May. 1, 2008 - not perfect for any homeschooler, I'm normal!
I just read: A pracitcal guide Homeschooling the Challenging Child by Christine M. Field Finally, some honesty! I love homeschooling and even if my kids never win a spelling bee, I think it's the best choice for us. I wish no one would send thier kids to a traditional school after working in the public schools and seeing what really goes on - plus the sense of being always told what to do so that the class can be "managed" whereas in homeschool the students learn a love for learning and exploring. But, when deciding to homeschool I had a hard time finding anything about some of the negative feelings and hardships involved. Nothing is perfect so that's why I try to interview people (see www.youtube.com/homeschoolvideo) and find out the good, the bad, and the ugly. In this book, there was great advice on learning disabilities and how to deal with the public school system and your choices in homeschooling. But I was delighted to find some nuggets of gold on frustrations sometimes felt as a homeschooler. (I'm still at the idealistic stage). I guess it shows how sometimes we tell everyone how wonderful everything is (esp. to prove to those who don't homeschool) but honesty might be best since some of us may feel like failures if we aren't "measuring up" Here is what she said in the book: In the begining I believed that if I invested myself in this process my children would 1) flourish acadmically, 2) be spiritual giants, and 3) never rebel against our authority...... But God knows better...He gifted to us these exclusive children and allowed the fruit we are seeing or not seeing. The "success" we may have been led to expect by our homeschool daydreaming may forever elude us. Perhaps God has other lessons we are supposed to be learning. (after she realized she used to have more interests and time for herself and homeschooling was only one interest) When the role of homeschooler takes a downturn - when homeschooling is hard, our sense of self takes a downturn. WE feel like a filure because the only thing that filled our basket has rolled out onto the ground. We feel vulnerable and emotionally at risk as we gaze into that empty basket. This causes some of us to excessively focus on what we cannot control, specifically the challenging kid. For learning delays and disabilities: In the Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Sharon Hensely, author of Home Schooling Children with Special Need said: "You cannot fix your child's learning disablity by homeschooling him/her, but you can give them a more approriate learning experience.
Comments
May. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by boysrus
I really enjoyed this book too. One of my boys - if he was in public school - would definately be on some type of medication for ADHD! He is challenging sometimes but I marvel at the creativity, energy and drive he has! This book was really helpful to me when I began to realize his specific challenges. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
dee@boysrus
May. 4, 2008 - Thanks for adding me as a friend!
Posted by doughgirl37
I have enjoyed visiting your blog. I will check out the video sometime soon. Blessings!
