My Broken Fiat
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Can I Homeschool?

4/20/2014

5 Comments

 
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That's a question that's been bouncing around back and forth, over and over the last few months.

Truthfully, it's been something sitting in the back of my mind ever since Vince was a baby.

The answer to that question is "Yes, I can homeschool Vincent."

In theory, my background is education.  I've taught children from preschool to high school. I've tweaked curricula to account for struggling students and I've developed entire lesson plans to challenge those gifted with a natural appetite for knowledge.  So in theory, I could easily homeschool Vincent.  

Theories, however, are often-times victims of reality.  In this case, I don't believe homeschooling is the best option for Vincent.  While my background with education is proven and strong, I don't have proper experience with Sensory Processing Disorder. Obviously I can learn, but do I want to subject Vincent to months of my own trial and error until I figure out the best course of action for him?

I fear that's doing him a disservice.

Then there's the question of financial feasibility.  Are we able to rely solely on John's income?  We can for a few months, but long-term?  We'd really need to crunch the numbers to come up with a realistic long-term picture.  

And then I worry for his social development.  Most home-school families have a number of siblings, so they are able to learn social cues even amongst themselves.  There are no real homeschool groups in my area... the closest to me is about 30 minutes away and in a different state.  Again, that doesn't seem to be the most efficient course of action.  

I can always put him into extra-curricular activities, but I truly believe there is something to be said for learning in groups (even small ones).  I want that for Vincent because I believe with the proper care, he will flourish in such setting.  

Right now, though, it looks as if I'll need to spend the next two months with him.  I don't know what that's going to translate to in terms of work.  It depends on how my conversation goes tomorrow with my bosses.  Will I be able to take a two month leave?  I honestly don't know.  They can't really afford to lose a worker right now, especially given the contract we just took upon ourselves.  But I have no other options for Vincent right now, so I either am granted leave or I give notice.  Either way, it is in God's Hands and I'm sure it will work out as it's supposed to.

But I don't put forth that option as a last resort or even a jest.  I truly say it knowing it's a valid option... just one I don't necessarily think is right for Vincent.  I know I'm a good teacher, but I'm not entirely confident in my ability to learn new techniques that would specifically benefit Vincent in a manner that a seasoned special-ed instructor in a special-ed classroom would have already mastered.  

Those are my thoughts, anyway.  

I have so much respect for homeschoolers.  I don't know that I am organized and effective enough to do it for my own son.  That makes me feel like a bit of a let-down, but I'm trying to be as honest with myself as possible because I don't want my arrogance to be the cause of him falling further behind, ya know?

But thanks for all the encouragement and prayers.  What a blessing your e-mails and comments were.  I love you guys so much.  Please know I kept you in my Easter prayers this weekend, too.  <3  My family and I are blessed by your generosity of spirit.

5 Comments
Brett
4/20/2014 06:08:25 pm

Samantha and I will pray for the Lord to guide you during this difficult decision.

Reply
Monique link
4/21/2014 12:45:27 am

Prayers for you as you decide this decision. Homeschooling can work. I only have two children, but we are involved in a variety of outside activities. Co-ops, sports, support groups. I few years ago, we had so many activites planned that it became impossible to do them all and our school work. There are so many wonderful blogs out there that share stories of homeschooling children with special needs, like autism. I would take a look at them and also check to see what groups are avaible to you. You may meet some wonderful ladies that can help give you guidance. The homeschooling community is usually very supportive. I hope you find the answers you are searching for, no matter what your decision is.

Reply
Anabelle Hazard link
4/21/2014 01:16:27 am

Happy Easter, Gina! If I had a blog before I started homeschooling, this is exactly what I sounded like. I was weighing my options, pros and cons, praying and praying about it. And because I confused myself in circles, in the end I asked God: well Lord, you make the decision for me. He did, of course. Since you are discerning, I am confident God will guide in you in making the best choice for Vincent. Let me just say that I would, in a heartbeat, exchange my useless management background for your education degree.

Reply
Kristen link
4/21/2014 06:12:21 am

I know this conundrum well. Ultimately, I do not have the necessary experience or skills to educate the girl at home with all of the sensory needs she has and the other lovely curveballs autism likes to throw at our house. On top of that, she NEEDS the age-level appropriate socialization and I cannot mimic that at home and because the girl is so "severe" or "low functioning" there are certain ways I would need to teach her social skills. So I can totally empathize with how it feels to be torn. In the end it wasn't the right situation for the girl or us, but we will be praying. And as a wise mom once told me, the decision you make now is not the decision you have to live with for all time. ((HUGS))

Reply
Kathryn H.
4/22/2014 10:16:03 am

It is said God does not close doors without opening others. Praying for you to find yours. He is faithful. :-)

Reply



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