I think it has always been in my nature to question things. Well, not everything but I frequently find myself asking "Why this?" or "Why that?" I wouldn't say that I'm curious about how something works but more curious about why a certain process is in place or routine happens; more socially and politically, not why is the sky blue or how do radio antennas work.
People often think I'm opinionated. Which, I probably am. But really, most of the time I'm trying to figure out the theory or philosophy or "the thinking" as to why something is happening. So I question.
Where I find one of my largest dilemmas currently is education. I've probably spent about 5 years (basically since Jaron was born) thinking and questioning and wondering why we do certain things in regards to educating our children. Often times my questioning has led me to do things differently from others and it isn't because I have anything against status quo. Mostly it's because I'm wondering what exactly is right for my child in this circumstance and situation.
I'm not a perfect mother; so far from it! If I were than I probably would never yell, never get frustrated,and have an amazing amount of patience and capability to home school my children. Then I wouldn't have to deal so much with the questions I have in regards to public education. But I'm full of inadequacies as much as the next person, just different ones.
I do wonder if I'm completely crazy and I need to relax and just "go with the flow" as they say. But then I start feeling this little nagging feeling that something needs to be different. And then I start questioning again. Once I think I've figured out one issue then something else comes up and it's another battle to fight.
I'm feeling a little bit of anxiety at the idea of Jaron starting Kindergarten next week. Yes, some of it might be due to that "letting go" but a lot of it is concern for the unknown. The loss of control. Did I mention that I'm also a bit of a control-freak?? I hope to find ways to be appropriately involved but also to make a small difference in not only my son's education but the education of other children.
I'm curious about you more experienced ones out there. Any suggestions for this newbie? How to best approach concerns with the teacher or principal so it's a give and take and not them just thinking how crazy you are? The best way to be involved? Ways to overcome my anxiety?
I'm sure by the time my last child enters school I'll look back and laugh at myself. At least, I hope so.
5 comments:
I have questioned the school system for a long time (and not just because I didn't like high school). I've found the best way to be involved is to volunteer IN the classroom (it's a challenge with younger kids--hopefully you have someone you can trade with, or another mom in Jaron's class). Be a reading group leader once a week or even put together worksheets and do copies while in class. This lets you interact with the teacher and other students, see what/how Jaron is doing and how everyone interacts. It also helps build a relationship with the teacher so if there is something Jaron needs, you are already there, have a rapport with the teacher and can make sure the plan is followed up. Good luck--I cried like a baby when both of my boys wen to kindergarten!
I agree - get involved in the classroom. Help the teacher (find out her best method of communication - email, etc and communicate with her if you have any problems, talk to Jaron when he gets home about more than just "how was school?".....ask questions: did you meet someone new, were you nice to everyone, is there someone who was teased today, did anyone tease you (awful when they answer this yes.....), who did you eat lunch with (our kids go full day kindergarten)....
I was fine sending Lea to school until it had to be done. I'm still a nervous wreck every time I drop her off - will she be safe, what challenges will come her way today, will she make the right choice, did I teach her enough, what can I do better and man, I shouldn't have yelled at her before leaving for school.....some mornings are rough. :)
Also we play the primary songs on the way to school - one last ditch effort to reinforce who she is and what we believe. Good luck - stay involved and you'll both be great!
Good luck with the transition!
Things do feel better when you are in the school enough to know the teacher, staff, and especially the other kids. I would love to trade babysitting with you so we could both get time in the school.
I have also found volunteering in the classroom to be a big help. I have always found another parent to trade off childcare with me. Sending your first to kindergarten is tough. Hang in there! And I don't think you are a control freak! You like to have things in control, which is different and there is nothing wrong with that! A control-freak takes other peoples control away because they want it all. You don't do that!! Totally miss you and wish we could send our boys off to kindergarten together!
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