So, Miss Grace has started Kindergarten this week. OH! So sad for me! But, she is loving it! I knew she would. One thing that's really getting to me is the thought of her being gone EVERY DAY for the next 13 years! Seriously. THAT makes me want to cry. I'm going to miss her.I guess some of my other worries are more "philosophical" ones, for lack of a better word. These worries are perhaps things I DON'T want Grace to learn in school. Oh, please Kindergarten teacher, don't teach her that the "right" way to color is inside the lines. Don't teach her that she can't mix up the play dough. Don't teach her (though, I know you would never do this intentionally, but it seems to happen inadvertently) that learning is something we do, and that school is somewhere we go, when we'd rather be playing. In other words, I guess I'm worried my child's love of learning and her thriving creative spirit might be unintentionally stomped out.
Maybe I'm over reacting. Maybe I've read too much about the benefits of homeschool. I mean, I made it though the public school system with a love of learning and some creativity in tact. Right?
Clearly, I'm struggling here. Advice anyone?
The picture above is classic Grace. She's watching Spirit with her swim goggles on wearing her school pride shirt! You've gotta love her!
12 comments:
What a great 'show-to-her-dates' picture!
Wow! Kindergarten already? I wish I had some comforting words-- I am the type of mom who counts the days down until school--but I can feel for you in the outside influence area. Your plea of what you don't want her to learn is exactly how I feel.
Here's my comforting words:
I know some really awesome, creative and wonderful public school teachers. I also read a study that said that the biggest influence in a child's success is home-not school. So, she'll do fine because she still has home! Good luck!
K, that is so you! LOL!
I agree, kindergarten is going to KILL me. For all the reasons you stated and more...a major one being SO selfish. Addison is just such a great help. I honestly don't know what I will do without him. He plays endless pretend with Livie, keeps an intently watchful eye on Mailee and obeys pretty darn well.
That being said, KRISTI, what are you thinking? HOMESCHOOL????!!! Ech, don't even get me started. "Here I am. My kids are too good for the world. We aren't going to participate in society. Helping out in the classroom? Unheard of. Those public school system teachers...they aren't teaching my genious child enough. I'm stunting their growth forever." WAKE UP MAN! You get out of things what you put into it. Get in that classroom and help the teacher. Support him/her, and be a part of society. Maybe so many of those kids will benefit from you and Grace's example than any singular thing they have. You never know. The system isn't perfect, but any worries that come up can be discusssed at home, and you can let her know that at home...coloring is done OUT of the lines. There's nothing wrong with learning to follow the rules. It's what makes the world work. Creativity can still exist.
Woah, sorry, I get carried away every time. You are a great mom. I know this. You'll make it great!
Oh, and do you have Stephanie's email address? Would you mind emailing it to me? I went private and haven't yet reached her.\
THanks so much!
Thanks for the pep talks girls!
I have to, in all fairness, say that Nate and I know some really COOL homeschoolers. They aren't "Echy" at all.
But, I know there are those with the qualities you've described Cassie--definitely "Echy"!
--That pic really reminds you of me? How funny!
Kristi- I have one question- kindergarten in the middle of July?
Anyhow, I'm glad I have one more year with Ian!It's so scary and I will miss he's crazy adult like questions while he's away.
Grace is fantastic. Glad she still loves to dress up. It makes me feel like she hasn't changed!
That picture is classic!! I agree with Cassie...Grace, and so many other kids, will benefit by having you in the classroom. There are so many kids lacking good adult role models. In the 6+ years I spent as one of those public school teachers I can't begin to tell you how important parental support is. Kids whose parents are involved in their schooling (both at home and at school) do better all around: socially, intellectually, emotionally. Grace will be more than fine because you are a wonderful, level-headed, intelligent, loving,spiritual mother. It's still scary...I agree 100%. I am very nervous to send Jaxon out into the real world, but I know he will be okay if I continue to reinforce the values he learns at home.
Do you like year-round? As a teacher I LOVED it. My school (though I'm not teaching this year) just started today. I thought I would miss it more than I do. Maybe I will later...today is too busy to think about it!
Kristi, Hey it is your cousin Autumn. I just wanted to let you know that I think homeschool or public school can be as good as you make it. I home school my kids and I love it. But I know it isn't for every one. I do it for many reasons, but one of the reason is because it brings me closer to my kids. The time I spend teaching them almost gives me butterflys when I see them succeed. It is amazing how much kids can learn even when they are very young. My 3 year old learns right along with them and she knows most of the states just by listening to her brothers and sisters. I know public schooling can be great, but for me I want to make sure that my kids are learning all that they can. For now, home schooling is working so wonderful for my kids. Who knows what the future might bring. I do have to admit that some days it would be easier to send them to school, but for the most part, I love it. Another benifit from homeschooling is that I am learning right along with them. I have learned so much that I have forgotten. It is great! I am sure that what ever you choose to do will be great. Grace looks like such a great girl. She looks so much like you. If you ever decide to home school or if you ever have questions call me or email me
ballred@ubtanet.com
good luck!
Heidi starts school in less than two weeks! AAHHH! I am going to miss my little best friend, but she is SOOOOO excited for school.
I, too, and nervous/scared/sad to send her to school. I am scared of the "mean kids" and the "garbage" that she will be exposed too. But then I remember when I went to school. There were "mean kids" and "garbage," but I had been taught what was right and wrong and self-worth and I was able to succeed in spite of the "challenges." I loved school as a kid. I loved going to school and I loved learning.
I have also been reading about successful homeschooling and it sounds so wonderful, but in my heart of hearts, I know it is not for me and my family. I know that Heidi will benefit from, not only the education, but from the social atmosphere. We have seen in Scott's profession "smarts" and "people skills" are equally important. I know that Scott learned them from his family, church, school, and his mission. I know Grace will be fine. You have taught her what she needs to know and you will continue to teach her as she grows. Your family is blessed to live in a good school district. Don'y be surprised if I call you for support after I drop my little Heidi off on her first day of school!
Hi! I stumbled across your blog from a link on the Lee's blog. I hope you don't mind! I love all of your pictures and creative little snipets.
About public school vs. home school, I am with you--torn between the two. When it comes down to it though I'll probably do the public school thing. I think that as long as you are involved and continue to teach at home the values you want to instill, your children will be well rounded and be able to share what you teach them with others at school. As a former teacher, trust me on this: as much as young children can idolize their teachers, they idolize their parents 1000 times more! I have accidentally contradicted what a parent had told a child before and I was the one considered stupid in the child's mind, not their parent. I feel like as long as the lines of communication are kept open between you and your kids and they know you love them, you will definitely be the one they look to in developing their value system.
Thanks so much for all your helpful comments. This Kindergarten thing really has been harder than I thought it would be.
Kristi- I had the same stress when Colton and McKenzie started school, now they are both in high school........ and YES, they were exposed to lots of things I didn't want them to be, but the truth of the matter is, it gave me the opportunity to talk to them about things, and prepare them for life. Just talk to her about everything and nothing, and she will ask you lots of questions.
As a school teacher, I know the greatest influence is parents.( You seem to have great friends who obviously have already told you that.)
You are a great mom. She will be fine. Home schooling can be okay for some (but not most), but there are flaws in that system too.
It isn't easy, but teach her good things, and not only will she be okay, but she will be a stellar example just like you always were.
K, so I'm still awaiting your next cute project and inspiration! :)
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