I have reconsidered my idea about placing Dakin in public school. I am really feeling now that I need to homeschool him, at least for now.
Here in Texas, Dakin would qualify for services through the local school district here in a few weeks when he turns three. We had decided to wait on the program a year for germ concerns and were going to stick him in next year, buuuuuut...
Nope. I'm going to homeschool. And here are my reasons:
1. Germs.
2. Germs.
3. I am a product of a mother who worked in the public school system for nearly three decades, and I have worked in it myself. She saw appalling things happen to the 'special needs' kids. So did I. I won't have it. Anyone that spends any time with Dakin can see that he is clearly intelligent, but due to his physical limitations he will be considered special needs. I will NOT have him labeled, placed in box and left there (it happens!!!). Won't do it. Saw it happen, and I won't. No no no.
4. Germs.
5. Dakin, at not even three, can count (he got all the way to 29 the other day!), knows his letters, all his colors, shapes and animals. Even the weird ones. I don't want him sitting in a pre-K class wondering why he's the most advanced kid in the room. Bored kids cause trouble.
6. I just feel good about it.
7. I forgot to mention germs.
Now, don't get me wrong. I am a graduate of the public school system. I got an amazing education. If Dakin were running around like other kids, this would not even be a question. He would be in public school. But I think, considering everything, this is best for him right now. If in a few years he decides he wants to be in public school, I will put him in.
I'm actually really looking forward to it. I have a degree in education and have done a lot in curriculum planning, so I know I have my work cut out for me. Starting up next fall!! Wish me luck!
Sweet Dakin (it rhymes with bacon!) Boy
Here's our sweet little one. He is an inspiration and a joy to us every day. His courage is astonishing.
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8 comments:
Good luck with the homeschooling. I chose to keep Junior at home as well for the same reasons. Junior does have a home instructor come out to the house a few times a week and that is through our local school district. For the most part though I home school him.
I taught kids with special needs (there are definite ups and downs to public schools)!
I'm homeschooling Kate. I registered her for kindergarten, but when I went to parent orientation, I was...disappointed. So she's home with me. She's reading, adding, and doing great. I wish you the best in teaching your little man.
I'm sure you will do an excellent job homeschooling Dakin. We decided on keeping Isaac home because of well...germs!
I keep Caleb home as well. I think that when you follow your heart, you can't go wrong :)
As long as you feel good about your decision then do it! Dakin is a beautiful, intelligent little boy who deserves to be treated as such and besides those pesky GERMS!
I don't blame you one bit. I myself have been considering homeschooling. We recently found out that Kai may be autistic, but we are still testing before giving him a diagnosis. Ever since I was told that he may be autisitic I have felt the same. I knew and worked with children with autisim and I saw horrible things and I can't stand the idea of Kai going through the same kind of things. My mother works in the special needs area where she lives and she too is upset by the things she sees. I think you are making a wonderful decision. Best of luck with everything.
You are absolutely making the right decision. Wyatt went to school without as many limitations as Dakin, for a very short(couple weeks) time and it was a NIGHTMARE. Kids spit in his face, threw dirt at him, took his ball away from him, punched him on the bus and the teachers couldn't give a rats behind about his education....they simply gave him less work because they did not want to deal with him:( It was awful and he started loosing his very high self esteem which nearly crushed me. He has stayed homeschooled all the way through now with that exception and is a happy thriving 8.5 year old who loves life, enjoys his uniqueness and would never look at himself as someone weird because here at home he is just our Wyatt!
You will do great. I am a germ freak too and when people ask if we will send Owen to school I just look at them like, 'are you kidding'. Good luck with teaching that precious boy of yours.
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