After much thought, discussion, and prayer, Thomas and I have decided that we are going to home school Eler Beth beginning next year.
We had no problems with the middle school that she would be attending. Andrew did fine there. But Eler Beth is different, and this year has been a challenge.
For the first time this year she has really had no respect for her teacher. I wrote about an episode in a previous entry (and to update everyone on that, I did contact the board of education and have left it in their hands), and I didn't say anything about how I feel about this teacher personally in that entry, but I really have little respect for her as well. That is a very hard thing for me to say, because I have a lot of respect for teachers in general and for the teaching profession. But I have caught this teacher out in one lie and suspect her of others. And I don't like the way she talks to Eler Beth, so there! (Okay, we're dealing with my daughter here, so I can't help but get just a little bit personal.)
But, anyway, all that aside, Eler Beth is still having panic attacks, just not as often, and she still has stress-induced headaches. She has a few very close friends at school, (although her very best friends don't go to her school) but this is one of the years that girls can really start getting "catty", and she has had to deal with that. Eler Beth is a very independent thinker and she has never just gone along with the crowd. She isn't shallow in her thinking or in her personality; she isn't into the fashion magazines and tabloid gossip and idol-worship of celebrities, like so many of the girls in her class, and this has resulted in some mean talk, hurt feelings and depression. She takes it all so very personally. And though Thomas and I have, with patience and understanding, tried very hard to help her to develop the tools she needs to deal with these situations, we've made very little progress.
Yes, we're going to all of us have to deal with this type of thing all of our lives. I never quite fit into any mold that was designed for me either. Neither did Thomas, and neither does Andrew. We three seem to have the resources to deal with it and move on, but for some reason Eler Beth doesn't have those resources yet. I'm sure she'll develop them in time, but in the meantime, her joy in learning and in school is suffering, and I know that it will only get worse in the sixth grade. She is such a confusing combination of sensitivity and spunk, this girl!
I am capable of homeschooling her. I've tutored before, and even tutored students who are being home schooled. Chances are she will go on to the local high school. She definitely wants to go to Prosser Tech. when the time comes.
It was not an easy decision to make. I know plenty of people who have home schooled for at least a few years, and I know a couple of families who have home schooled their children from K-12. These kids are smart, talented and many have gone on to be professionals. I've also known some parents who have home schooled for what I believed to be the wrong reasons, and who, in my opinion, weren't doing their children any favors by schooling them at home. (My own opinion kept to myself, of course!) But I know, without trying to be arrogant or anything, that I am qualified to oversee her home schooling, especially with the resouces that will be at hand.
The important thing here is that she really, really wants it. And we have no problem with paying a little extra so that she can have private lessons in music or art if she is interested in either. I am confidant that she will be deprived of nothing.
18 comments:
That's quite a challenge but I know you will do a good job!
Pam
No one knows your child like you, and I'm sure you'll do great! - Barbara
I wish you the best...we went through a lot ourselves last year with our youngest grandsons teacher...hope homeschooling works out...it's a challenge but I am sure you will succeed...have a great evening...hugs,
Joyce
Good luck, Lori, sounds like a major undertaking, but one you thought long and hard about.
It's a big step....but you seem to have thought it through well...good luck...and God Bless....Hugs from KY...Ora
Good luck! I homeschool my eldest son and it has been a godsend for him. I do not use a box curriculum because that wouldn't work for him. He is at many different levels, so I piece togther my own. Thankfully, as you said, there are plenty of resources out there and you will use them... good for you and Eler-Beth. If I were you, imo, I would take her out now. Finish out the year using barnes and noble workbooks and what not... let her decompress. Start Calvert next August.
be well,
Dawn
Sounds like you have thought this out! Good luck to all of you!
LORI
If Eler Beth wants it and you want it, I think it will work. I would have never had the decipline to do that but I think you have. Schools just aren't what they use to be anyway. Paula
TY for visiting & leaving support while I've been sick. {{ }}
God Bless,
Sugar
Good luck. We have found homeschooling to be a wonderful way to education our children.
Considering making major use of the library. Our Friday afternoon trips to the library are a highlight with our daughters.
I`m sure you have made the right decision in home schooling Eler Beth, we had a huge problem in the last two years of my Teen being at school with a teacher lying despite going to speak to them at school it didn`t stop the bullying. Eler Beth will find her own way in everything that she does. good luck.
bella xx
i'm so sorry to hear of what eler beth has been through at school. you'll be a great teacher, lori. please give my regards to eler beth.
great Lori! I am so glad that you two are going to support her!
She will eed to shore up her strength so that she can be her own person ;even in the midst of turmoiland great difficulty. You can help her by allowing her to still keep comtact wiht young women of character who will build up her esteem.
Also Carolyn here home schools! love you and I hope the headcahes lessen. Will send you positive thoughts
love,nat
It sounds like your making a well thought out, good choice for your daughter. There's lots of support out 'there' for you, and I think it's very admirable you're willing to do whats best for your daughter.
I've always thought us Mom's know exactly what our kids need, go with that and all will be good~
Rebecca
Tough decision, but it sounds to me as though you have analyzed the situation very well. I am like you, I think people sometimes home school for the wrong reasons and end up alienating their kids in about every way possible. They resist parents and don't have public outlets. That's what I would have been afraid of doing. Gerry
Praying for you and your family and wishing you the very best!
Charley
Lori, you know what you have to do... and it is fortunate that you are capable to homeschool. I've seen kids come to our school who had been homeschooled by incapable (but well meaning parents), and do more harm than good. But you sound like a parent who is ready to do this. I wish you luck, and blessings as you take on this great task. Parents are natural teachers, and if this is something she wants as well, I'd say give it a try. There are plenty of homeschoolers out there for you to link with for social activities... you probably already know them. If not, I'm sure you could find out. But as old as she is, this may not be necessary. Good luck! This sounds like a grand adventure for both of you! Bea
Hi there. I know that you don't know me, but I just had to tell you how much I respect you for the decision you are making regarding Eler Beth's schooling. It certainly sounds like the right one to me, even though it isn't the easy or popular one. It shows how much you love your daughter and that you also listen to the Lord's leading. My sisters home-schooled their kids (with some help from their Aunt Cynde--me) and it's so rewarding; it builds a strong foundation that just doesn't get taught in our schools anymore. For the most part, the kids are too busy teaching themselves and fighting off other kids that are mosty worried about fashion and the secular world. It really is so pitiful and disturbing, but our first responsibility is towards our own children--so I applaud you! I'll be praying for you as you make the change and I have no doubt in my mind that you'll do just great. I'd give anything to be there to give a helping hand--will my prayers do?
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