Homeschooling the Big Easy Way
It's Entirely About Freedom
Bayou St. John residents Katie and TJ Pitre are the parents of a six year old and a 10 month old, but their plan to homeschool their children has long been in the works. “I’ve been researching this for years,” said Katie in a recent interview with The BEC.
“It’s the freedom… the freedom to foster family relationships in a way that traditional school would otherwise hinder.”
With interest in homeschooling reaching never-before-seen levels, we reached out to learn about the resources and possibilities, as well as the problems and concerns, that come with the decision to homeschool your children; it can be daunting to many.
“Anyone can do it,” assures Katie, but “you have to be flexible and willing to sacrifice.” Indeed, a homeschooling decision is a whole-family commitment, a lifestyle as much as a pedagogical choice. And all the structures and roles of parental responsibilities have to be in place.
"It’s the philosophical freedom to be able to teach our children the values and virtues that we believe are important, and focus on the academics that we believe are significant, and through the lense that we think is appropriate,” assures Katie.
Homeschooling Doesn’t Have To Be A Revolt Against the Government Schools
Well, sure it can be, but that’s a parental choice of focus: “There’s not a lot of conversation about trying to fix the school system.” It’s a non-issue, simply put.
“First, it takes a shift… you have to shift your mentality regarding education, shift your beliefs about education, and school, and the school system, and what it is you’re doing.” These parents positively embrace family learning; their interest is not only the health and well-being of their kids, but all the children in local neighborhoods and school associations, too.
Uniquely Craft Your Child’s Educational Experience
Support systems and resources run deep for parents, who can pick and choose the balance of courses, as well as the work load for themselves. Jettison the worry that “If I’m not any good at math, how ever can I teach it to my kids?!”
Lots More Than Khan Academy
“110% today more than ever,” answers Katie when I bring up the availability of materials and methods and resources. “It’s almost overwhelming.”
“There are so many programs, both secular and religious, that’ll walk you through it.” From working with teachers online, to in-person time with teachers, or parents taking work upon themselves to make their own lesson plans, homeschooling parents control the complete educational value for their children. They control the risks and rewards of educating their children, too.
“The freedom to live your days as you want, the freedom to be family members.”
The Homeschool Mom
Just an incredible resource for homeschooling in Louisiana, The Homeschool Mom.
Katie Pitre is on the board of the Agnus Dei Catholic Home School Association. We are very grateful to her for speaking with us.