Homeschool Journey, Part 3

The other day, I had the quarterly parent/teacher conference for both the boys. Ethan's wasn't bad at all, just minor reading instead of listening while the teacher spoke with the class. Benny's on the other hand became quite interesting...

Well, before B received his glasses...the teacher had an issue with him being antsy during class. So, she suggested to me to make an appointment with the Peds doctor (i.e.--get him tested for ADHD) and then go from there. With having some experience (We had to get E tested when he was in Kindergarten)...I asked three things 1. What is he doing exactly? 2. How are his grades, and 3. Is he distracting others from them doing their work?

Well, from the teacher's statement, none of the above were means to get him to the doctor and on drugs. All he is doing is standing by his desk, instead of sitting while doing his work. [ok, move him to the side or back of class--so he can stand; at this school, 2nd graders don't get numeral grades--so, his school work is just fine, he does it; I asked about him being a class distraction...and he just isn't doing it (distracting) in comparsion to any other 20 children in her classroom.]

From a previous conversation I had with her, the topic of homeschooling came up because I saw on her paper Homeschooling?? And I told her that yes, I will be homeschooling both my school-age children starting next year. She said she had spoke with the principal about it (i.e.--procedure/regulations/can I even do it, etc. etc.)

We spoke about various things...and I felt that I was basically at an interview, well--more being interrogated about our decision. At first I wanted to get upset, but I do like the teacher--and she is looking out for his best interest-I guess. What caught me off guard, was the question, "Do you think that it would be in his best interest to homeschool?" Flash flood of remarks came to mind (nothing offensive) just all the right reasons WHY it is in my children's best interest. All I did say was, "Yes, in the long run it is in his best interest." Their are plenty of outlets for him to socialize in this community and best of all he is learning from the Bible--to include one-on-one care in his studies.

Then she said, amusingly, "All right, we'll let you homeschool." She was being comical and acceptable to the idea of homeschooling. She also said that since Benny got his glasses, he has improved. So, I am glad that my hunch (behavior=glasses)--was more of the issue than ADHD. She also said that by the end of this year, if I wanted, I could help her clean-out her room. She has tons of stuff she has bought...that if she doesn't exclusively want, I can have (i.e. books, posters, tools, etc.) I am excited about that!

So, it was an interesting visit, but a triumph for the Lord, no doubt. It is already March and not much more months are left of this school year. We are pretty much ready and a little apprehensive, but enthusiastic all the more.

Count Your Blessings
Author Unknown

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.