Kerry Kibort

This one, I think, is a prime NON-structure
> candidate
I'm so glad you said that. I have been struggling with
the same thing. My 7 year old boy has alot of the
qualities that usually are dubbed ADD or ADHD. I,
personally, think he is a normal , yet very active and
enthusiastic boy. He went to public school for grades
K-1 and we were always being called in for "disruptive
behavior" and told that he "just cant seem to stop
talking, moving, disrupting class." We were always
left shaking our heads, not sure if our gut feelings
were right---- How can any child sit still for so long
without wanting to break out and have some fun. I know
alot of kids do it, but I couldnt see my son doing it.
Finally, with 3 weeks left to 1st grade, we pulled him
out. We just couldnt take it anymore! They(school)
were trying to tell my son he was bad, and he was
starting to BE bad!
We started off this school year with some school at
home. It was a disaster, and after alot of reading and
research about unschooling, we decided to try it, even
if it would be temporary. This child is blossoming
already! He is able to sit and read quietly, as long
as he has made the decision to do so. If I say "why
dont you go read a book?" he whines, complains, etc. I
guess this is whst unschooling is, right? I had been
feeling a ton of pressure about unschooling, too,
bacause my sister is a school teacher and I figured
she'd be onto me if things werent working out well.
She is also in charge of evaluating homeschoolers in
her school district(not mine!). She offered to
evaluate him for me, to let me know where I stand, and
I was really glad for this, but also VERY nervous. She
came last Friday, and while I paced the floor, they
worked together for a good hour. She announced
"Congratulations Mom! You're son is at an end of third
grade reading level, 2nd grade writing." My heart felt
so good. She hugged me and told me not to worry, he
was doing fine. I couldnt have felt better. I promised
myself to relax more and let my son find his way. So
much of the pressure is off now, and although I am
still nervous, I know that atleast I dont have to
worry about him being behind.
I'm still having trouble accepting that he'll learn
what he needs without alot of textbooks and
worksheets, but I am hoping to gain confidence through
this group. I realize I have really ranted here, I
hope I'm not the first!
Any help or suggestions for this first year of our
adventure in unschooling will be greatly appreciated.
Kerry
--- SandraDodd@... wrote:
> In a message dated 00-11-11 23:18:38 EST,
> Burkfamily9@... writes:
>
> << -I have a 7 year old with major attention/focus
> problems who would most likely be diagnosed ADHD if
> I
> let him be. >>
>
> This one, I think, is a prime NON-structure
> candidate.
>
>