Well, it looks like the day has finally come. My dh has given me the "ok" to homeschool full time. I have been hs'ing my dd part time, along with her going to ps, but in light of some recent occurrences that the school misled us on (saying she had a parapro with her daily and does not:evil, we've decided enough is enough and that we can't let her get any further behind academically. While I'm happy, I'm also scared. It's one thing to do it as a supplemental program, another full time. Please pray that God will give me peace in our decision. While it's what I have wanted for a long time, I don't down play the time, energy and diligence such an undertaking will require. Our dd is already approx 2 yrs. behind academically and is emotionally impaired. I'm afraid others will look at her and think that I'm failing her by hs'ing her, because they won't know where we are starting from. I know it shouldn't matter what others think, really I do. But, I feel like for awhile anyway, the spotlight will be on, how is she (me) doing? Is it what's best? etc. etc. On one hand I have peace, but on the other I have fear. Please keep me in your prayers and I know I will be asking plenty of questions:angel:
mommy32, you will do a wonderful job!!!! It will take a bit of time, but you will gradually learn what works and what doesn't. If something isn't working, do not beat yourself up over it. Take it as a learning experience and move on to something else until you see what will work for your family. I am praying for a peace of mind. Remember, have fun!!!!!
One thing I have found is that my dd has actually matured more in her social skills since she is hsing. The thing is, we live in the boonies so we don't even get out much BUT I've noticed how self-confident she is compared to when she was in ps. If anything, your dd will probably be way ahead of what you could even imagine before long!
A parapro is basically a teacher's aide. Thanks for the vote of confidence. I think I question my patience more than anything. She has ADHD so some days it's a struggle to even get her attention, much less do school work. I'm hoping and praying that we are making the right decision.
I know there are families on here who are dealing with the ADHD issue and can probably give you some suggestions. I've read that having the child sit on an excercise ball helps them to concentrate!
I think you'll find you can accomplish more in less time even with ADHD because if she needs to bounce on a big ball while listening to you read to her, etc......SHE CAN!!! If she needs to run around the house 3 times before she can focus again....SHE CAN!!!:lol: My son is 5. Although he's not ADD or ADHD, he is a WIGGLY 5 year BOY (110% if you know what I mean). We do his schooling in small doses. He does reading....then has a wiggle break......does math........break..........handwriting........break.....you get the picture. While this may make the day seem longer to me......it works out best for him. He started about 14 months ago barely knowing his letter sounds....he's just finished Hooked on Phonics Deluxe Level 2 (which is comparable to about mid-1st grade year). He struggles with sight words but has progressed so much better than I could have guessed when we started last March. Honestly, we're lucky if we work on it 4 days per week for 10-15 mins (tops). Still the individual time we do spend is just on him and what he needs...not the other 20 wiggly kids in a class. Take a deep breath!! You can do it!!!
My dd is 12 and I wouldn't say she could be labeled ADHD, she does have trouble focusing and gets distracted easily. I had to laugh when she came up with the expression "excessive excitabilities" in place of "I'm bored". She knows I will get on her for that! I am seeing the restlessness picking up as she is getting older. Thank goodness she has been going out in the yard and burning off the energy with here dog!
Is there a way you can document (including dates)where she is right now? Then later when you wonder why you're doing this, you can look back and see how she has progressed! Also, if anyone decides to question you, you can have those records to show where she started out! Rhonda's right--let her bounce or run or walk or whatever she needs to do to learn. My ds14 would be considered ADHD if he was in school. He's done all the things mentioned above, and he often needs to say things out loud for them to stick in his head. He CAN do that because he's homeschooled, and we can work with him how he needs! I will certainly be praying for you! I hope things go well! Please let us know how you're all doing, and ask any questions you may have!
