On November 21st, 2011 will begin my children's change from public education to being home schooled. I am beyond excited in the opportunity that I am about to afford my children. They are going to be educated according to their strengths, passions and in ways that bring out the best of their abilities.
On November 17th the last day of school will be the day that my daughter goes off of her medications for ADHD and Anxiety/Sleep Disorders. I will teach her in a manner that allows for her unique and creative mind. Some people just need to move to think that doesn't make it wrong it just means she is different and different is WONDERFUL. She will stop comparing herself to others and feeling like a failure because she is not a traditional sheep that our school generate. She is: delightful, a day dreamer, creative, She radiates happiness, joy and is so very full of life. We are going to embrace it rather than squash it. We are going to let her be, it is not wrong it is the way she was born. It might not fit with the public education model that insisted that if she were not medicated she could not be taught. We will help her to embrace the individual that she is and to see herself in a positive light for all she will accomplish once she is free to learn her way! She will develop self confidence and self esteem. She will learn how wonderful she is and all that she has to offer the world and I cannot wait to open those doors for her and to provide the opportunities to help her to realize that what I have always told her is true. She can do or be ANYTHING that she wants!
My son on the other hand is naturally brilliant in an entirely different way. This is the child who at the tender age of three said "mommy that was a rhetorical question" and and he was right! He is quiet, introspective and quite bored with traditional methods of learning. Our answer to keeping him interested in school was to place a French immersion program. Initially he excelled and averaged off as he became bored. Homeschooling will allow for us to teach him at a level that coincides with his abilities versus his age. He is quite excited about the opportunities that he is going to have being home schooled. He will be allowed to pursue his passions and interests in balance with maths, sciences and languages. We will explore many different mediums that no different than his sister will take into account his personal learning style. He will develop a healthy self confidence and self esteem. He will feel good about all there is that he has to offer the world. He is AMAZING and my hope is that soon he too will realize it!
We are all very excited about this new path we are taking and looking forward to where it takes us. it is going to be a very different experience for all of us but one we are certainly up for. Perhaps this is the silver lining in chronic illness.
© 2011 Rhonda
One of my nieces home schools. She has twins, age 8. She is degreed in early childhood education but decided to forgo the NC public schools where she is currently living. So far her children are doing wonderful. I hope it works out for your family as well as it has for them. The wonderful thing about home schooling is the many opportunities to do different and wonderful things that public school just doesn't have the time or money to do. And not that I am trying to bud into your lives or anything but have you looked at dietary changes for your ADHD child? Perhaps they have sensitivities to dyes and additives in our current foods or maybe even she is allergic to dairy, gluten and/or soy. My other niece has a son that was diagnosed with autism and she did an all natural diet and glueten free and he is 1000 times better and no longer considered autistic.
ReplyDeleteack! I had sent an comment that was sooo long, but I didn't get prompted to do the text code thingy afterwards.. I hope it goes through lol
ReplyDeletehow was their final day of public school?
ReplyDeletebet they were are so happy to not have to go back there again!
I can't remember what I wrote (then lost) the last time, but I am soo happy for you and your family's newest journey of homeschooling
you may get (or feel) frustrated until you find what works for your family, but you will find it!! have you thought about taking some time off from any kind of schooling? I've read how sometimes children that begin homeschooling, after being in the public system, need some time to "detox".. like a mini-holiday ;)
if your son would like a homeschool email buddy, Tyler's available ;)
I'll give you a call this week sometime.. now that hunting season is coming to a close tomorrow,.. we'll be getting our daily routine back again too :D