Today's post is inspired by a website I came across called WDYDWYD? This is why I love the web! I was struck by it because 'Why Do You Do What You Do' is something I get asked quite a bit;
Why doesn't your son go to school?
Why do you teach him at home?
Why do you do what you do?
It's a useful question to be asked, as it reminds me why we made this choice. But it's a long answer… his disastrous start to school aged 4 and a half (too young); the brickwall of the national curriculum and testing; the zero tolerance of the reception year classroom. The banging of square pegs into round holes and heads against walls. His refusal to write, his fear, anger and tantrums.
I go on to explain the change of schools, in the hope that the private education system, smaller class sizes and a fresh approach would work. (It didn't.)
A full statement of Special Needs and endless psych. reports, all inconclusive. An offer at another school, withdrawn a week later because the Governors didn't want another SEN child 'distracting' their children.
The certainty, that if we didn't remove him from the situation he'd be lost- to education, to himself, to us.
And three years later, after an uphill struggle, he has begun to move forward. Nay, RUSH forward. The child written off age 5 now, age nearly 10, reads Dickens and Shakespeare, is happily (usually!) studying a full curriculum, and in the last week has mastered long division, the sex life of plants, interviewed a veteran of WW2 for a local radio station, enjoyed a philosophical debate on the differences between dystopia and utopia, made a mind map of the meaning of freedom, performed a monologue in front of his peers at Drama club and won his next Karate belt.
I know this sounds like a bragging session from a proud mum, and apologies to those of you who have heard this story a thousand times before, but this is why I do what I do.
Excellent, thought-provoking blog entry, Maz, and a wonderful shot to go with it. x
Posted by: Amanda | March 01, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Excellent, thought-provoking blog entry, Maz, and a wonderful shot to go with it. x
Posted by: Amanda | March 01, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Excellent, thought-provoking blog entry, Maz, and a wonderful shot to go with it. x
Posted by: Amanda | March 01, 2008 at 01:05 PM
wonderful! a pat on the back for you both (^_^)
Posted by: Bambi | March 01, 2008 at 01:28 PM
It brought tears to my eyes, warmth to my heart ,and great pride that our daughter & grandson have achieved so much in so short a time.Ma & Pa xxxxx
Posted by: Anne Newell | March 01, 2008 at 04:21 PM
WOW well done you! I wish I had that kind of support while I was struggling at school. great photo too.
Posted by: Louise | March 01, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Oh Maz you are so special - but that photo ... oh dear I have tears. You two are a great team ... look how far you have come! You will inspire and encourage so many people by that posting. So glad you are my friend x
Lousyx
Posted by: Louise | March 01, 2008 at 06:24 PM
loves you Maz.
You are an inspiration.
Kirstyx
Posted by: Kirsty Wiseman | March 01, 2008 at 07:38 PM
loves you Maz.
You are an inspiration.
Kirstyx
Posted by: Kirsty Wiseman | March 01, 2008 at 07:38 PM
Wow, a truly inspirational story and fab photo to match x
Posted by: Zoe | March 01, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Well done you! Too many kids fall through the gaps - and I say that as a teacher!
xx
Posted by: Jen | March 01, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Hi again - just to let you know no offence was taken AT ALL!! We do a lot in our school for the "square peg" kids but it all goes to pot when we hand them up to the Junior school - it drives me MAD! So I know all too well that the kids that need us most are often failed by the "system" - thanks for dropping me a comment today :)
xxx
Posted by: Jen | March 01, 2008 at 10:12 PM
hi, great pic and what a wonderful mum/ teacher you are!!!, thanks for the comment. sadly it is a very pic cheat thanks to the joy of flickster but it looks cool and am happy with it!!! :)
Posted by: Stefi | March 01, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Good on you! There will always be those people that question why we don't all do the same for our kids...... it's because they are all different and what works for some doesn't necessarily work for all. You know what's best for yours and I know what's best for mine. My kids are in a Montessori school, which in NZ is out of the norm and we often feel we have to justify our decision. It's just what works best for us and feels right!
Go for it - keep doing what you're doing is all I say!!
Posted by: lara.crosby | March 01, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Wonderful story. Matt was a square peg in primary school but luckily I come from a family of teachers, Mum, Dad, Step Mum, Aunt, Uncle so there was lots of support to get him through it. Now at High School he fits in perfectly, is coming on leaps and bounds and loves it. x
Posted by: Rachael | March 02, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Well done you! you should be proud of yourself.
Great thought proking shot!
Posted by: Louise | March 02, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I want to comment now BUT have just picked up your comment and wanted to let you know all is well. Have had pain so resting my right arm. Sorry should have posted a short note :-(
But feeling better now, finishing the post I tried to complete yesterday and then coming back to you to catch up.
Speak properly then.
Sue :-)
Posted by: Sue Nicholson | March 02, 2008 at 11:17 AM
And so after both a disasterous, don't ask, and equally wonderful day, I am back to be able to comment.
Maz, this is a very thought provoking post.
I have a child who fits well in to the state system and, although there are "holes" in his education, has generally thrived in it and still does.
So I thought my second child would simply follow. Not so :-( It just doesn't work like that. We also tried Private when she was 9 and the Headteacher turned my daughters world completely around. For that I shall be eternally grateful. She was a shadow of the girl she is today, BUT Maz, she will never "fit" and accepting that has made all the difference. She is wonderful, clever, kind and with a great sense of right an wrong BUT still doesn't fit :-( I'll tell you about it sometime over a cuppa tea OR a glass of wine :-) Look forward to it.
I am FULL of admiration for what you do out of sheer love for your son. Despite what you say, sometimes I know it must be so very hard. A Mother's love is exceptional don't you think? You are an amazing woman Maz and you should be very proud of both what you and your son have achieved :-)
Go ahead brag girl :-) Be proud :-)
Sue :-)
Posted by: Sue Nicholson | March 02, 2008 at 06:38 PM
well all of that is certainly something to be proud of! i don't know if i would even slightly know wher to begin with home schooling..and to be able to do it, where he could understand and ENJOY it all the same! PS- i love your artwork..it moves me..
Posted by: Welcome Youngs | March 07, 2008 at 09:07 PM
I've just discovered your blog and this post brought me to tears. You have done an amazing thing for your son! The heart of a mother is a powerful force. Thanks for posting this, your courage is inspirational.
Posted by: Julie K | March 11, 2008 at 03:34 PM