Friday, December 12, 2008

Life Changes

As if I need more changes in life here is another one.  We have officially taken Parker out of school to homeschool him.  We attempted this last year, but me being very pregnant and planning a move to Portland it didn't work out.  I kept getting an unsettling feeling with Parker being in school, we held him back a year and that seemed to help a lot but it was still a struggle for me.  I didn't feel he was getting his education in a way that was going to help him to love to learn.  Finally after a lot of prayer and talking with Phil I made the decision.  I know it is going to be hard and frustrating at times but I find myself being excited about it.  I still plan on sending my other children to school and if the need arises I will take them out as well, but for now it is only Parker.  We have had a lot of fun this week, I am trying to have him direct his learning so he will throughly enjoy it.  I am mainly focusing on reading with him, this is the area he needs to gain the most confidence in.  I am amazed at how excited he get about learning when he gets to take control and not have to go at a certain pace.  One day this week we started with reading some science books (he loves art and science over anything)  on molecules and changing states of matter.  Parker thought that was fun so we did an experiment on melting ice cubes(solids) to water (liquids) to boiling it (gas).  Parker was so excited he wanted to read about molecules then he wanted to draw pictures of it and label everything.  It was so much fun and I found my self completely enjoying it anxious to do more.  I am excited about this new change and I know that it will help my son with his love of learning.  I pray that I can keep this excitement and work through the hard times.

8 comments:

Betsy Fox said...

Good for you. That is a hard decision to make, but I'm sure Parker will do great with homeschool. Looks like you had fun in Vegas. Hope you have a great Christmas. I got those gifts to Daniel and Lori.

Carrie said...

You are a brave, strong woman.

Melissa said...

Good for you; I know that was a hard decision for you to make. :) Hopefully, you'll be able to handle it, and you and Parker will both benefit from it. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

The Unsworth Family said...

I wish all children came with their own specific instruction manual, so these decision wouldn't be stressful. You always do great at anything you set your mind to. You have set your mind on raising your children properly, and you feel this is right for Parker, so you will do it well. I know that for sure. Good luck, I love you!!

Connie said...

Wow, you are incredible! I am always amazed at the women who home school. Good luck to you and Parker.

Anonymous said...

My sister homeschools all 5 of her kids and she loves it!

The school our kids went to last year was horrible. My daughter hated it and wanted to come home all the time. We did some research and were lucky enough to find a special school that is based on parent volunteers.
I give 50-70 hours a year. I help with the reading groups and field trips. It's alot of fun and I gei to see what my kids are learning. I'd probably homeschool if we hadn't found this school.

It's a tough decision, but you are doing what's best for your family. I wish you luck and hope you know that Heavenly Father will help guide you in this endeavor.

Kathy said...

Good for you! You are brave and a REALLY good mom for doing that for you son. Let me know how things go!

Nichole said...

Wish I could do that but I know i would go crazy!!! How fun for him & you! Luckily the other ones are still going to school!My kids are into potions & science too right now. in fact they are feeling, tasting, touching & melting snow as we speak...atleast it is snow/water...I think I need to learn that praying thing you do!!!