Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Life-changing decision

Rob and I finalized our decision this morning to pull Adam from public schools. We've been talking about it for a long time but at this fall decided to go ahead and give public schools a try. It was what Adam wanted to do anyway. Since school has started it has become increasingly evident that it was time to revisit the idea and to give it some serious thought and prayer. I went to parent/teacher conferences and left feeling that a huge change was impending and I wasn't sure if I was ready. Any parent would probably have come out of the that meeting feeling positive about the situation. The teacher is very happy with Adam's performance and that he behaves well in class. That's actually part of the problem. She describes a child to me that I didn't think existed. She told me that he's extremely quiet and rarely raises his hand to participate. However, he always knows the right answer when called on. This probably sounds like a dream child for any public school teacher that spends a good portion of the day keeping the peace. He comes home every day completely exhausted and expressing concern that school is "So Long". I've come to the opinion that after 2 short months of of public schools Adam is already tired and bored. They are in school 7 hours a day with only one 20 min. recess and a 30 minute lunch. I could go on and on about all the reasons why we are making the change but, I'm tired right now. I'm tired because I'm scared to death. I feel so much responsibility on my shoulders now and I'm not sure where to start. The answers to our prayers will be the driving force for me right now, in that I know that we are making the right decision. So, to all you homeschooling mothers out there, HELP!

6 comments:

Shawny said...

I agree that all-day school for these little 5-year-olds is just TOO long. Apparently schools feel they are doing a service by keeping kids all day since most parents work and would have to put the child in daycare if it were only half day. Feel confident that you can teach him at home while he's young--you can do it!

Melissa said...

I'm sure you'll all do great Kara. It is a tough decision to send them to school and a tough decision to keep them home. We go back and forth all the time... Jane did 1/2 K in a full day program for the last 1/2 of the school year. I told the principal I was either pulling her completely or they let me have my way LOL. It worked for her, but who knows if she'll finish 2nd grade at home or school....

Anyway, enjoy it! You'll have fun I bet.

My Many Coloured Days said...

It is a hard and very personal choice. I also have a friend who was able to get the school to agree with pulling her child out of school early... creating a 1/2 day kindergarten where full-day was the only option. I think you know how I feel. All day is WAY too long for 5. I could go on and on as well. I'm sure you'll do well with teaching him at home if that's the route you take. I admit, my home and other priorities have had to take a backburner at times, and so it is a couple-committment, but I also keep telling myself when I feel like I can't or shouldn't be doing this that "It's JUST kindergarten!" Good luck Kara. I totally empathize.

DizzyLizzy said...

I stumbled on your blog somehow. Weird. But I love reading it! Your boys are adorable and I COMPLETELY understand your fear and mixed emotions about home schooling. I'm constantly agonizing over this with my own son. For Kindergarten we did a 2 and a half hour program. It was perfect for my son. I say that you do what's best for you and your family. That's ALWAYS the right decision! Best of luck!

Suzanne said...

I'm sure you'll be great! This is something we'll be visiting in the next few years, so I'll be very interested to see how you like it!

Kelson, Jill, Tayah, and Ayla said...

Kara, it's me Jill from forever ago. Somehow I stumbled upon your blog. You look amazing!! Anyway, I have no advice on homeschooling seeing as my daughter is only 21 months old. However, I wish you the best of luck with you decision.