I really am becoming more and more disenfranchised with the public school system. More and more I'm learning that their method is depressing my son's desire for learning. I like the social aspect of it, but their force-fed and practically inartistic methods are pretty annoying to me. My boy is a creative kid--he LOVES all things creative, and I've never been one to want to squelch that. He gets excited at all the possibilities of being creative, and then has no time to follow what he wants to, because he has tedious paper-work homework, incredibly boring reading books and a tired family by the time he has any free time... and he misses being with his family. THEN, he's got about 15 minutes before getting ready for bed.
I really am liking what I'm learning about the Waldorf method-- and may be seriously considering pulling him from school.... because, dammit, if he wants a blue chunk in his hair (not allowed in his school), wants to give out Jesus Valentines (definitely risque at best), and has a hard time focusing on boring repetitive paperwork, I'm not so sure this system will help him AT ALL... I'm becoming more convinced it is actually hurting more than helping. Learning should NOT be a linear pathway--it should be in MANY directions, driven by artistic possibility and a child's curiosity.
One of my son's BIGGEST complaints about life lately is that nobody lets him choose. He never gets to choose how his life goes... are our children slaves? Are they indentured to follow one path of life that must be for everybody? I think NOT. I HATE that my son feels so powerless in his life... life is meant for us to be POWERFUL. If he learns the opposite, how will his life end up? Will he have bad experiences, because he feels powerless to change them and thus lets them happen? Will he feel like he is a victim, and thus perpetuate the mentality that things happen to him, not him choosing what happens to him? I want him to be able to ask, where's Yellowstone? What's there? And have us be able to pack up and go if we want, with a book about rock formations and forest life, and have him learn first-hand. OH, how I WISH I had had that opportunity.... to be able to follow what I wanted when I wanted... I believe our children should have that right.
I think if I let him continue much longer in this public system, it may be too late. He's at such a precarious age (1st grade), and after that, you're getting much closer as to how you'll look at life for the REST of your life.
Anybody interested in doing something like this with me? Julie? Kakes? I can definitely do this alone, but having more people up for it will be good--because my son is a social kid. I think that it'd be nice to do homeschooling most days, and maybe once a week get together with other kids and have a 'class lesson' per se....
Anyone?
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3 comments:
Ok, I have a lot to say on this issue. I should just call you. It's been way too long. But there is a great program offered up in Oregon where you go in to school for a couple of days and homeschool the rest. We are trying to get it in our school. You should really come check out our school before you denounce all public schools. I could get you a private tour. Our kids are just as you describe it. We have choice time where the kids can learn what they want, self directed learning. Also, They are HUGE about the arts. Just come see one of our rooms. And my son is learning Breakdancing for sports. Breakdancing! Also, the blue hair would be no problem at our school. He'd fit right in. There is a girl with pink hair and one kid with a full on mohawk. It's crazy, you would love it there. I only say this, because I would love to homeschool, but I'm afraid to. I was homeschooled and I know what's involved with it. IT's a great program, but you have to be dedicated in doing it and it's tough. That's why I haven't done it yet. Also, I have found a school that I dearly love. I also know someone who lives really really close to you that you could carpool with. But the deadlines for application are due this friday. the 20th. I would just apply, just in case. You don't have to settle with it. I could even pick one up for you and drop it off tomorrow if you want. I will be there most of tomorrow if you want to swing by and check it out. You will not be disappointed. Gosh. I should just call you!
PS, we could also swap babysitting while cooping too.
Yes, please... would you mind getting me a few apps? My friend Heather has been thinking about it for a long time, and ... needs that option, too.
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