Fall is approaching and G is 5 so the "Are you going to Kindergarten?" question has been coming up a lot lately. Mostly he says no and that is it, then the person looks scandalously to me where it is my turn to say yes he's old enough but we are going to
home school. Then comes a true variety of responses...
OOH (take your pick of vocal range- surprised or condemning)... I couldn't do that...do you have any background in education... good for you... I don't blame you... Well, you are a teacher. It for some reason amazes me that people don't then stick around or ask for a rational. I know they are scrutinizing me in their minds... why don't they want to talk about it any further? Well here is my statement... if they'd ever listen.
I loved teaching school... I cannot picture myself teaching anywhere but in public school. I would go back to the neighborhood and families I left when I decided to stay home. Those children need loving, caring, knowledgeable, hard working teachers. And teaching those children is the first time I ever felt called to do anything in my life. Until I had my son. Now I am called to give him my best! I tried to go back to the classroom after he was born but I could not do it. I was his momma and I was suppose to be the one guiding him and enjoying his triumphs. Schools are full of teachers...some are amazing... some are not. Children are amazing.... many of their habits leave a lot to be desired. G is a polite,gregarious, empathetic, humorous, chocked full of questions boy. I don't want him to have to silently sit
criss cross applesauce for 2-8 hours while the teacher corrals 18-25 (or more) other children. I want more. I don't want him to quit asking questions and wondering about life and the world for the sake of classroom management. Now I certainly won't allow him to run
namby pamby and never learn self control. That is why we take part in story time, group music lessons, and sports and plan on joining Scouts or Keepers, and 4-H, and a co-op. I want to see him master essential skills rather than dabble in a myriad of "standards". I want him to study the fun stuff every teacher wishes they had time to do with their class if only... I want him to learn things for knowledge and enjoyment not for a test on Friday. I want to study for the day and be done to enjoy the rest the day has to offer not send him away for hours then spend the rest of the evening doing things to prove what they are suppose to be doing in class. I want more. I want more. I believe I can do this for my son and his future. I am sure going to give my best shot!
