Up until August, decisions and plans for this school year consumed me. It was as if making some decisions about my firstborn's education was the culmination and standard of measure of all my years of learning, reading, theorizing, and teaching. August came, decisions were made; life carried on. And it was all so totally, wonderfully uneventful.
Today we went to an assembly to celebrate the end of Luke's kindergarten year. August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May. These months passed and my son changed from young child to mature big kid, dare I even say young man. He amazes me. Two days at school was the right decision. He flourished. In spite of my doubts regarding the base curriculum, he is reading and writing. In spite of the early distress of playground chaos, he loves recess and has solid friendships. Three days at home with me was the right decision. We had so much fun (for the most part). He learned and did and drew me into deep conversations and we read and read and read (Charlotte's Web four times for starters!) and saw and tried and played and worked and hiked together. I'm regretting that I let the monthly photo records slip!
After many years of formal education as student, and then some more as professional, I am just about through my first AS PARENT. One down, 17 to go; and these 18 years (between three kids) are the pinnacle, purpose, and gauge of all my previous experience and preparation. It has been a huge year for Luke, but also for me. In homeschooling, I DID what I have overseen, observed, contemplated, and analyzed for years. It was freeing. It was not exactly as I had pictured. It was three days a week, not full-time. And the other two days were not just anything - they were a dynamic, incredible core of Luke's kindergarten year. He thrived at school (much to my surprise and delight). It was not what I had thought but God led us there and this year far exceeded my expectations.
The HEART at the school is remarkable; the tone set by the principal is reflected in staff and students and can be felt walking down an empty stairway. The teacher who started out the year giving up her lunch time to assure me that my sensitive boy wasn't too overwhelmed on that chaotic playground, spent the rest of the year loving and teaching and guiding him purposefully and perfectly. I sit here overwhelmed with thankfulness for Luke's teacher who poured herself into Luke and cared for him individually. Today she spoke of each child in her class individually, a minute of nice words to sum up 10 months spent truly knowing and investing in each. I didn't expect to hand him over twice a week and not need to ask and assure myself of all details, both academic and emotional. I expected to really do it all myself even if I wasn't the hands-on, go-to person every minute. I expected to have to guard over Luke's heart and mind very consciously. But these expectations were without factoring in a teacher who would take all of that on herself. Academics soared. Luke was engaged and excited. Socially and emotionally he flourished. A school teacher knows MY Luke and cares for his mind and heart like I do. On the at-school days, I dropped him off and picked him up. I was at ease. He was at ease. No need to ask my questions. No need. The whole year was beautifully uneventful in day to day operation, but ever so eventful when I look back - a five-year-old changed from little kid to young man. I cannot find words to express my gratitude to Mrs W for partnering with me in my son's education.
Showing posts with label God's part. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's part. Show all posts
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Alternate Blog Titles
Mud, Sweat, and Fears. Mud, Sweat, and Tears. Mud, Sweat, and Beers. Any of these would occasionally be applicable blog titles. The only other title that would really fit more often than not would have been, Home Wasn't Built In A Day.
I am looking to build something great here; not just in my children, but in our family as a whole, our traditions, our home, everything . . . . everything I do revolves around ultimate goals for children, family, home, and self. Some days I expect my house to be perfectly clean and organized, myself to be full of wisdom and patience for each situation, my children to be totally on top of everything I think they should know in thought and behavior. On these days I get discouraged by the fact that we are all far from perfect and my house is a disaster. These tend to be the tears or beers days! Sometimes it can be hard to remember that if I'm building something great, I can't expect it to be built overnight.
God says, "by wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established." He also says that He will complete the good work he has started in me. I have to see this all as a journey, a work in progress. I am a work in progress, not yet the person, wife, and mother I hope to become. My kids are a work in progress. This home and the traditions, routines, and celebrations we will practice in it is constantly evolving. God is the Author and Perfecter of my faith; He started this whole deal and it is on His shoulders to finish it. Rome was grand and it wasn't built in a day. I have big dreams for my children and for their education. I want depth. I want quality. I need patience. I need to be faithful in the little things day by day and not allow myself to be overwhelmed by the big picture. I cannot expect perfection from myself or my kids.
When I was fresh out of college and interviewing for teaching jobs, I used to say things like, "learning is a journey not a destination," and back it up with the sentiment that if I could inspire in students a love of learning and equip them with the skills needed to pursue it, this would be success. I find it pretty amazing that a principal hired me. I think my idealism inspired her a little. My idea of success was squashed under big textbooks and lists of standards, but now as I consider starting my career as an educator all over again here in my own home, it's finding some room to breathe and maybe even triumph over fears, doubts, and comparisons. If I am to believe that learning is a journey and if I want my kids to be on this journey for a lifetime then I need grace, perspective, diligence, and patience, always patience! They will not suddenly begin learning at age five and I do not want them to stop at 18 or 22. We are all works in progress! A work in progress doesn't look pretty at every stage and while the ugly days frustrate me, the Creator of the work always has the finished product in mind and knows what He is doing.
I am looking to build something great here; not just in my children, but in our family as a whole, our traditions, our home, everything . . . . everything I do revolves around ultimate goals for children, family, home, and self. Some days I expect my house to be perfectly clean and organized, myself to be full of wisdom and patience for each situation, my children to be totally on top of everything I think they should know in thought and behavior. On these days I get discouraged by the fact that we are all far from perfect and my house is a disaster. These tend to be the tears or beers days! Sometimes it can be hard to remember that if I'm building something great, I can't expect it to be built overnight.
God says, "by wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established." He also says that He will complete the good work he has started in me. I have to see this all as a journey, a work in progress. I am a work in progress, not yet the person, wife, and mother I hope to become. My kids are a work in progress. This home and the traditions, routines, and celebrations we will practice in it is constantly evolving. God is the Author and Perfecter of my faith; He started this whole deal and it is on His shoulders to finish it. Rome was grand and it wasn't built in a day. I have big dreams for my children and for their education. I want depth. I want quality. I need patience. I need to be faithful in the little things day by day and not allow myself to be overwhelmed by the big picture. I cannot expect perfection from myself or my kids.
When I was fresh out of college and interviewing for teaching jobs, I used to say things like, "learning is a journey not a destination," and back it up with the sentiment that if I could inspire in students a love of learning and equip them with the skills needed to pursue it, this would be success. I find it pretty amazing that a principal hired me. I think my idealism inspired her a little. My idea of success was squashed under big textbooks and lists of standards, but now as I consider starting my career as an educator all over again here in my own home, it's finding some room to breathe and maybe even triumph over fears, doubts, and comparisons. If I am to believe that learning is a journey and if I want my kids to be on this journey for a lifetime then I need grace, perspective, diligence, and patience, always patience! They will not suddenly begin learning at age five and I do not want them to stop at 18 or 22. We are all works in progress! A work in progress doesn't look pretty at every stage and while the ugly days frustrate me, the Creator of the work always has the finished product in mind and knows what He is doing.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Pros & Cons
PROS:
1) I know my kids better than anyone else. I know their strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and biggest motivators and can meet their needs at a much better ratio than the 25:1 of a classroom.
2) Who they're with - Socialization and learning benefit by mixed age groups. I play a big part in who is an influence or role model.
3) DO what we're studying - hands-on, nature, community, museums, etc.
4) Implement methods, curriculum, philosophies I am excited about and believe will work best for our family. I have been inspired by some pretty amazing educators, writers, and homeschooling parents. I want to attempt to put all of this inspiration into action and not settle for less than what could maybe be the best! (Upcoming posts to address some of these to help me figure out exactly what putting it all into action might look like!)
5) Reading Gatto has turned me off of traditional schools for a variety of reasons. (Pink Floyd now playing in the background, "we don't need no education . . . . all in all you're just another brick in the wall.")
6) Lack of schooling options near our home that excite me, drive and money to do anything else.
CONS:
1) It's already really hard work and I haven't technically even started yet.
2) Kid feels like he's missing out on something. I would love for him to get certain parts of school and as he gets older I will definitely need to cover some subjects through either outside classes or tutoring/mentoring. For the time being and through the primary years, I suppose we'll do outside enrichment classes, but I wish they were all grouped together and included some play time.
3) It is very possible that I will actually go crazy . . . . pretty much with my kids all the time!?!? But how can I not at least try if I think I have a shot at giving them an advantage in their education? And, I do have to do something productive with my time, day in and day out, right? In a lot of ways pouring into my own kids seems like it has the potential to be a lot more rewarding than working some 9-5 job.
4) Very limited space in our house. The vision I have of homeschooling would definitely be easier to carry-out with a room for all the school stuff, spreading out projects, desks, etc, etc . . . . no idea what's going to happen with this one.
There they are, my pros and cons reduced to the simplest possible form in my mind. If you haven't read my "Disclaimer" post, you may want to.
Taking on my children's education is a huge responsibility; the weight of it overwhelms me. I do not doubt that I can give them a decent education. I want to give them the best possible education. I want to do the best I can in my part to help them live up to their God-given potentials and walk-out whatever grand callings and purposes He has for their little lives. If homeschooling is the plan, then with Christ all things are possible and I will be equipped as an educator and they will be equipped for their lives. So I guess it's not really doubts I fear but rather just the hard work!
1) I know my kids better than anyone else. I know their strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and biggest motivators and can meet their needs at a much better ratio than the 25:1 of a classroom.
2) Who they're with - Socialization and learning benefit by mixed age groups. I play a big part in who is an influence or role model.
3) DO what we're studying - hands-on, nature, community, museums, etc.
4) Implement methods, curriculum, philosophies I am excited about and believe will work best for our family. I have been inspired by some pretty amazing educators, writers, and homeschooling parents. I want to attempt to put all of this inspiration into action and not settle for less than what could maybe be the best! (Upcoming posts to address some of these to help me figure out exactly what putting it all into action might look like!)
5) Reading Gatto has turned me off of traditional schools for a variety of reasons. (Pink Floyd now playing in the background, "we don't need no education . . . . all in all you're just another brick in the wall.")
6) Lack of schooling options near our home that excite me, drive and money to do anything else.
CONS:
1) It's already really hard work and I haven't technically even started yet.
2) Kid feels like he's missing out on something. I would love for him to get certain parts of school and as he gets older I will definitely need to cover some subjects through either outside classes or tutoring/mentoring. For the time being and through the primary years, I suppose we'll do outside enrichment classes, but I wish they were all grouped together and included some play time.
3) It is very possible that I will actually go crazy . . . . pretty much with my kids all the time!?!? But how can I not at least try if I think I have a shot at giving them an advantage in their education? And, I do have to do something productive with my time, day in and day out, right? In a lot of ways pouring into my own kids seems like it has the potential to be a lot more rewarding than working some 9-5 job.
4) Very limited space in our house. The vision I have of homeschooling would definitely be easier to carry-out with a room for all the school stuff, spreading out projects, desks, etc, etc . . . . no idea what's going to happen with this one.
There they are, my pros and cons reduced to the simplest possible form in my mind. If you haven't read my "Disclaimer" post, you may want to.
Taking on my children's education is a huge responsibility; the weight of it overwhelms me. I do not doubt that I can give them a decent education. I want to give them the best possible education. I want to do the best I can in my part to help them live up to their God-given potentials and walk-out whatever grand callings and purposes He has for their little lives. If homeschooling is the plan, then with Christ all things are possible and I will be equipped as an educator and they will be equipped for their lives. So I guess it's not really doubts I fear but rather just the hard work!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Disclaimer
If I am to embark on this homeschooling journey, it will require all of my heart, mind, energy, and patience; especially patience. The hard work I foresee is daunting. Therefore, if it is to be, I must be absolutely convinced of the value of it and that it is the absolute best choice for my family. With this as my chief purpose, I will argue the benefits of homeschooling to myself; I will tout its superiority because I must be convinced that it is the best option for my family . . . . not necessarily for yours, and here is my disclaimer . . . . I am seeking to assure myself of this formidable path. I am also hoping to encourage any other parents who are or are considering homeschooling. I suppose I also want to somewhat present my reasoning to relatives and other secondary stakeholders who may think I'm crazy (and may be right). What I am not trying to do is say that homeschooling is what's best for every kid because I don't think it is. God created each child as a unique individual and placed them with the parents they are with purposefully. What's best for my family isn't necessarily what's best for yours; God didn't use cookie cutters.
I have the utmost respect for any parent who has seriously considered their child's education and made a conscious decision about what is best for that child, whatever it may be; as opposed to those parents who follow the path of least resistance with little or no thought and fail to recognize the immense stewardship entrusted to them. Furthermore, all any of us can hope to do is our best with what we've been given.
I have a deeper respect than ever for the homeschooling families I oversaw as an education specialist. It is not an easy thing to set-out to do what you believe is best for your family when it puts you and your kids in a minority. I am overwhelmed and struggling with whether or not this is what I am going to do and I have a professional life behind me and framed fancy pieces of paper on the wall in front of me that say this should be a walk in the park for me. I do not think these qualify me any more than anyone else who is seriously in pursuit of what's best for their kids but I would think (or wish) they'd give me some confidence! Why am I not more qualified? My own education, for the most part, taught me how to jump through hoops. It did not teach me any secret formulas for making schooling work. If anything it made me question trends and decide that there is no one way that works perfectly for everyone. Homeschooling parents who are sincere and willing to put in the hard work are qualified on the basis of knowing their child better than anyone else in the world and God giving that parent responsibility over that education (as He did every parent whether they choose to delegate or tackle it head-on).
So, next comes my list of pros and cons, which is looking something like this - Pros: great lofty hopes, subjective principles, research, beautiful sounding stuff. Cons: time, energy, patience, sanity, adequate space, nuts and bolts. Yikes! Both are important and other options I might consider would require both significant driving and significant money. Somehow this will all work out! Faithful is He who called and He also will bring it to pass!
I have the utmost respect for any parent who has seriously considered their child's education and made a conscious decision about what is best for that child, whatever it may be; as opposed to those parents who follow the path of least resistance with little or no thought and fail to recognize the immense stewardship entrusted to them. Furthermore, all any of us can hope to do is our best with what we've been given.
I have a deeper respect than ever for the homeschooling families I oversaw as an education specialist. It is not an easy thing to set-out to do what you believe is best for your family when it puts you and your kids in a minority. I am overwhelmed and struggling with whether or not this is what I am going to do and I have a professional life behind me and framed fancy pieces of paper on the wall in front of me that say this should be a walk in the park for me. I do not think these qualify me any more than anyone else who is seriously in pursuit of what's best for their kids but I would think (or wish) they'd give me some confidence! Why am I not more qualified? My own education, for the most part, taught me how to jump through hoops. It did not teach me any secret formulas for making schooling work. If anything it made me question trends and decide that there is no one way that works perfectly for everyone. Homeschooling parents who are sincere and willing to put in the hard work are qualified on the basis of knowing their child better than anyone else in the world and God giving that parent responsibility over that education (as He did every parent whether they choose to delegate or tackle it head-on).
So, next comes my list of pros and cons, which is looking something like this - Pros: great lofty hopes, subjective principles, research, beautiful sounding stuff. Cons: time, energy, patience, sanity, adequate space, nuts and bolts. Yikes! Both are important and other options I might consider would require both significant driving and significant money. Somehow this will all work out! Faithful is He who called and He also will bring it to pass!
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