Hello fellow Readers, Bloggers and Passers By,
What an exquisite week I've had the privilege to experience. So much has happened. So many blessings and all rather easy to ascertain.
First, I was able to spend numerous hours each day with each of my wonderful children. Add to that slice of heaven, the ability to teach the younger ones the basic fundamentals and the upper classes the gift of math, literature, English skills, history, science, social studies, current events and a dab of economics. All in the first week! Now, if that isn't enough, add to that the pleasure of being completely stress free from the world we live in. No violence, no hatred, no bias or bigotry, no bullies, no guns, no lunatics who forgot their meds!
No, I'd say this was the easiest week of back to school I have ever experienced since Kasidy started school some 10 years ago. No fits at the store for back to school clothes, no long lines for 'tax free' weekends, no drama over the "in style" shoes! In fact, the biggest issue we experienced this week was whether we would have our lunch before or after math lessons. We settled on before, simply because who likes math with your tummy growling, right?
And the smiles on the kids faces speaks volumes. A year ago this week, two kids were complaining about people on the bus being mean, a third was having issues with others being rude, and lest we forget the 'bitch slapping' episode in the gym?!? Yeah, no calls from the principal to explain what, why, and who! No automated phone calls telling me coldly that a bomb threat had been received. No students bringing guns to my classroom!
And I can give God ALL the glory and praise for this! He made it possible. He made it so I could be in this very spot at this very time doing this very thing and truly feeling at peace with myself as a parent, a wife and a role model for my children. I have five and I can't thank God enough for all the blessings he has bestowed upon me and my family. Granted, I could use a visit from Mr. Green to help ease the burdens I will begin facing next week, but even with that valley, the mountain is just across the way. The top of it is glorious and I'll be standing there in just a few weeks with nearly every burden having been removed!
So if this blog sounds like bragging, I will only say I apologize for the bragging, but not for the glory I feel, the elated warmth glowing in my heart and the peace I feel in my soul!
Until next week,
LaVonda
Friday, August 16, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Parents as Teachers? YES, We Can!
Hello Readers,
As a new parent, I was fascinated with school. Sending my child off to get a well rounded education. Putting my faith in the public school system to look after my child, feed my child, and provide security and compassion in the field as they encouraged my child to do their best, learn the way each subject is taught, and cram, cram, cram for those end of the year, standardized tests which ultimately decide if the school will get additional funds. And then I asked myself, 'why'? Why am I sending MY flesh and blood to someone else. Am I not fully responsible for this child. Is it not up to me to ensure they receive the best education they can, at the level of learning they are capable of, with the best care, compassion, encouragement and security a person such as a parent can provide? Why have I felt pressed to send my child to school when myself, along with my husband, are very capable and very willing to take on the role of parent/caregiver/guardian/provider/educator. We do it already, right? Teaching right from wrong, manners, respect, loyalty, morals, ethics, values... We just go about it a different way. And we are paid in hugs and kisses, not with a direct deposit.
So we venture into a new realm of life. One filled with who knows what -- and we accept it with open arms, an open mind and an open heart. If our children are the future, I want them to be prepared to the best of their ability. Not another name, another face, another victim of the public school system's nonchalant approach to raising up well educated, productive members of society gone wrong.
I'm raising the next president, beauty queen, pro athlete, doctor, nurse, judge, pilot... Who knows? But I am very certain of this: I am happy to be their teacher. What's my name? Mom!
Adios!
Look for additional posts closer to August -- and be sure to watch for posts by "One of the Kids", who will tell you what homeschool is like from their perspective!
As a new parent, I was fascinated with school. Sending my child off to get a well rounded education. Putting my faith in the public school system to look after my child, feed my child, and provide security and compassion in the field as they encouraged my child to do their best, learn the way each subject is taught, and cram, cram, cram for those end of the year, standardized tests which ultimately decide if the school will get additional funds. And then I asked myself, 'why'? Why am I sending MY flesh and blood to someone else. Am I not fully responsible for this child. Is it not up to me to ensure they receive the best education they can, at the level of learning they are capable of, with the best care, compassion, encouragement and security a person such as a parent can provide? Why have I felt pressed to send my child to school when myself, along with my husband, are very capable and very willing to take on the role of parent/caregiver/guardian/provider/educator. We do it already, right? Teaching right from wrong, manners, respect, loyalty, morals, ethics, values... We just go about it a different way. And we are paid in hugs and kisses, not with a direct deposit.
So we venture into a new realm of life. One filled with who knows what -- and we accept it with open arms, an open mind and an open heart. If our children are the future, I want them to be prepared to the best of their ability. Not another name, another face, another victim of the public school system's nonchalant approach to raising up well educated, productive members of society gone wrong.
I'm raising the next president, beauty queen, pro athlete, doctor, nurse, judge, pilot... Who knows? But I am very certain of this: I am happy to be their teacher. What's my name? Mom!
Adios!
Look for additional posts closer to August -- and be sure to watch for posts by "One of the Kids", who will tell you what homeschool is like from their perspective!
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