Isn't it funny how we think we know what we need. I guess it's because we so often confuse wants and needs. But really, God knows our every need and will meet them according to Himself, not according to anything having to do with us. All we bring the situation are the needs. We are not the ones to meet the needs or even offer suggestions as to the best way to have our needs met.
My point is that this move to Arkansas is what we needed. If only for Streed, it was what we needed. Yes I was going to homeschool in Baton Rouge. But, the co-op in BR was full. I would have been on my own. This co-op here has been my lifeblood. Apart from the co-op though, homeschool has been what Streed needed. I noticed very quickly that his developmental speech delay from a few years ago is still an issue. I had not noticed it because he speaks great. But, the first few days of school he was having a hard time with his phonics lessons. I quickly realized it was related to his delay. I mentioned it to a few friends who are speech therapists and they confirmed what I thought. All language is connected. Streed's issue is with the way he received information, his receptive speech. They told me this when he was in speech therapy but I guess it did not compute. Maybe I have a delay too ;)
Anyway, I got teared up because I was so thankful God had led me to homeschool. I knew it was what he needed. I could imagine that even an excellent teacher would not have the time to devote to him. He would have learned to read but could quite possibly always be a little behind. I could imagine him being in a classroom having trouble sounding out words while others around him, like his sister, were getting it really easily. I could imagine a spirit of low self-esteem and lack of confidence in the area of school developing. Oh it made me so sad but it also made me so grateful.
As I was sharing my fears of him getting behind my friend made a statement--in Kindergarten and 1st grade they learn to read, after that they are reading to learn! She sent me a whole packet of information to do with Streed to help with his delay. I am actually working on developing parts of his brain--it is so cool!
I do a lot of memory work. I say a series of words or numbers and he has to repeat them back to me. He really has a difficult time with the numbers. So, we will keep working. One thing we do is I ask questions and he has to give a yes or no answer. This works on his auditory reception which will eventually help him with meaningful verbal expression.
One funny example.
Me: Can you buy meat by the pound?
Streed: No. You buy dogs at the pound.
He was supposed to just give a yes/no answer. I am so glad he decided to explain his answer. I absolutely cracked up. Hilarious.
8 comments:
i am so glad this is good for you. I see the same things with Jake - only different issues. He has vision problems from his occular albinism and now that we are doing things differently he is moving right along. And the sweet times with them. It has been so worth it to me. today I spent an hour playing battleship with him and then another hour cuddled in his bed reading Charlotte's web and laughing hysterically at the gander. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything. I must say I haven't found my lifeblood out side of this house yet but truthfully I haven't spent much of this year looking. It will come. glad you are doing well
Our sweet boy will be fine as you know. I am glad he is home with you. I am thankful for the co-op and your ST friends who have helped you. I love the "learning to read and then reading to learn". Keep developing that brain mommy/teacher. You are awesome! Moma
You are doing the best job and I can't imagine any teacher loving him and being as patient as you are!
Sweet sweet Streedums. God is so good. And Streed is so blessed to have you as his mommy.
At first I didn't understand why you absolutely cracked up. Then I read it again and about died. That was gold.
Shelley, you are giving Streed exactly what he needs.... teaching him at his pace in a loving and excepting environment that is only set up for his success. Hats off to you. I love homeschooling because who better knows the strengths and weaknesses of a child but his mother. I am finding it is a rare to see a mother completely devoted to her children. This post just makes me smile. Well done girl!!!
he is so funny!!! you are the best mama and i am so glad home schooling is working out. God is blessing you guys in so many ways and it's really neat to watch Shelley!! love ya! anne
This post is so encouraging! Glad things are going well for your family!
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