Reconsidering homeschooling

We went on another preschool tour yesterday. Got pretty drenched just walking to the front door, it poured all day long. I really want to like one of these places, but I just don't feel like any of them are good enough for my son. Maybe that sounds snotty of me, but I don't think I could send him anywhere that wasn't 100% perfect for him right now. Maybe it is a first-born thing, I don't know.

Anyhow, this particular program was at the Jewish Temple, so a big bonus would be that he wouldn't come home singing "Jesus Loves Me." (Not that there is anything wrong with that, if you are Christian, which we are not) But, I still didn't have the "this is it" feeling. There aren't a ton of other options for us either. So, I guess I'm back to not sending him anywhere and just keeping him home.

I think my biggest concern right now is writing skills. Ephram only recently started drawing (previously he refused), and his grip on his writing utensil leaves something to be desired. I believe a lot in the Waldorf approach, but I also think that we have to make a little progress on things like this. Not sure where to start with the whole homeschooling thing and the thought of homeschooling makes me feel a bit overwhelmed. Not sure where to start in educating myself.

I don't think we're going to stay here in SC for the long term, so my thought is that I would homeschool him only until we move somewhere closer to a desirable school.

I took Ephram of a tour of our local Montessori school this morning. We've had a rough few weeks and I've really felt like I was failing at the whole homeschooling thing at times. So, I figured it wouldn't hurt to check it out. It seems like a great program for him, but I find myself asking whether it is really worth the money ($440/month for M-F 8:30-11:30am). I know he'd get more socialization than he is getting now, but a lot of the educational activities that they presented to me were things I already am doing with him at home. Or things he is already proficient in. I know it probably has more value than I realize, but sometimes I really underestimate how much he learns at home. Even when it feels like I'm not really teaching him anything. If there were a Waldorf program nearby, I might feel differently about sending him. I find a lot of value in a program that is rich in art and music. For now, he will remain at home with me. I feel good about that. If nothing else, today made me feel a little more confident that I'm doing an ok job.