First, I just wanted to say Happy Mother's Day to everyone out there and also BR is so sweet to me. Now I have to get on my soapbox. I just posted that I registered Barry Bretton for kindergarten the other day and I am just sick about it. BR has always said an option is to home school the kids but I have always thought there was no chance in that. I always thought home schooled kids were socially backwards and how does a mother find time to get everything done that needs attention. Well, I am really debating it. I can not watch the news without seeing something about a school shooting here in Las Vegas or reading to find out about someone finding a first grader hanging from a post in the bathroom practically suffocated to death by a fifth grade bully. How can you send your child to school with all that fear? Maybe I am just crazy but I don't think I can send my child to school in those circumstances. I have meet two completely "normal" (if there is such a thing) mothers who were home schooled growing up, graduated from BYU, and plan on homeschooling their children because it was a great experience. Both of Barry's parents are public education teachers and think home schooling now days can be great. School districts are creating twists on education that are good for some students but not for everyone. They feel they have to direct all their lessons for the slowest members of their class even though it can hold the more advance students back. At home, I could direct their education to help my children individually excel. I am a little confused about it and am not sure if it is right for us right now. Any advise on homeschooling or sending kids to school and keeping your sanity?
1 day ago
6 comments:
I am with you on the home schooling thing. I understand your reasons for wanting to do it. I have a friend who is a 2nd grade teacher...she might be a good person to talk to about it. I can give you her number...she is super nice.
So why did you hate the movie so much. Did it surprise you, or was it too sad?? I guess I am confused. Wait a minute...I did not see the fight scene...I left the room for that cause I knew it was coming. I am sorry, I forgot about it cause I did not see it. I feel so bad. I read the book first and the book is wayyyyyy better...he is a great author. Maybe you just might want to avoid my movie recommendations from now on:)
I baked my first loaf of bread tonight...I thought of you! I purchased a really cool bread book that doesn't require kneading. I am really happy with the quality and the easiness of the recipe.
Happy Mothers day!!!
This really got me thinking and although I don't have any answers, I have some thoughts. Having been a teacher, I know there are good teachers and not so good teachers. Make sure you talk with other moms about teachers and request a good one. My sister n' law Angie loves her school in Vegas (Cartwright). However, she told me that she spends a lot of time there, hears what is happening in the classrooms, and knows which teachers are not what she would want for her kids. I think if you do public school, you should volunteer in the classroom as much as possible. I know you have little ones so that is hard, but maybe you could do a swap with a friend.
Some people I know that homeschool older kids have their kids part of the day and then have them do electives and such at the school. I think more homeschool parents also get their children together for field trips and such to give more social opportunities. I'm sure it would require a lot on you as a mom, but if anyone could do it, you could. You would have to do a lot of research and see how other home school moms do it. You would also need to make sure there was still plenty of opportunities for socialization, but Barry Bretton is getting that with church, baseball, etc.
A lady I really admire once told me that she never prayed so hard as when she sent her kids to school.
I think no matter what you decide, that the key is to stay involved as a parent and to pray a lot. Heavnly Father will help you know what is right for your family!
I know what you mean. I have been terrified ever since we moved here because it is such a different environment at schools than it is anywhere else I've lived. I agree that becoming involved in the school and knowing the ins and outs can be very comforting. That way if you are informed enough to get the promptings that you need. I loved growing up and going to school and I want my kids to experience that, but not if their safety is at risk. Let me know how your debate goes because it has entered my mind as well.
I have had many thoughts on this topic as well; especially the few months before Kayla started kindergarten! I think letting your first child go to school is the most difficult. I have thought about homeschooling, hating the number of hours that my children are away from me during the day (I don't know if your kindergarten is full-day; ours is). I feel like I'm missing out. But I've always settled on the fact that I don't feel confident enough in giving my children the best education. It would take a lot of research and study, time and energy, on top of everything else we have to do as mothers. After Kayla did start school (and it happened with Kyle too), she loved it so much and I felt content in the situation. I never felt fear for my kids safety, though. That would be a different matter, I'm sure.
If I were you, I'd go to the principal and voice your concern; ask what the school is doing to ensure safety. In my little town, there is only one door open during school hours. It's the front door right by the office, so anyone coming inside is seen by the secretary, and everyone is supposed to sign in at the office when they come in.
After talking with the school, if you feel comfortable, you could give it a try and see how it goes and how you feel, and how Barry Bretton does. I totally agree with your friend who recommended to get involved. I think it's the best thing a parent can do for their child's education (along with reading together!). When I lived in Utah, I traded with another mom tending kids so I could go in one week and she could go in the next. I don't have someone to do that with here, but they don't mind me bringing Rachel along. I also volunteer on the Parent/Teacher board. Even just walking your child to class and picking him up is big; anything to increase contact with the teacher; so she knows you and how much you love your child.
One thought about choosing teachers...I've changed my thoughts on that. You never know how a teacher will go with your child. I student taught with a teacher that I thought was just horrible, and so I told my sister to avoid having her children in this teacher's class. Well, her son ended up getting her and loved her and thrived. The same thing happened this year with both my kids. I heard so much bad stuff about these two teachers my kids were assigned to, and I was really worried; but I decided to give it a try. The year's almost over, and my kids haven't complained once about their teachers; they love them and are learning and thriving. You never know!
I know you'll do the best thing. Parenting is so hard!
I'm with you on this too! I know I have a few more years before I have to decide but I'm Already worried and I don't have kids in school! Have you thought about enrolling Barry into to the American Heritage Academy? Their cirrciculum is LDS based which is an Extra bonus!
It looks like you have some good comments here. There are a lot of blogs about home schooling out there if you want some more info maybe just do a Google blog search...tons of moms blogging about home schooling their kids. It might give you some perspective.
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