Saturday, September 10, 2011

Back to School (for reals)

Mikey didn't have the greatest kindergarten experience. I remember coming home from school and telling Chad that I thought I could do a better job. Not that I was a better teacher, but that I could give Mikey some real one on one attention and avoid a lot of the yucky stuff he was being exposed to. Then I was introduced to a home school co-op run through the public school system. It allowed kids to take whatever classes they wanted "on campus" and then complete the rest of their education at home. It seemed like the perfect hybrid. So, we pulled Mikey out of the public school system and became homeschoolers. I loved it. And Mikey seemed to thrive. All the same, we wanted to be sure the kids were happy, so every year we offered them the option to go public. This last summer Mikey caught us off guard by deciding to go back to "real" school. I have to admit, I was terrified. What would it be like? What would he be exposed to? Had I done an adequate job teaching him? Would he be able to assimilate? Would it stifle his creativity? His personality? His spirit? Mikey, on the other hand, was ready to go. No hesitation, no looking back. Which means that this year, on August 31st, he went back to school (for reals).

He is in Ms. Hayden's fifth grade class. He loves recess. He likes to play four square and a game called "infection" which (as far as I can ascertain) is akin to tag. They sing Justin Bieber songs with their music teacher. At first he was appalled by this, but he has since come to the conclusion that "Never Say Never" really isn't that bad of a song. Their school has the largest collection of xylophones in the school district. The P.E. teacher is strict, but funny. They are reading Mr. Popper's Penguins (which I read with him in 2nd grade, but he doesn't remember so it is new and exciting for him). Ms. Hayden is very nice. She is probably in her eighties (according to Mikey. She is, in my opinion, late twenties at the most. Heaven only knows how old I look in his eyes. Is ancient an actual age? If yes, that is probably where I fall). Starting in October you can buy ice cream for 50 cents at lunch time. Everyone wants to know who likes who (which is appalling to me. Cooties should buy me at least two more years, right?). And while I am still terrified by all the things he may be exposed to, or by his spunky little spirit being crushed by the system, he appears to be terribly happy and safe. And old. Really, really old. It really does go fast. I am afraid that if I blink too long he will be leaving for college when my eyes open.

5th Grade


Preschool

5 comments:

WheelersSix said...

That bottom picture is the Mikey I remember. :) Love this post Heather! You guys are so good to your kids, seriously, I admire you! And I agree, that it feels like if we blink, our kids will be all grown up. They were just babies...

StephDavies said...

Mikey is such an amazing kid! His Kindergarten picture just melts my heart, it seems like just yesterday I was playing with that little guy. Time flies....

Simonds Family said...

I feel ya! I am still debating the homeschool v. public school. Johann is all for public but I was homeschooled until 5th grade and I am still so grateful to my mom for it. Henry just started doing preschool with my cousin but even that is freaking me out and I am feeling kind of the same thing you felt about his kindergarten experience. The fact is, the teacher can be great but no one will love or care about your kid and what he or she is learning than you! Good for you too for letting him choose to go back when he wanted, I'm sure having all those years with you he he is totally equipped to take on the system!

Lori said...

Eeeek, what a change! I can't imagine the anxiety you must feel as a parent. That's great that he was able to make his own choice and is happy with it. Best of luck!

aubreyannie said...

Oh heavens..that preschool picture is so sweet! It sounds like school is pretty awesome for him..I'm so glad!