so are we.

This is our opinion right now. We're going to try this, give it all we've got, every day. Could it be a spectacular flop? Sure, but so could oh-so-many things that people strive for in life. On the other hand, it could be a complete and smashing success. It just might.

But it takes a first step. And this is ours.

I'm filling out the paperwork, submitting everything. Getting started.

And feeling the excitement in it. The "New" of it.

And smiling.