Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Homeschooling Exemption - Done!



Today we received our Certificate of Homeschooling Exemption from the Ministry of Education in New Zealand!!   I didn't realise how excited and slightly elated it makes me feel, not only to know that I can actually write something that is coherent to award an 'approval',  but also to have the power to enjoy teaching my own children!!  It was a great moment to open it and see that our decision to homeschool had been granted, as the kids helped me post the application merely 3 weeks ago, so thank you to the Ministry of Education for your speedy reply!

I must thank my friends and family who have helped and encouraged me in support and reference material to keep the 'ball rolling' so to speak. Everyone has influenced my (our) decision to homeschool so a HUGE THANK YOU!

Some of the websites that have been a great help to me include:

Learnex - Applying for Homeschooling Exemption

Home Education Foundation - Exemption Tips and Ideas

NZ Home Education - Legal & Administrative Issues

Home Education NZ

There are other ways to help you out in your Homeschooling Exemption and these include:

  • Unlimited resources online
  • There are some small businesses that import educational resources and can recommend materials to help.  At www.home-education.org.nz they have a list of resource suppliers.
  • Once you have applied for your exemption and it has been approved, they Ministry of Education will make the New Zealand Curriculum available for you to view.
  • Guidance from friends who have already applied and had their Exemption approved.  (Note:  This may be too personal for some, but if you have friends who are willing, it certainly helps and takes feeling of been overwhelmed!)

So that was our day!!
Good luck to those who are applying!!



Wednesday, 13 February 2013

Welcome to Homeschooling Onboard!

Welcome to Homeschooling Onboard!

This is where I will be sharing thoughts, ideas and generally stuff we do with the kids on board our catamaran.  It may be stuff we do while tied up at the dock, or while we are sailing or even anchored in a bay.  That's the whole beauty of it!  Each day is different, and each moment is different and to be cherished.

It thought it was appropriate to start the first post with a poem that I came across which summed up how busy we can get and how we have to SLOW DOWN to enjoy the time we have with our beautiful children.  



SLOW DOWN MUMMY by Rebekah Knight

Slow down mummy, there is no need to rush,
slow down mummy, what is all the fuss?
Slow down mummy, make yourself a cup of tea.
Slow down mummy, come and spend some time with me.

Slow down mummy, let's put our boots on and go out for a walk,
let's kick at piles of leaves, and smile and laugh and talk.
Slow down mummy, you look ever so tired,
come sit and snuggle under the duvet and rest with me a while.

Slow down mummy, those dirty dishes can wait,
slow down mummy, lets have some fun, lets bake a cake!
Slow down mummy I know you work a lot,
but sometimes mummy, its nice when you just stop.

Sit with us a minute,
& listen to our day,
spend a cherished moment,
because our childhood is not here to stay!


Rebekah.Knight (c)2011