Ok so its my day to have a bad day! I really need to vent! I recently emailed Masons teacher to inform her about our decision to home school. I am now regreting my decision. I feel like everything I said got turned into a negative.
I brought up finally having a support group and it got thrown down by saying that not all people have the right focus.
Mason was also so excited that me and the twins would be able to join him on the field trip coming up and I get told that they're pretty sure they are not going to let siblings go.
I also expressed my excitement about having everything planned out, my box all done, involving Mason and his excitement; and it got thrown down by saying theres alot to deal with when your teaching at home.
She then proceeds to tell me that Mason is making himself invisible and not asking questions. He has never asked questions!! We have been battling that all year long. This is not a new issue.
When the kids do something wrong they have to walk laps. Mason has been doing laps alot lately because of skipped sections that he doesnt do. Understandably so with the ADD and Dyslexia. Im not making excuses but you have to stay on top of children like this. They really dont do it on purpose. Anyway, she says he doesnt understand why hes walking that he just tells her that he does so he doesnt have to deal with her. Thats is COMPLETELY wrong! He does understand! I feel like she just called my son clueless.
She also said that shes glad hes excited but that she hopes Mason will see the seriousness of school. I believe that he will! I also want him to realize that school can be fun too! He doesnt see that now and I think at home he will. I may be wrong but it doesnt all have to be so serious. Does it?
Ok..dont get me wrong..I have always loved his teacher! I really have. I've been on the opposite end of this so I know how hard it is. BUT...I'm asking myself this. If this is how I feel as an adult after talking with her....how does he feel?! Mason has always been a positive reinforcement kinda kid. I think all kids need positive reinforcement. And if hes getting all this negative like I just got no wonder hes shutting down.
Now I dont want you all to think Im bashing his school because thats not what Im doing. If it wasnt for him being there in the beginning I truely believe he would be much worse academic and behavior wise. We were put there for a reason. It truely is a wonderful school! But I truely feel that every child is an individual and their needs are different.
Ok so now I'm rambling so I guess Id better end this. :)
Thanks for letting me vent!
Bt the way, Emily and Renay.....I was that close!!
Friday, May 2, 2008
My Turn
Posted by April at 12:31 PM
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2 comments:
Wow, I can't believe you got that good of a seat! Ok, breathe...there are only 2 plus weeks of school left and then you will have a wonderful summer filled with your boys and start up a new adventure in the fall with homeschooling. It will of course be trial and error and if you don't love it, there's always public or private schools to enroll him in. We both know many teachers (as well as lots of poeple) don't agree with homeschooling (often these are the same people who have never walked an inch -let alone a mile) in your shoes. Plus, it's just not for everyone but trust me, everyone who cares about you commends you for this brave decision to care enough about Mason's future to persue this path. April, you're a great mom and you'll be a great teacher and principal and lunch lady and recess lady, etc ;-)
See ya tonight! Hugs, Renay
April,
Unfortunately, we will probably all deal with these types of comments from people--some well-meaning and others whose egos are bruised.
Many teachers are against homeschooling. As a former sixth grade teacher, I can tell you that I was skeptical about it, too. Unfortunately, very few people know anything more about it than the stereotypes and stigmas. I didn't. I had no idea how connected homeschooling families are with one another and how different homeschooling is since the early 80s.
You know what you are doing. You know why you are doing it. Hold your head up high. Keep praying and, if God tells you you are on the right track, don't look back.
Check out parentalrights.org . It is a group trying to get a petition together to get a constitutional amendment that protects parents' rights to homeschool, etc. We signed it. (I'm usually not big on promoting politics, however, this may be important for what we are trying to do.)
I'm happy for you. Stick to your guns...and don't let anyone make you feel insecure in what you believe is right for your child. You and William are great parents.
Emily
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