tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post2732504957328725348..comments2023-06-07T22:26:22.074+10:00Comments on Finding that place called Home: To school or not to schoolVanessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09205721394366642669noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-87201549869343287572012-11-29T13:55:49.420+11:002012-11-29T13:55:49.420+11:00Thank you for sharing this post with me, Vanessa! ...Thank you for sharing this post with me, Vanessa! I empathize with your journey of selecting a school path for your family...it's something I think about a great deal. I believe strongly in supporting the public school system from a social justice standpoint, but I also really struggle with the idea of public school for my family. Thank you for sharing your journey!! (And I'm so glad to virtually meet you!) xo, EmilyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-17807860099618424192012-10-12T13:18:30.707+11:002012-10-12T13:18:30.707+11:00Hello there, thanks for stopping by, and for shari...Hello there, thanks for stopping by, and for sharing your experience. I had almost ruled out homeschooling before reading your comment. Very unsure about what we'll end up doing!Vanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09205721394366642669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-2152036531875735592012-10-10T18:41:17.398+11:002012-10-10T18:41:17.398+11:00Just found your blog via Pink Fibro and found this...Just found your blog via Pink Fibro and found this post too! Highly sensitive - yep. BTDT!! Great work following your gut to put off school for a year. Having two highly sensitive kids as well, and one boy who after several years in the school system (despite me holding him back a year) was riddled with anxiety and depression, we found ourselves homeschooling.<br /><br />Please consider it. It took one comment from an online friend who had a similar child to convince me it was worth a go. We have never looked back and even sceptical relatives are now convinced as they see how happy and relaxed he now is. <br /><br />I wish I had followed my gut from the start. Homeschooling seems like such a huge step, but it really is an amazing educational option that works so well on so many levels. <br /><br />PS: I am also a Discovery Ranger and we just did our first Wilderquest activities these school holidays and the kids just loved them! So happy to see that photo!Ingihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06396226904711922049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-61410464400591734182012-10-03T21:07:30.442+10:002012-10-03T21:07:30.442+10:00Thank you so much Chey. It really is one of the ha...Thank you so much Chey. It really is one of the hardest things: knowing how best to steer them and educate them. I'm just going to trust that we end up doing what's right. Thank you for dropping by and for your lovely commentVanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09205721394366642669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-56791584678765020072012-10-03T21:06:44.369+10:002012-10-03T21:06:44.369+10:00This comment has been removed by the author.Vanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09205721394366642669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-26338709737739151562012-10-03T21:01:56.234+10:002012-10-03T21:01:56.234+10:00Thank you - I've just ordered it!Thank you - I've just ordered it!Vanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09205721394366642669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-11713422363925617632012-10-03T20:55:59.139+10:002012-10-03T20:55:59.139+10:00Thanks Jess. I can't see Luca coping in a conv...Thanks Jess. I can't see Luca coping in a conventional environment either. We seem to have ruled out homeschooling recently (I need to do another post on this) so we have just over a year to find the right school. So much to think about!Vanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09205721394366642669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-59189653867687075222012-10-03T20:09:25.799+10:002012-10-03T20:09:25.799+10:00Hello - I just found your blog and this post. I r...Hello - I just found your blog and this post. I relate - I am not sure I will ever settle into a "home" per say. Regarding schooling - I completely understand your feelings and thoughts. I am currently homeschooling my 2 boys (12 and 9) but always said I would never homeschool. I am simply doing so while my husband finishes his 3rd year of med school here in the UK (we are from the states). We want the flexibility to travel and explore not being bound by a traditional school schedule. It is hard and it is trying - but worth it in the end. There are so many resources out there. Previous to our 2 years in the Caribbean and the year here the boys attended school. Our oldest started out in the US public system and it just did not satisfy him or us. We moved and they both attended a Montessori school - WONDERFUL. They are both sensitive in their own way. Number 2 I really had to make sure we had a teacher that would connect with him and appreciate who he is - and it was wonderful. I strongly believe in the Montessori approach - they agree children should be older and it follows a child's development. My grandmother was trained by Marie Montessori herself and so there is a family history. I would also suggest you check out Waldorf schooling. As I am learning now one of the hardest parts of parenting is finding the right way to educate our children that allows them to succeed and grow and blossom. I also find it is a little different with boys - sometimes they are misunderstood. I also suggest reading the book "Raising a spirited child" - it really helps to understand your child and where they are coming from. Sorry for the long comment - just wanted to share some of our experiences on the path of parenting. Good Luck and you will find what works for you as a family. You have a wonderful blog!!! CheyCheyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00509346970468745740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-74597886037148828672012-10-02T21:34:13.415+10:002012-10-02T21:34:13.415+10:00P.S. If you haven't already, read 'You are...P.S. If you haven't already, read 'You are your child's first teacher'. It confirmed so much for me! little wild moosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05472602907560952294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-88748351818087216102012-10-02T21:12:51.450+10:002012-10-02T21:12:51.450+10:00Hi Vanessa, I stumbled upon this post from a link ...Hi Vanessa, I stumbled upon this post from a link from a more recent post and thought I would tell you how we are going with our journey... I knew Everly was very different from the first week she was in our lives, and at 16 months of age she ticks every box on the Highly Sensitive Child questionnaire (except the talking ones). I discovered Steiner when she was only very little and did lots of reading. Lots of it didn't sit right with me at first, but as I did more and more reading, and as Everly grew older, I knew she wouldn't do well at all in a 'normal' school setting and I began to understand the Steiner curriculum more. Visiting our local Steiner school (a stream in a public school not far from home - we are very lucky) confirmed my thoughts. This school is only primary levels though, so we are currently planning to move to the country where there is a lovely private Waldorf school from K-12. It will be a massive change for us, but I honestly can't see Everly coping in any other environment. I have considered homeschooling, and I will probably consider it again and again during the next few years, but currently I do not have the patience! Maybe things will change... I look forward to hearing how you go with Luca's school journey. little wild moosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05472602907560952294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-29399437081517974162012-08-13T22:40:05.062+10:002012-08-13T22:40:05.062+10:00I like this approach too. Home schooling alongside...I like this approach too. Home schooling alongside school sounds great, if you've found a great school, which you have. Very encouraging, thank you.Vanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09205721394366642669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-19313592457006374802012-08-13T22:33:44.732+10:002012-08-13T22:33:44.732+10:00Thanks JaneThanks JaneVanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09205721394366642669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-7185634419364338172012-08-05T02:51:11.249+10:002012-08-05T02:51:11.249+10:00Good for you for keeping him out of school until y...Good for you for keeping him out of school until you think the time is right. Our daughter cried every morning before school for the first two years and two weeks of her school life and I can honestly say it was one of the worst times of my life. As a mother you are there to protect your children and I felt helpless. We tried everything but it wasn't until the second week of her third year that the crying stopped. My son was completely different and was happy to go. I don't agree with the school system here in the uk, starting school at 4 as some children are, is far too young, they are after all still babies. I too think that the Scandinavians have the right idea. Good luck, I hope it turns out how you want it to.Kimberleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03162802463086847202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-25817331443212626562012-08-03T16:56:42.645+10:002012-08-03T16:56:42.645+10:00Good for you for following your gut :) I don't...Good for you for following your gut :) I don't know if there are different types of schools for different types of kids in your area? Montessori was definitely good for us in the early years. Good luck with your decisions ahead :) XOLauraTravel With Luluhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09646026064261601469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-46840948407736591502012-08-02T07:16:06.259+10:002012-08-02T07:16:06.259+10:00Well that explains alot of things. I just went an...Well that explains alot of things. I just went and had a look at the Highly Sensitive page and suspicions confirmed. Our 6 year old ticked most of the boxes. He started full time school this year, when he turned 6. Last year was Kinder (Tassie) and that was only 3 mornings, and just play based with structure to get them ready for big school. <br /><br />If we had been in NSW I would have probably sent him to full time school last year and I can see now, he just would not have coped. <br /><br />He is absolutely thriving now. His teacher picked up on his sensitivity the first week and it's been smooth sailing since then.<br /><br />I have 4 sons, and I wonder about the youngest one being sensitive also. He is not yet 2 so a bit harder to diagnose from that test.<br /><br />Great post!<br /><br />(Popping over from PoTMC).Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01902751248204238565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-53479328927443515752012-08-01T23:01:39.371+10:002012-08-01T23:01:39.371+10:00wow-quite a decision. but as you said, if it was a...wow-quite a decision. but as you said, if it was an easy one for you to make, then you know it is the right one for your child at this time. As you said, it does some of the Nordic nations no harm (the opposite) to start formal education later in their childhood.Robynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15187139806941283170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-81157237138074436612012-08-01T22:54:18.184+10:002012-08-01T22:54:18.184+10:00Oh Vanessa, thanks so much for linking this though...Oh Vanessa, thanks so much for linking this thoughtful post to the POTMC. Best of luck with working through it all. You might like to contact Lauren at Owlet who 'unschools' her children. She's very knowledgeable. J xJanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02743336097657087832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-2192245364973054082012-07-26T20:32:26.640+10:002012-07-26T20:32:26.640+10:00That's it right there. Trying to work out the ...That's it right there. Trying to work out the logistics of a dream...Vanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09205721394366642669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-10926356608523307952012-07-26T11:15:25.202+10:002012-07-26T11:15:25.202+10:00Sorry for the long post :-)
We kept our son back ...Sorry for the long post :-)<br /><br />We kept our son back this year so that he will be 6 when he starts next year. Best decision ever. He too is a highly sensitive child and is doing so much better this year socially at preschool.<br /><br />I'd love to home school but with only one child, it's not an option for us as I need to go back to work next year.<br /><br />As for schools, we've looked high and low for the right fit last year. But ironically though I was first attracted to a small school that was very much into child centred learning (Australian Developmental Curriculum) they did little on bullying or for children who were creative and a bit sensitive. We however did find a more mainstream local primary school (only 300 students) but the teachers are a bit more flexible (they offer lots of lunchtime programs like art, music, gardening & are very family oriented) even though it is a traditional curriculum. They are also hugely sensitive to different kinds of children to the point that the principal is happy to spend time with children individually, and taking them around getting to know school rooms etc before school starts if that's what they need (our close friend had a child who needed this as he found groups overwhelming).<br /><br />But recently after watching TED talks by Sir Ken Robinson, reading his books and reading a book called Real Boys, we've decided that we will also encourage and home school the things he loves and we want for him alongside school. At 5.5, he is passionate about being outside, gardening, art, inventing, acting & drama - and we are lucky that there are so many opportunities for these things in our local community.<br /><br />And for us this may include pulling him out for holidays or interest based days with us - to take him to things we see as important. I think there's more to life than mainstream and alternative schooling.Mrs Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18275981827041794709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-30564974385645928982012-07-25T20:02:54.050+10:002012-07-25T20:02:54.050+10:00Why hello! Glad you found my blog! I'm glad ...Why hello! Glad you found my blog! I'm glad I now have found yours! Yes, similar predicaments, felt lack of choices for many years. We moved our family across the State for a school for our children, it fits two of my babes, but not sure about one.. hence the thoughts ever more on homeschooling - it just isn't 100% and never has been, that is why they are in school. It is an independent small school of 250 children from Prep to Year 12. xxx RachSquiggly Rainbowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00895634986946238458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-48954621708271904202012-07-23T16:41:07.412+10:002012-07-23T16:41:07.412+10:00So lovely to hear your approach to school, it is v...So lovely to hear your approach to school, it is very similar to ours. As a family we started homeschooling at the beginning of 2011, however it didn't last long! We weren't prepared and fully ready for the challenge it would be (especially hearing what family and friends thought of our decision!) and I strugged as my PND came back :( So we are battling through the school system, wishing we could find another way. We visited the Steiner school near Noosa and I feel in love! However we are part of such a GREAT community of friends here that it would be hard to uproot and leave. Having said that though, we believe that it would be worth it as a balanced, wholesome, child-led and creative education is our biggest dream for our children. But the logistics of that dream? Hard! I see that school you described too, it's in my daydreams and my longings for a better way. And now I'm also seriously considering moving to Finland!!Amanda @ mammajoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03244315848123146854noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-48932196823130812242012-07-23T15:46:36.989+10:002012-07-23T15:46:36.989+10:00I think you should look at the Montessori in Wambe...I think you should look at the Montessori in Wamberal it sounds like Luca would fit in perfectly there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-50623196519705308582012-07-22T19:27:30.725+10:002012-07-22T19:27:30.725+10:00It is quite scary, but then I know some children w...It is quite scary, but then I know some children who are ready and very happy to go to school at that age. Hope you're beginning to settle down again...Vanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09205721394366642669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-53389031933289440792012-07-22T19:25:40.559+10:002012-07-22T19:25:40.559+10:00Yes the Steiner school is quite far from us too. I...Yes the Steiner school is quite far from us too. I love so much about Steiner but there's so much that doesn't sit right with us. Like you say, I think you need oodles of patience to home school. My mum would have been a fantastic homeschooling teacher, but I'm not sure I can consistently give off the same calm energy day in day out. Ours is a small house too - that's a good point you raise.Vanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09205721394366642669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2871300943228442802.post-44360223382443624892012-07-22T19:20:40.286+10:002012-07-22T19:20:40.286+10:00So you understand my anguish too! Yes, I've he...So you understand my anguish too! Yes, I've heard the montessori at wamberal are starting up a primary school, but I think there are planning issues. I have visited the preschool and attended a few of the parent/child playgroups but it wasn't for Luca.Vanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09205721394366642669noreply@blogger.com