For obvious reasons, I have nothing against traditional schools. There are many many wonderful schools. In my opinion, what really makes a school wonderful isn't the budget, or curriculum, or even really test scores. It's teachers. Teachers can truly make or break a school. I know some wonderful teachers. (In fact, I'm related to 2...one by marriage, and one by everything but blood)
Unfortunately, our experience at Wyatt's school last year did NOT include an encounter with a teacher like that. Wyatt, who I of course believe is incredibly smart, routinely got bored in class. Despite numerous suggestions on my part of ways to keep him entertained when he was done with his work, his teacher said that he was fine. Well, I have numerous examples of him getting in trouble once his work was done and he was given nothing else to do. But, even that alone wasn't reason enough for me to pull him out. Wyatt is a very active boy, and when his teacher suggested ADHD testing, it was the straw that broke this Momma's back.
I just believe, with every iota of my being, that homeschooling is the right decision for our family. I love that we are close knit, and homeschooling fosters that. I love that I can tailor the curriculum to Wyatt's needs. He was the youngest child in his class...but doing math 2 years ahead of his class. He can't skip a grade, then he'd be WAY younger than his peers. I can do what's right for him, and still let him be himself without feeling like his personality makes him a bad kid.
In all honesty, we'd be homeschooling even if we'd had an amazing year with an incredible teacher. The decision is independent of our experience with school, but the experience certainly doesn't do anything to discourage our choice.
Our school day will take 2 hours. I can teach Wyatt to his interests. I don't have to "unteach" him undesirable behaviors that he's learned on the playground. I don't have to worry about him doing things because he's heard about them in school. Yes, Wyatt will be sheltered. He's still a kid, shouldn't I shelter him? That is, after all, my job. Ask a parent whose child is doing drugs or drinking if she wishes she had sheltered that child a little more.
I love my son. I love spending time with him. My heart hurts for the kids whose moms say that they can't wait for school to start. Yes, I have days where I need a break. And those days, he sits on the computer and plays games. Guess what? I can work these games into my lesson plans.
I don't think homeschooling is the best choice for everyone. In fact, I know it's not. Just as I know that it is the best choice for us.
I loved homeschooling growing up. :) I hope to homeschool my kids, too.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post in so many ways! Thanks for acknowledging that the best part of school is the teachers. As a public school teacher, I really appreciate that. I was homeschooled growing up (until high school), and I plan to homeschool my future kids for some of the reasons you gave- staying close as a family and differentiating instruction for my kids (I wrote a blog post about it on my blog, and it's my most popular post: http://bottlesforever.com/2011/03/why-i-will-homeschool/). Wyatt is so lucky to have you as his mama!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that you acknowledge that homeschooling isn't right for everyone. We did it for a year and a half and we were all miserable. I love the idea of it, it just wasn't the right choice for my family. We are blessed with a fantastic public school. We have teachers who meet before school to pray for our students! Our daughter's vice principal is a friend from church.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful that we live in a country where we are at least semi-free to make choices for our children. We must "buck the system" a bit to do them, but at least we can do that.
I agree with you wholeheartedly in feeling sad for those kids whose mamas can't wait for school to start so they don't have to spend so much time with them. We can't wait because my kiddos love school and learning and they thrive on the routine. I still miss them though! :-)