CyndiLJ Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 Have you all ever had moments where you started seeing your older kids pull it all together and reflect exactly what you had hoped to accomplish with homeschooling? We just had one I wanted to share, as it was so rewarding. We've only been homeschooling for 3 1/2 years. We pulled our first son out in 5th grade because he was rapidly losing the gleam in his eye about learning. He came home hanging his head saying, "This is going to be the longest year of my life." after the first day of 5th grade. I went into volunteer in class a few days later to see exactly what was leading to this, and I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that we were at a big crossroads, and I could ignore it and see what happened, or I could elect to listen carefully to what God was telling me and just obey. I had no plans of homeschooling, was 2 months from traveling to adopt 2 pre-teen sisters who spoke no English, and was dealing with another son who was fully illiterate at 11 years old. I didn't need my stable kiddo to go off the rails. But somehow, I just knew we would lose him. I knew if I didn't act, we could regret it for the rest of our lives. So, though internally stomping my feet as I saw my whole life changing right before my eyes, I walked out of that classroom with my cell phone in hand, telling my hubby, "I don't care what we do, we have to get him out of here or 6 months from now we won't recognize him." That was 3 1/2 years ago. It took me 4 months or so to get my formerly library loving kid to actually pick up a book for fun to read again, and once we regained that it was as if he had rediscovered a long lost love. How had I not seen how that had drifted so off course for him? I didn't see it because he was away from me most of the day, and I trusted the professionals to continue to encourage the love of learning, not have the system beat it out of him. We enrolled in art classes taught by an amazing teacher who did more than use construction paper and glue, we took piano lessons, we studied current events, we delved into why and how with everything. This week, I was moved to tears to see where letting him explore took us. Matthew decided he was interested in trying to help our aging, small church with technology. We have a projector and screen which go largely unused, so he wanted to create a slide who with music to use during worship. Luckily, we have the kind of congregation that embraces our youth, which really consists of our kids and one other family. "Come join us on the Worship Team!", they encouraged him. Monday, he presented his first slide show set to the music "Simple Gifts"...he learned the software with 10 minutes of instruction from me, and he was off and running...later explaining a few features to me that I had not understood. The room hushed, and the 4 other adults sat there watching in the dark as Matt's little clip showed. 3 minutes later, lights came up and our pastor turned and in all sincerity said, "I have goose bumps!! Where in the world did you learn to do that?". Matthew, tapping what he had learned from a good art and a good music teacher, was able to beautifully weave together images with music using panning and subtle (not garish) effects to create a truly touching 3 minutes on screen. I sat there thinking to myself that all we had done in 3 1/2 years culminated right before me, that he had taken all his education in a variety of disciplines, and applied it in a real life way. I was blown away by his creativity and sensitivity...as was everyone else. And it was just his first effort. I don't think I was ever as thankful for making the decision to homeschool as I was right then, as I could clearly see what had been wrought because of it. It's a small thing, I know, but it's really a pretty big thing. It was an adult thing out of a 13 year old kid, that in his own words, "I never would have done this if I was still in public school, Mom, as I would have been too worried about looking cool. It was fulfilling to see people touched by what I put together, and I really want to do more." I also "got it" in a new and powerful way, that if we give our kids tools, access, a little instruction, and opportunity...they can do things we could never imagine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 Thanks for sharing a fantastic success story! :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 :thumbup: Very encouraging! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heartsjoy Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 More of this please. So encouraging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 Wonderful, Cindy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpac Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 :hurray: :hurray: :hurray: Kudos to you and your son! Thank you for sharing. Very encouraging! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelle in MO Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 That is so wonderful! I'm glad you got to experience that! Way to go, family! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 Love this!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Random Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 I also "got it" in a new and powerful way, that if we give our kids tools, access, a little instruction, and opportunity...they can do things we could never imagine. This is wonderful! Thank you for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 I always love reading your posts about your beautiful family! You are an amazing mom of amazing kids. :thumbup1: Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunnyDays Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 It is wonderful to hear of his success!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlessedMom Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 Awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful story, my heart is blessed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhotoGal Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 So amazing! We had the same experience with our son being in school for two years. He started avoiding anything that even slightly looked like "learning." I really feel like homeschooling has allowed him to heal and open back up to learning. It is amazing! He didn't have a bad experience being in school, but something about it made him change. I'm so glad to see our curious and interested boy back. Congrats to you son for creating something so wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeghanL Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted March 14, 2013 Share Posted March 14, 2013 I needed to hear this today! Thanks for your sharing :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hot Lava Mama Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 Wow. Just. Wow. :) Hot Lava Mama Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quark Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 So inspiring! :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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