Teaching Friday School

One thing about homeschooling that can be difficult is paying for things. Our PSP offers classes on Tuesdays and Fridays for the K-8th graders. These enrichment classes are great for several reasons. The kids can learn something different than what they are learning at home. They get the experience of taking instruction from someone other than their own parent(s). They learn how to work with others in a classroom setting. It's a time to socialize with friends/peers their own age. And frankly, it gives the kids a break from mom and their siblings and vice versa!

In our PSP, parents have to pay for their kids to participate in these classes. The reasons for a fee are that the PSP has to pay for the use of the church where we meet, the teachers are paid, and teachers are reimbursed for the supplies they use in class. Considering that all the teachers have degrees and have either taught or worked in their field, have to plan and prepare for their classes, and give of their time to teach, I do not mind paying for the kids to participate. Except for one experience, so far, we have felt fully confident in those who are teaching our children.

Not minding the fee and being able to pay it are two different things. Two years ago, we felt we needed to drop the kids from attending Friday school for the second semester because we needed that money to go elsewhere in the budget. God faithfully made a way for the kids to continue that year, but I knew that there was something I could do to make it possible for them to continue - I could ask to teach myself.

So last summer I approached our administrator to see if there were any openings. Not only was there an opening at the Friday school location where we had been attending, but it was for 4th grade; and I was given permission to teach a survey of California history! This was a huge answer to prayer in every way. My first teaching job was in a 4th grade classroom and I taught that grade for four years. After teaching a year of 3rd grade and three years of 6th grade, I found that 4th grade was my favorite. I enjoyed the stage the students were in and the topics that we studied - especially California history.

My first Friday school class was very reminiscent of my first year of teaching - the class was mostly boys; and very active boys! I'll admit I was pretty overwhelmed my first day. Thankfully I didn't have unkind parents like I did my first year of teaching. Our PSP parents are very nice and gracious. As I adjusted my expectations (less writing) and got to know the kids better, the class went pretty well over all. 

By teaching a class, my kids were able to attend Friday school for free. The amount that I was paid covered the cost of our tuition and curriculum. We only needed to pay for field trips and sports. This was a help to us. So, I am scheduled to teach again this year. Since my planning is done, I think it will be less time consuming than last year. As I went along, I made notes of what worked and what didn't. I have found other activities that look better (more interesting/more fun) than what I did before, so I might add them in this time around.

As I am going through my lessons, I will post them here to share. Keep in mind this is a "survey" of California history. We are not covering every aspect nor are we covering it in detail. I am just hitting the highlights. I only teach every-other-Friday, so I go over one topic each week. Feel free to share any ideas you have as well.

Here is the link to my Pinterest board with all of my California history ideas.

California, here we come!