Home schooling my son has never been something I thought I would do. I don't think I have the patience. My 6 year old son, however, has had a really tough time at school. He has gone to a small Montessori charter school since pre-school. His teacher would try and work on his pencil grip and work with him on his letter sounds. He could never get either. Then at mid-year in kindergarten, his teacher thought that we should put him in full time (8:30-3:30). She thought he needed more time to work on his letter sounds and be better prepared for first grade. Against my intuition, we paid the $500 dollars a month to "get him better prepared" for first grade. Looking back, I wish I hadn't done it.
From the beginning, he hasn't wanted to go to school. He would cling on to me, cry and refuse to go to school. Eventually though, he went to school without much convincing. Maybe he just gave up. Looking back, I am heartbroken.
Now, in first grade, he has refused to hold his pencil "the right way" and learn his letters. I know eventually he will read. But this time I am going to do what my intuition tells me. I am bringing him home, letting him de-stress, have some fun digging in the dirt, learn some things and see what comes of this. So, with happiness and optimism he is coming home to heal a bit.
I'm going to print that song out and hang it in the kitchen...it's truly beautiful.
i read your last post about your son and tears streamed down my face....you've done what i wish i'd done for my son when he was so sad and his mood was so flat. My son is doing much better now (he's just turned 10)...we moved to a completely new area to a new school who are working with him to make things right. Let your boy dig in the mud and play, play,play. He will read or he will not...but time with you/ at home/ out and about should raise his spirits. They are so young and society asks so much.
i look forward to visiting your blog again....
Posted by: bigbucketgirl | February 26, 2009 at 05:24 AM
Good for you for following your heart!
Posted by: Rachael Levy | February 26, 2009 at 10:36 AM
thank you bigbucketgirl. Your comment was very touching to me. I am glad your son is doing better. ~k
Posted by: Kyndale | February 27, 2009 at 05:59 AM
*sigh*
I wish you and your boy all the best.
Posted by: Helen | June 25, 2009 at 11:32 AM