Step by Step

http://www.dreamsleep.net/images/journey-dream.jpg

The truth is that this homeschooling journey is a step by step walk.

Some days are a more quick jog and others a little like a snails slow travel across bumpy terrain.

The things I am absolutely thriving on are all the things I imagined to be true. Things like joining up learning experiences and solidifying concepts across the different areas , making all of our learning rich and meaningful.

Another is being able to fill up gaps that exist in thinking or understanding or just in lack of life experience.

I am getting to experiment with methods of teaching and learning first hand and enjoying the outworking of these. 

Inquiry learning and growth mindset ideas have shifted my thinking around education and learning and awoken in me a real thirst for knowing more. It is extremely stimulating .

The difficult bits have much to do with my expectations and insecurities. These ride on the wave of fear which I have for all my kids. However, the reality is that now the buck stops with me, with us and that feels heavy .

It is heavy!

So I have to do a lot of self talk and looking at the bigger picture in education rather than the small , local Bergvliet world experience. I have to set aside the old and familiar and test what we are experiencing with itself.... this is forcing me to live, with Jet, in the here and now and this is both very difficult but also beautiful.

(Because I am the person I am , I mention these struggles to a few Homeschooling moms. I discover to my joy that I am not alone! It is part of the journey. Thank you for being honest!! It was helpful.)

The difficult bits have to do with Jet and his ADHD brain. This is a constant and despite coming home, he still has his difficulties in concentrating and boredom. We have to navigate this and at times it is disheartening, for us both.

He is getting to talk through what is happening in his head and how meds  make him feel. All good but sad too.

On Friday Jet did a comprehension.  It was dull and quick.( Note to self: I really need to find some more inspiring comprehensions)

However the last question was excellent, not in itself but in the answer.

Here it is.....

What subjects do you like?

mmmmm. So he sits and thinks. I ask him if all is ok?

He says," I dont really know what I like." Well, I suggest we start with what he DOESN"T like.

Histroy!  

"Jeepers! You Do not like Ghamka and Byrd and the other explorer we looked at?"

" Ooh, no , no I do!"

and then this gem......

"Mom, I really like everything. When I was at school I did not like anything. - he lists them all- but now I like doing the learning we are doing."

BINGO!