After much deliberation and lists of pros and cons made, Kianne has decided that Bonnycastle School is where she wants to be. I specify Bonnycastle because that is really what it is all about. I could have sent her to any other school in the city and she still wouldn't have been happy. She just really wanted to be with her old friends at her old school and be as she calls it "normal".
So yesterday morning off she went. This morning she left early to get to skipping club on time and is already talking about joining some of the other clubs.
This has taught me something.... We joined a million homeschool groups and did make new friends whom she actually talks to regularly but it is not the same. I have mentioned many, many times about the benefits of homeschool and the benefits of public school and they are just so different and do not cross over so you either have one or the other. The benefits of public school for Kianne far outweigh the benefits of homeschool.
I only want the best for her and am happy with the choice she has made. I feel she made it in a mature way by looking at all the aspects and realizing the responsibility with going back to school.
I do not regret keeping her home for the short time she was here. She grew and learned so much in that short period of time and I saw it happen :)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Stronger
I have a splitting headache and have for the whole day. After a nap it is still no better so I may have to resort to some tylenol or advil.
I am quite certain this headache is due to stress. We met with the school today to revisit the idea that Kianne wants to go back.
Of course whether she can or not is not the issue as it is a public school and they have to accept her. It was really just to meet with administration, discuss concerns and strategies.
I'm happy I had Jayson come along so that the numbers were even because it would have been odd to have myself on one side of the table and the principle, vice principle, guidance counsellor and teacher on the other side. Now with that being said, it was quite even because the guidance counsellor is a really interesting person and I'm pretty sure she strategically sat on the same side of the table as Jay and I so it was three on three. As silly as it sounds it was comforting.
Everyone was pleasant and the niceties exchanged even though there were words between the vice principal and myself and the end of the last year. I had to really be firm with her at one point and stress that it wasn't about her it was about Kianne. Upfront it was forgotten but the undertone was still there.
The principle of the school I've always had great respect for and like I said the guidance counsellor that is currently there is great.
The meeting started off real well until the vice principle and teacher arrived. The teacher could not see or appreciate the benefits of homeschooling and rolled her eyes and me more than once. It was also quite evident that she thinks that doctors aren't necessary and that teachers can diagnose children. Vice principle of course was pushing the ADHD and a diagnosis that was supposedly made. The two of them together were pushy and bossy and actually condescending.
Let me tell you what being out of the system for a little while does. I stood up to the nonsense. Not in some crazy parent way but when the teacher rolled her eyes at me I spoke up and educated her on the benefits of homeschooling and the differences and opportunities for my children to learn. When she insisted that as a teacher she could diagnose ADHD I did not take that as well and she was so grossly misinformed as to what ADHD is and how it could be assessed and diagnosed that even the vice principle had to correct her and agree with me.
I was able to bring up old situations and reasons we chose to homeschool in the first place. The look of alarm and panic on the principle's face when I brought up certain issues was satisfactory and pleasing to me. I showed her documents that startled her and evidence that something was done seriously wrong and had doctors prescribing narcotics to Kianne. I was happy to see the panic and concern on her face. I had brought these issues up with the vice principle last year out of sheer frustration but apparently the principle still hadn't heard.
I can tell you that things are going to be different if and when Kianne does go back. There will be no nonsense and I will not pussyfoot around issues that may or may not exist.
I can tell you for sure that I feel l like I'm throwing Kianne to a pack of wolves. When I told her who her teacher was going to be she kind of grunted and said "Oh she's really strict".That could be a good thing though. I will not let this teacher walk all over Kianne or myself however, Kianne needs to do what needs to be done.
They want to an assessment to see where she's at academically. I told them she HAS to have help in math and I want it this time. She should have been having it years ago.
Anyway, she is going for an assessment at the school to see where she is at. Kianne has made the choice to go back and although I swore I would never have them go to that school again, I feel like this is the best option for her.
I am quite certain this headache is due to stress. We met with the school today to revisit the idea that Kianne wants to go back.
Of course whether she can or not is not the issue as it is a public school and they have to accept her. It was really just to meet with administration, discuss concerns and strategies.
I'm happy I had Jayson come along so that the numbers were even because it would have been odd to have myself on one side of the table and the principle, vice principle, guidance counsellor and teacher on the other side. Now with that being said, it was quite even because the guidance counsellor is a really interesting person and I'm pretty sure she strategically sat on the same side of the table as Jay and I so it was three on three. As silly as it sounds it was comforting.
Everyone was pleasant and the niceties exchanged even though there were words between the vice principal and myself and the end of the last year. I had to really be firm with her at one point and stress that it wasn't about her it was about Kianne. Upfront it was forgotten but the undertone was still there.
The principle of the school I've always had great respect for and like I said the guidance counsellor that is currently there is great.
The meeting started off real well until the vice principle and teacher arrived. The teacher could not see or appreciate the benefits of homeschooling and rolled her eyes and me more than once. It was also quite evident that she thinks that doctors aren't necessary and that teachers can diagnose children. Vice principle of course was pushing the ADHD and a diagnosis that was supposedly made. The two of them together were pushy and bossy and actually condescending.
Let me tell you what being out of the system for a little while does. I stood up to the nonsense. Not in some crazy parent way but when the teacher rolled her eyes at me I spoke up and educated her on the benefits of homeschooling and the differences and opportunities for my children to learn. When she insisted that as a teacher she could diagnose ADHD I did not take that as well and she was so grossly misinformed as to what ADHD is and how it could be assessed and diagnosed that even the vice principle had to correct her and agree with me.
I was able to bring up old situations and reasons we chose to homeschool in the first place. The look of alarm and panic on the principle's face when I brought up certain issues was satisfactory and pleasing to me. I showed her documents that startled her and evidence that something was done seriously wrong and had doctors prescribing narcotics to Kianne. I was happy to see the panic and concern on her face. I had brought these issues up with the vice principle last year out of sheer frustration but apparently the principle still hadn't heard.
I can tell you that things are going to be different if and when Kianne does go back. There will be no nonsense and I will not pussyfoot around issues that may or may not exist.
I can tell you for sure that I feel l like I'm throwing Kianne to a pack of wolves. When I told her who her teacher was going to be she kind of grunted and said "Oh she's really strict".That could be a good thing though. I will not let this teacher walk all over Kianne or myself however, Kianne needs to do what needs to be done.
They want to an assessment to see where she's at academically. I told them she HAS to have help in math and I want it this time. She should have been having it years ago.
Anyway, she is going for an assessment at the school to see where she is at. Kianne has made the choice to go back and although I swore I would never have them go to that school again, I feel like this is the best option for her.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
A Child's Choice?
I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and New Years! I know we did. It was so nice packing away all the "school" stuff to make room for Christmas decorations and of course a tree.
I thought it was important to put all stuff related to school out of sight as the old saying goes, "out of sight, out of mind". As we all know, everyone in traditional school leaves and doesn't go back for an extended period of time. However as homeschoolers our school is here and I wanted to make it feel like a real break for the kids.
It was a great break. We even snuck off earlier than the rest of the bunch and aren't starting up until Monday. Again the advantages of time are clear in the homeschool world.
So here is why I post though. Kianne has really been struggling the last couple of weeks between wanting to stay home and return to school. I have tried to work through it with her and help her make the best choice. We have made lists of pros and cons. Weighed the good and the bad. The whys and the Whens and yet she wavers almost daily. Sometimes more than once a day. I understand the desire to go to school. I went to school for longer than most :p I get that she is at a tough age where the pressure to be "normal" is overwhelming and I understand that it plays a huge part it in her life and how she perceives herself.
We've discussed going back to school and how things would be different and the expectations that we have of her and I would also be sitting down with the principle and letting her know my expectations of the school as well.
As of this morning all was calm on the homeschool front. This evening it is another story that is full of tears and pleas to attend school and be "normal". I certainly don't want my child to not feel normal but I do want her to realize that she isn't normal and has so much more potential than the school can give her. The freedom to express herself in her art and stories will be squashed and labeled as ADHD or dyslexia instead of praised and nurtured so she can be the "not normal" girl she is and grow to be the self confident woman I know she can be.
So, these are some of my thoughts. She has made tremendous leaps in her math which was really behind. I'm quite confident that going back to school her math will drop off the radar again as well as other subjects and she will be pushed through to grade 7 without even being at a grade 6 level and we'll back at square one.
Or, I keep her home (against her will) keep her working hard and catching up but sacrificing her self perception and possibly self esteem.
Seriously hard decisions to make and do I make them or do I let my child make them? I said from the beginning that as soon as one of us doesn't want to do it anymore (myself or child) than we would stop because it is only fair. I just want to do what's right for her though and not necessarily now but for the long term....
I thought it was important to put all stuff related to school out of sight as the old saying goes, "out of sight, out of mind". As we all know, everyone in traditional school leaves and doesn't go back for an extended period of time. However as homeschoolers our school is here and I wanted to make it feel like a real break for the kids.
It was a great break. We even snuck off earlier than the rest of the bunch and aren't starting up until Monday. Again the advantages of time are clear in the homeschool world.
So here is why I post though. Kianne has really been struggling the last couple of weeks between wanting to stay home and return to school. I have tried to work through it with her and help her make the best choice. We have made lists of pros and cons. Weighed the good and the bad. The whys and the Whens and yet she wavers almost daily. Sometimes more than once a day. I understand the desire to go to school. I went to school for longer than most :p I get that she is at a tough age where the pressure to be "normal" is overwhelming and I understand that it plays a huge part it in her life and how she perceives herself.
We've discussed going back to school and how things would be different and the expectations that we have of her and I would also be sitting down with the principle and letting her know my expectations of the school as well.
As of this morning all was calm on the homeschool front. This evening it is another story that is full of tears and pleas to attend school and be "normal". I certainly don't want my child to not feel normal but I do want her to realize that she isn't normal and has so much more potential than the school can give her. The freedom to express herself in her art and stories will be squashed and labeled as ADHD or dyslexia instead of praised and nurtured so she can be the "not normal" girl she is and grow to be the self confident woman I know she can be.
So, these are some of my thoughts. She has made tremendous leaps in her math which was really behind. I'm quite confident that going back to school her math will drop off the radar again as well as other subjects and she will be pushed through to grade 7 without even being at a grade 6 level and we'll back at square one.
Or, I keep her home (against her will) keep her working hard and catching up but sacrificing her self perception and possibly self esteem.
Seriously hard decisions to make and do I make them or do I let my child make them? I said from the beginning that as soon as one of us doesn't want to do it anymore (myself or child) than we would stop because it is only fair. I just want to do what's right for her though and not necessarily now but for the long term....
Thursday, December 9, 2010
I wish we could homeschool "for real"
I have been feeling like this for quite awhile now. I feel like we can't really experience homeschooling to it's fullest because I'm still running on a "school at home" mentality.
Our home is NOT school. Our home will never be school. Yes we learn at home but really that is where it should end.
We are missing the whole point by schooling at home. Nothing is being gained by sitting at a table and doing "school work", no joy is being had as we work through drills and worksheets.
Sure we do some fun stuff. In fact we do LOTS of fun stuff. But the little bit of mundane work totally ruins it and causes all sorts of grief. Not everyday but at least once a week. I guess it is easier to freak out on Mom though compared to some random teacher.
Of course the benefits of being able to freak out run both ways ;) I can also push them harder and insist they grasp a concept before we move on so they aren't getting left behind.
However, I digress.
So what I'm saying is that in order for us to truly appreciate the gift of learning at home and at our own pace we need to give up the whole school mentality and all that surrounds it.
That is the difference between us and someone who has homeschooled from day one or plans to continue until the end. Because I plan on sending my children back eventually I need to "keep up" with what the school system says is required.
Whether the kids are interested in learning those particular subjects or topics or not. That is school right there. Being forced and told what you will learn, when you will learn it and how. Is that really even learning?
See the difference is when you don't have to keep up to some schedule the kids can learn at their own pace and things that interest them eventually learning and mastering everything they need to know to live in the real world.
Which has me seriously considering homeschooling Matthew and Jordyn right from the get-go. That is how I want to homeschool. That is ideally how most children would likely want to learn. I feel limited though and pressured to keep them up to par and not stray off the path of what the government curriculum tells us is appropriate and necessary for the grade level they are at.
Corey is pretty positive he wants to continue homeschooling for as long as he can. He certainly sees the benefits and feels he can do it here or *there*.
Kianne though wants to go to junior high. I totally don't blame her and that was the plan all along anyway. I have to get her caught up in her math that the school failed so miserably on and on the same game plan so she can return seamlessly. She is for sure making leaps and bounds in the math it is just sad though that we have to spend so much time on that when there are much more interesting things to look at ;)
Anyway these have been some of my random thoughts as of late.
We went on a really informative field trip the other day to the Manitoba Legislative Building. It was a great way to discuss different levels of government and architecture and history all at the same time. Kianne is totally wanting to dive into architecture. So even though I'm not 100% sure it's part of grade 6 Manitoba curriculum we are doing it anyways. I've put about 20 books on hold at the library and can't wait to dig in.
You'll have to excuse these photos. They were taken with my p&s and I'm having a real hard time with it lately. It's as if I don't how to work it :\
Our home is NOT school. Our home will never be school. Yes we learn at home but really that is where it should end.
We are missing the whole point by schooling at home. Nothing is being gained by sitting at a table and doing "school work", no joy is being had as we work through drills and worksheets.
Sure we do some fun stuff. In fact we do LOTS of fun stuff. But the little bit of mundane work totally ruins it and causes all sorts of grief. Not everyday but at least once a week. I guess it is easier to freak out on Mom though compared to some random teacher.
Of course the benefits of being able to freak out run both ways ;) I can also push them harder and insist they grasp a concept before we move on so they aren't getting left behind.
However, I digress.
So what I'm saying is that in order for us to truly appreciate the gift of learning at home and at our own pace we need to give up the whole school mentality and all that surrounds it.
That is the difference between us and someone who has homeschooled from day one or plans to continue until the end. Because I plan on sending my children back eventually I need to "keep up" with what the school system says is required.
Whether the kids are interested in learning those particular subjects or topics or not. That is school right there. Being forced and told what you will learn, when you will learn it and how. Is that really even learning?
See the difference is when you don't have to keep up to some schedule the kids can learn at their own pace and things that interest them eventually learning and mastering everything they need to know to live in the real world.
Which has me seriously considering homeschooling Matthew and Jordyn right from the get-go. That is how I want to homeschool. That is ideally how most children would likely want to learn. I feel limited though and pressured to keep them up to par and not stray off the path of what the government curriculum tells us is appropriate and necessary for the grade level they are at.
Corey is pretty positive he wants to continue homeschooling for as long as he can. He certainly sees the benefits and feels he can do it here or *there*.
Kianne though wants to go to junior high. I totally don't blame her and that was the plan all along anyway. I have to get her caught up in her math that the school failed so miserably on and on the same game plan so she can return seamlessly. She is for sure making leaps and bounds in the math it is just sad though that we have to spend so much time on that when there are much more interesting things to look at ;)
Anyway these have been some of my random thoughts as of late.
We went on a really informative field trip the other day to the Manitoba Legislative Building. It was a great way to discuss different levels of government and architecture and history all at the same time. Kianne is totally wanting to dive into architecture. So even though I'm not 100% sure it's part of grade 6 Manitoba curriculum we are doing it anyways. I've put about 20 books on hold at the library and can't wait to dig in.
You'll have to excuse these photos. They were taken with my p&s and I'm having a real hard time with it lately. It's as if I don't how to work it :\
Friday, November 26, 2010
Operation Christmas Child
Every year I see this and think what a great idea but the kids usually do one through church or some other organziation so we don't bother. This year though I decided we would and I'm quite sure we will continue to do so.
It was so much fun shopping for the little girl and boy that we actually had to stop because everything we wanted wouldn't fit in the box. I guess next year we'll need more boxes ;)
This is what the kids had to say:
Corey- It was fun. We got to give gifts to other children and Matthew and Jordyn participated in the event too. I can't remember where the gifts go but it was across the Atlantic Ocean. I had a really fun time.
Kianne- It was fun. We put presents in a shoe box we went to the store to get things for a boy and a girl. The boxes are going to a boy and a girl who don't get presents and items. These boxes represent that people care across the whole wide world.
It was so much fun shopping for the little girl and boy that we actually had to stop because everything we wanted wouldn't fit in the box. I guess next year we'll need more boxes ;)
This is what the kids had to say:
Corey- It was fun. We got to give gifts to other children and Matthew and Jordyn participated in the event too. I can't remember where the gifts go but it was across the Atlantic Ocean. I had a really fun time.
Kianne- It was fun. We put presents in a shoe box we went to the store to get things for a boy and a girl. The boxes are going to a boy and a girl who don't get presents and items. These boxes represent that people care across the whole wide world.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
First Snow
Yesterday was one of the days where we really appreciated the freedom of homeschooling. The snow was flying and instead of being stuck in a classroom the kids were dressed in their winter gear at the crack of dawn playing outside. No worry of schedules or timelines just plain freedom to enjoy the wonder of snow.
They were so excited they thought they should decorate so out came the scissors and paper for some good old fashioned paper snowflakes.
They were so excited they thought they should decorate so out came the scissors and paper for some good old fashioned paper snowflakes.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Getting back into the groove
Well after quite a hiatus we are finally getting back on track. The kids learned about fractions while Jay was home because Lord knows math is not my forte. They are really catching on which is fantastic. Now that he is back at work though I'm not sure if I can keep it up :p
We got our new list for field trips and we are all so excited there is so much going on plus with the upcoming holiday season there is tons of excitement to go around!
This week will be a busy week but I really want to get back to blogging and recording milestones and fun.
We got our new list for field trips and we are all so excited there is so much going on plus with the upcoming holiday season there is tons of excitement to go around!
This week will be a busy week but I really want to get back to blogging and recording milestones and fun.
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