HOMESCHOOL
First, let me state, I, would have NEVER thought I would homeschool. In fact, I have never had any desire to even homeschool. Not that I am against it. If it works for your family that's fine, I just never wanted the responsibility of educating my children and I reallllllly lacked the patience.
The things we do for our children.
Let me tell you how the decision of homeschooling came about since I just stated I never wanted to do it.
When we moved to Oklahoma, we came from North Carolina and left behind a great public school. I heard stories of the school Gabriel would be attending but I hoped for the best. Since the first day... and I mean the VERY first day of school for him, we have had issues. Not just with the school, but with other kids, his teacher (who I do like) had 28 students and no assistant and from what I heard, had many troublesome kids in the class. So as the months went by... Gabriel's scores (they test on computers) were already below grade level and they didn't change over the time of 3 months. He was just getting further behind. He was suppose to have an academic personal plan (to be pulled out of class for individual help) due to his scores. I still don't know if they actually started doing that. His teacher stated during our one conference that he was bright and knows a lot but he has a lack of focus and trouble listening. Which in all honesty, is no surprise because he is the same way at home.
To add to the issues at school, at his yearly check up I brought up concerns for Gabriels overactive behavior and his doctor agreed. Gabriel went for further testing which included eye and ears test and then to a behavioral therapist to observe and evaluate him.
The end of November, Gabriel had yet another incident at school... this time I picked him up with a goose egg of a bump on his forehead. I was DONE. I had enough. Homeschool had popped in my mind but no actions came about till the first of December. The therapist confirmed a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD.
Between the school and his diagnosis, Chad and I decide to step in and take charge. I didn't want to HOPE the school would work with him or wait and see if things would change for the better. Because what if they didn't? He would just fall even more behind. That's when I knew.... I was the best thing for him.
I could let him stand up while writing or take a break and jump on our little trampoline. I could give him that one on one attention he needs. Then came the research because I had no clue where to begin or what to do. So I researched and talked to other homeschooling moms. It was so overwhelming but I was determined. Everyone wants their child to succeed and I didn't want to let my son down.
So here we are after a week of homeschooling. We have survived.
Gabriel actually told me two days ago "thanks mom for homeschooling me". Cue the tears.
Gabriel even says he likes school now. Is it hard for me? Yes and no. I need to be organized with his school work. I do worry about him socializing so I try and think of ways for him to interact with other kids. I do enjoy seeing him learn something new and I get to spend more time with him.
Ask me in about a month how its going but the plan is to continue homeschooling while we live in Oklahoma. I haven't decided what to do with the 3 year old this fall who will be 4 and will start preschool. Right now, we are taking it day by day.
So add homeschooling mom to the list of things I never thought I would do. We are both enjoying it though and I think its going to work for us. ☺️
