Well after lots of prayer and much discussion, we made the decision to pull our 2nd grade daughter out of school. I was really torn with the decision, worrying about what others would think. You see, I still was leaving my 4th grade daughter and Kindergartener in school.
I was debating with the idea of going back into teaching, thinking maybe God was calling me to get a J-O-B, outside the home. I even applied for a position on Florida Virtual School. My husband wasn’t really thrilled with the idea but was supporting my decision. I knew God was calling me to do something.
In the meantime, my 2nd grade daughter was struggling and falling farther and farther behind. She hated going to school and has begged since Kindergarten to be homeschooled. She struggles to maintain focus as well as she is below level in reading and math. The teacher she started the year with decided to take a position in another part of the school. We were process of developing an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for her to receive extra assistance.
I remember sitting in that meeting with her new and old teacher. I can still hear them telling me it was going to be a long process, that was no extra assistance for her at that time, be prepared to wait it out. I was not okay with that!! I left that meeting knowing I was the one to help meet her needs by home schooling.
I talked it over with my husband and told him that God had put it right in front of my face the whole time; I was to teach her and be the best teacher she deserved. (Not that her other teachers’ were bad, but I know my daughter inside and out).
I thought what better opportunity to give her those few hours each day, just her and I. She has been craving this special time. Being in a family of 4 girls there is not much “me” time with Mama or Daddy! I was excited with the thoughts that danced in my head. I began talking to friends, veteran homeschoolers. Each Mom does things a little different and I took notes.
My daughter doesn’t fit the traditional student mold. She hates sitting at a desk for hours on end. She had become this sad little girl and got very discouraged. I had had enough and my heart ached for her. I was so unsatisfied with Evelyn’s education, feeling like she’s floundering, not having any direction, being a little lost lamb trying to figure it out. I am her shepherd and need to protect her and make her grow into a strong confident woman.
I know I am not able to “fix” her and I love her just the way she is! You see though my husband wasn’t on board yet…but after much prayer and asking him to pray about it, God lead us to our decision.
On October 17, 2011, I yanked her out of public school and have never looked back. I know that in the long run it’s not going to matter what grades they got, or how many times they were on honor roll, what is going to matter most is that she glorifies God and lives for him, everything else will fall into place with that.
I had no curriculum, no plans…just books to read. We were going to work on building up her self-esteem and the frustration she built up. We went to the library and checked out whatever books she wanted and read, read, and read some more. I let her choose the subjects that are interesting to her. So far, we’ve learned about snakes, spiders, sharks, Pilgrims and Indians and why we celebrate Christmas.
I know I can’t “fix” my daughter but I can give her the best education I know how. We don’t have to teach to the FCAT and worry about crazy testing standards. I want her to grow to love learning and to create that desire in her always!
So far, things are going well. So well that I have decided to home school my other two school-aged daughters next year too! They are really excited and can’t wait. I know it’s going to be crazy busy, but truthfully I am SO looking forward to it!!
This verse was one I was lead to read one day; God works in mysterious ways…
“We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.”
~Proverbs 16:1
A quote I read all the time,
The focus of the elementary years is to foster, grow and develop a child’s innate appetite for learning and life.
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