Home-Preschooling

In light of yesterday's post regarding the kindergarten lottery, I've had some moms tell me that they may in fact consider homeschooling their kids if they don't receive a top-choice kindergarten or junior kindergarten slot this month. "I always thought that homeschooling was very structured and intimidating," said one mom, "but I see that in many ways it's what we're already doing with our kids." Yes!

While some homeschoolers choose to purchase packaged curriculum and include a lot of structure to their day, many homeschoolers choose a more eclectic, "unschooling" approach-- particularly for preschool and kindergarten. Given that compulsory attendance laws, at least in Massachusetts, don't kick-in until age 6, it may be worth experimenting with homeschooling for a year or two to see if it works for you. If nothing else, it will buy you some more time in the city and you may just discover that homeschooling fits well for your family. And if it doesn't work out, you can always try the city lottery again for kindergarten or first grade.