My son (6th grade), has been in PS all his life, up until last week. Our first day of homeschool will begin tomorrow. It would have been Monday, however after his last beating at school, he needed time to get his head straight. He had around 12 students surround him on the playground. He couldn't get out of the circle. While in the circle, kids took turns beating him. This was actually the 3rd time this year. Last year and the year before were filled with the same. Dealing with Epilepsy on top of it, memory loss etc... PS is no longer an option. We've removed it from the equation. Friday I found that they had him in the in school suspension room. It's a small room with no windows. He had severe diarrhea and the room smelled awful. He had been in there for about 4 hours. I grabbed him and his stuff and we left around 12. We later called and told them...we were done. Their reason for him being in that room? To protect him! Mind you he also has a sensory disorder making that little room torture! We QUIT! Actually, I think my son quit long ago. So now it is my job to get him back to loving learning. Feels rather daunting! I didn't make this decision lightly. We've been considering it for years. Then when the 5 kids down the road were shot yesterday in Chardon and finding out my daughters friend was sitting at the next table...well...let's just say, it moved our decision along even quicker. So now the interesting part will be getting him back on track. His Ohio achievement scores are above average. But that's only language arts and math. His science has slipped. But they didn't test for that. Anyone know of some great books to get him back into the spirit of enjoying science? I did find some rather interesting science experiments online....LOL...the one we tried this morning didn't work...Does anyone have any ideas for some great science things to try for a 12 year old boy? We're going to be trying to charge the ipod with the fruit as I'm sure he'll be thrilled to try it. Any other suggestions are welcome. I just need to start his brain back up in the science area.
I am going to offer advice that will sound backwards, but from all I have read and experienced, I think it is the way to go especially given your son's recent tragedy. I would de-school for a while. Put away any textbooks and concerns about keeping on target. Have some good old fashioned fun together- play some board games, watch movies, watch documentaries, read together (out loud or individually), go for walks, go to the library, go to museums, do some yard work or a home project that you can share and on and on. I would urge you NOT to make it educational or school like for a while. The time frame for this varies. I have read it is a good idea to do a month for every year they were in school. This may not be possible. If that is too long- I would at least suggest a couple of months. Now, here is where the fear starts. What about getting behind schedule? What about someone reporting us? What if he forgets what he has already learned? I look at those fears in light of this: What if a break can recharge his mental batteries? What if a break can help heal those wounds? What if a break can help your relationship with him be even stronger (it sounds like it is already very strong)? What if I buck the system and actually help him in the way that is best for HIM? Even if you are off the normal schedule, it will be OK. You can always homeschool at times when public school is off and you can take breaks when public school is open. YOU get to decide your schedule. He is at a good age to not worry about getting behind, especially in science and history and such. There is a LOT of repetition in those subjects. You can use this time to read up on all different homeschooling methods/philosophies. It might overwhelm you at first, but let the information sink in and it won't be so overwhelming after a while. I am going to recommend an excellent book for any homeschooler: I Saw the Angel in the Marble--this is a book that is so precious to me, I won't lend it out unless I know the person is good at returning items. I will also give you some links. If you read this stuff, please remember that some of it will sound a little "out there" (or at least it did to me). Give it some honest thought and be willing to let go of pre-conceived notions of education and learning (if you have them). http://www.homeschoolingboys.com/hsboys/articles/14.html http://www.homeschooloasis.com/art_animal_school.htm (there are a bunch of great articles here) http://www.blessed2bless.us/by-others/homeschool-not-about-education-by-chris-davis.html I hope I haven't overwhelmed you. I just wish I knew some of this stuff before I started homeschooling my son in 7th grade. We went through some rough patches, but now everything is much better (not perfect, but much better). I am so glad I decided to bring him home.
Oh, by the way, congratulations on making a hard but wonderful decision. I pray that your son and you have a great time.
Wow! I read your post and it brought tears to my eyes! I am so sorry your son and your family had to go through that. I totally agree with the first poster...if I were in that position, I would de-school for a while. Let your son just relax - go to the library, zoo, museums, puzzles, writing stories, reading, legos, erector, fun experiments, learn a new hobby, ect. Eventually, maybe find a homeschool or church class/group around his age so he can get into and experience real social interaction (from your post it seems like its been bad for a while). Also, I know you weren't asking opinions about what happened at PS, but I am wondering, are you taking any action? Good luck and God bless!
I am so glad you removed him from the ps. It sounds like an awful experience for him. For science you might want to check out the following books: Pure Slime and Gonzo Gizmos. Those things are right up a 12 year old's alley. Just choose one or two things to try a week. Then in the fall you can start up with a planned curriculum.
I wouldn't do any formal school work for a long while if I were you. He is going need time to relax and adjust to his new normal. If you are really concerned about it, read living books together, hang out at the museum or parks and observe history and nature, journal here and there. I am floored by what has happened with your sweet guy in PS. Just horrifying! You have absolutely just made the best decision EVER regarding his long term educational success. I wouldn't put too much stock into test scores either. My oldest was commended on state tests and can't multiply worth a flip. Intensely frustrating for her when she misses questions because of multiplication mistakes. We are consistently going back and re-learning things she had "mastered." She feels really bad about it at first, but when she actually gets it I LOVE to see her light up all over
Thank you all for advice. No, we haven't taken legal action, although we have been on the phone with his advocate from the epilepsy foundation. While I'd love to start a battle, I just have to focus on my son right now. We just had our first good nights sleep in 3 years! After 4th grade, when we informed the teacher of his epilepsy (which he';s had since BIRTH!), she informed the class...including how he may 'wet' himself. It's been downhill from there! The staff from last year was literally all transfered out to different buildings. That was 5th grade...more drama. As for this year, we're just leaving it. I'm literally exhausted! When I took him out of that building Friday at 12....his shoulders, his face, everything about him relaxed...when I told him he never had to go back....he cried. We have spent the last 4 days, hugging and crying it all out. It's the first time he has hugged me in ....I don't KNOW how long! Everything about him...his anger, his frustration, his sadness....it's lifted off of him like a dark rain cloud. He's smiling, he's laughing....I'm sorry, I'm having a hard time typing without tears, so pardon my errors. I love this young man so very much and it was killing me to watch him disappear these past few years. Honestly, I'm just so happy to have him home. Today we baked a cake, tried an experiment or two, walked the dog...generally, we goofed around! LOL But it was a long time coming. And I promised him, that if he would do his level best to pay attention and care about his future, then I would try my level best to make sure that future becomes a reality. I really do love this boy, he's an amazing kid.
Bravo! I am so blessed by this story! I love reading the stories where I can just see the cloud being lifted and feel the joy of coming home anew!! Thanks! And best of luck!!
It's sad what our children go through. I want to agree with the rest that you need to deschool. I'm sure taking him out will make a big difference on him and you.
Poor guy!!! Well, it's obvious to you you've made the right decision; you've got your son back!!! Cabsmom is absolutely right. Concentrate on him for he rest of the year, not academics. He'll more than make up for what he "missed" in the fall. You might do nature studies, read a lot, do "fun science", etc. Oh, and if you're anywhere near central Ohio, there's a day of HEROS CAMP, designed for hs'ed kids. Really inexpensive ($15 for the day) and lots of fun. If you want info, pm me and I'll send it to you!
I am so glad you decided to pull him out of this situation. My prayers are with you both during this new beginning.
