TJ and Truman have voted to go to public school.
I am still a homeschooling mom at heart and in principle -- I'm just letting them have a "trial run" and hoping they'll choose to hang out with me instead.
I always thought I was giving them a "gift" by not making them go to school... but right now they don't see it that way.
I feel confident that they'll excel no matter where they are -- I just think maybe they need a little "opposition" to realize how good they have it at home...
We're trying to get them into a couple of different charter schools -- I put in applications, but so far haven't heard anything definite. It's based on a lottery system rather than credentials or else we *know* they would get in. (the little smarties)
I made up this little agreement and made them each sign it!
I __________________ hereby declare that I have personally chosen to attend public school, starting in August 2008.
By signing this piece of paper, I agree to:
• Have a good attitude at and about school (things like getting ready in time, doing homework, being friendly to everyone, and so on)
• Stay in school until Christmas 2008 OR
• If I want to leave school BEFORE Christmas 2008, I understand that this will be a permanent decision and I can’t KEEP changing my mind.
This is out of respect to myself, my mom, and my teacher, all of whom need my consistency and cooperation in the ongoing efforts to help me gain an education.
_____________________________ _______________
signature date
_____________________________
printed name
I, mother of above signor, accept this agreement and will do my part to help him keep his agreement.
_____________________________ _______________
mom’s signature date
As far as the "opposition in all things" phrase that keeps going through my head, it started when Truman was running around with some kids on the playground -- he ran over to me and grumbled, "I'm not going to play with THAT kid anymore." I said, "That's fine! You get to pick who you want to hang out with!" But my curiosity got to me and I HAD to ask... "So, what did he do?" Truman reported: "He said that if I run after that girl, my penis will stick up. Kids shouldn't talk about penises on the playground!" I assured him that he was right and I was glad he knew how to handle it. This kid wasn't older than 6 or 7. Crazy.
getting past denial
15 years ago
3 comments:
My prayers will be with you. You will see opposition. I see it especially because Jacob is the only LDS student in his class. He does have 2 other kids in the school that are LDS, but they are younger and he doesn't see them. This will give you a chance to really build up their sense of personal standards. You can do it, be strong that first week they leave you!
Thanks for the prayers, Shannon!!! We're thinking Ted will give them each a Father's blessing when they first go -- maybe I should ask for one too.
YIKES! We have yet to experience anything like that with Connie, but I've heard stories. I'm still considering homeschool, I've been doing some research and talking about it with a lot friends, I just knew I wasn't ready for it this year. I know what a commitment it is and I don't want to mess around with it and only do it halfway. A really good friend of mine (Karen) and I have talked a lot about homeschooling together. She was homeschooled from fifth grade on up and only had positive experiences with it. But her mom was INCREDIBLE at it. We both feel like it's okay to try public school and if/when problems arise that we don't feel able to handle, we will pull our kids out. It is a scary world out there, even in the relatively nice areas where we all live ... so it's important to be very very involved and present in our children's classrooms. Know their teacher, know their friends, talk to them daily about what is going on and their concerns, frustrations, etc. If they know from the VERY beginning that they can come talk to you about anything and ask questions, then you can probably help them sort out any questionable things they experience. Just like you did with Tru, Regan. Great example. Of course a Father's blessing is great, too! Maybe even every morning before school! Okay, that's enough from me!
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