Saturday, April 21, 2012

Whatever is best

Beauty has always been home schooled. It was a decision Hubs and I made when she was two.  When we realized she was a special learner with specific challenges, I sought out the speech therapy she needed but continued to home school her. Even now, she receives speech services through the public school.

Last Wednesday I did what I thought I would never, ever, do:  I called the public school's director of ARC and told her I planned on enrolling Beauty in the fall.  Since Beauty had already been evaluated by the school to see if she qualified for speech, the special education department is familiar and acquainted with her.  They are tickled she will be joining them come August.

You may be asking why the change in heart.  Well, my heart has not changed. I still think home schooling is the best form of education.....for most children. I have every intention of home schooling Buck.  Beauty LOVES going to see Ms. Payton for speech on Fridays. She loves walking through the school and getting glimpses of the other kids.  Last year she got to know the teacher of the FMD unit, and still asks about her.  I think the school will provide an atmosphere in which she will thrive.  Having met her teacher, the aids and all the special ed staff, I know she will be in good hands.  I also greatly appreciate their respecting my decision to home school, without once ever trying to talk me out of it.

One of my biggest concerns was Beauty getting lost within the "special ed bubble" and the possible esteem issues surrounding that. Honestly though, I am not sure she will even be aware that she is in a "special class", or even care. She spends so much time in her own little fantasy world, she hardly notices the other children. Let's not forget that I have felt called to home school, so obviously do not want to go outside God's will.  The last few days, though, I have a strong sense that He is telling me it is time for Beauty to enter this next stage.  I must trust in the fact that she belongs to Him and He loves her more than even I do. Beauty is a special child with a unique future.  I will do whatever He leads me to do concerning what is best for her. 

It is very likely Beauty will spend some time at the school, getting acclamated to their routine before the school year ends.  I welcome this orientation.

8 comments:

  1. Hello! Glad to have found you through VB. Kudos to you for following God's will. Isn't it such an overwhelming thought that He loves our children more than we do? Prayers that your entire family adjusts to her starting school and that the teachers have the wisdom they need to help guide her through this process. Thanks for sharing your story! Tracy

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  2. I think it is wonderful that you've homeschooled...as you stated sometimes there is a need to move on and I pray she can adjust well.

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  3. Awe. It is wonderful that you are so in tune with Beauty's needs and yours as well. My heart tells me she is welcoming this new stage in her life, just as much as you are. Blessings to you both.

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  4. I hope everything goes well for her at school. I'm a special education teacher in an elementary school and I work hard every day not only to teach the students but to let them know I care and that they are in a safe environment. Will she be in a special ed classroom or in an inclusion program? I have taught in both and find benefits of both. If you have any questions about special ed in the public schools I'd be more then happy to answer them for you.

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  5. Thank you ladies for your kind encouragement.

    Heather-bless your heart. You have such an important and blessed job. To answer your question, she will spend most of the day in the FMD classroom, but will be with regular class for subjets such as PE, art, science and social studies. At least that is my understaning thus far.

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  6. What an exciting time for her! I home schooled our kids for awhile too and then they went back to public schools. There's a time and a season for everything. Each school setting serves it's purpose as it's needed. Sounds like she'll be in great hands...enjoy the new adventure with her. :)

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  7. I'm often amazed with parents who home school. I simply do not have the patience :)

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  8. Wonderful blog, I also homeschool have been for 4 years, and I love it. Thanks so much for sharing.

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