9 years ago
Friday, January 30, 2009
Right or Left? That is the question!
Did you struggle through school or do any of your children? Research shows that 50% of us are left brain dominant and 50% of us are right brain dominant. Well, it's no secret that the schools are geared toward left brainers--which means that many of us were, and many of our kids are, not being taught in the best/easiest way possible. (If it's not obvious to you--just google "right brain learning" and you'll find all the info you care to know on the subject.) I am left brained and therefore excelled in school and always believed I was smart. Little did I know, the kids who got B's and C's regularly were just as smart as me, they were just having to work twice as hard in the school setting to do what came easily for me. Well, we recently found out that Mark is not just right brain dominant, but almost exclusively right brained. I've been madly researching all I can about this (hence this blog--and the absence of blogs over the past couple weeks) and have come to the conclusion that Mark will not reach his full potential (or even come close) if I leave it up to our "left brained" school system! So, what does that mean? Well. . .after much deliberation, prayers, pondering, advice, dead ends, etc. . . we've decided to homeschool Mark for a little while. Yes, you did just read HOMESCHOOL! And, yes, I've always had all the same reactions you're hearing in your heads right now (huh? ugh! weird! wacky! Nutso, etc. etc.) to people who say they homeschool or were homeschooled themselves. But after all my research, I am totally committed to our decision and I'm actually VERY excited about it. We're going to do the rest of this year (3rd grade) and possibly/probably next year (4th grade) at home (hopefully getting through the 6th grade curriculum in that time) and then re-evaluate. We'll focus on helping him learn how to adapt what he'll get in school to what he needs to learn and be able to send him back for 5th grade and beyond!!! Since this is all so new to me (and since I LOVE hearing from you guys). . .just curious what all y'alls thoughts are. . . !
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I'm glad that you feel good about this decision and I know Mark will do great! I guess I should look through all my teaching stuff and give you some lesson plans, resources, and websites to help you get ideas for how and what to teach him. You will be a great teacher!
ReplyDeleteLiesl, good luck with the home schooling! And yes, I did think what you mentioned above, but we must do what is best for our children! I have no experience in that area, so unfortunately I have no advice to give you! You're a strong woman and I admire you for your dedication to this new adventure in your life and in your son's!
ReplyDeleteLiesl knowing you- and the challenges you discovered with your son- it does not surprise me at all that you are taking this on full force! I still remember when I visited and Mark was eating lunch (I think soup). He recently got onto eating without his tube. Mark said "I'm done". You said "No you still have 28 bites left". I konw that you will take Home schooling with the same discipline and determination.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great! I know several families who Home School for different reasons. It is working for them. My suggestion is to look into the network of Home schoolers in your area- for social things and field trips. That way all of the social skills are still staying in check. Good Luck- I'm jealous of the even stronger bond that you and your son will have- either that or you will pull each other's hair out!
Good for you! Any caring, concerned parent would do the best for their child and you are! I'm sure he will thrive with you and all will be well. You are awesome and I admire you for doing whats best for your family.
ReplyDeleteBeing an educator, I only think that homeschooling is a bad idea when the parents really aren't up to it and it ends up being just "free time" at home all day. I've known several students of mine who got pulled out of school so the parents could "homeschool" them, when, in reality, the parent worked 8-10 hours a day outside of the home. When, exactly, this homeschooling was going to take place, I don't know. Anyway, off my soapbox, I know that you are SO not that person and I think that it's great that you are willing to dedicate even more of your life to helping Mark. What a wonderful mother and great example to me! You're awesome!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I hope my comment didn't sound negative or preachy. I so didn't mean it that way. It was meant as a compliment to you, really. I, personally, am not dedicated enough to try to homeschool my kids. I think what you're doing is commendable and can only help Mark!
ReplyDeleteLiesl, you will do great! Think about how much you've already taught him. He didn't learn muscles and bones in school. Mark will probably be a great surgeon or scientist or whatever he wants to be. I love my new son-in-law. He is super, and he was homeschooled!
ReplyDelete-Jerri Sume
It really sounds like an undertaking, but we all know our children best! I have a couple of friends that homeschool their kids, and they do great!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see your blog, too. What a cute family you have. I'll add you to my list now! What a great way to know familiy!