I just watched Nursery University while I was addressing Christmas Cards during a much needed nap of Kedzie's. It scared me. Sam & I obviously don't live in New York City (as lovely as Asheville is), and we really haven't talked about school much at all. I've had a desire to homeschool long before Kedzie showed up on the scene. I think that desire fits in with my desire to live in a much more simple world.
I guess what scared me about the movie is, it got me wondering if I'm going to ruin Kedzie by not giving him a preschool education? Will he miss out on too much if his social interaction is limited to playdates, cousins and homeschool groups? My gut says no. Why does a 2 year old need to know her ABCs & 123s? Does this make her smarter? Does this make her a more compassionate and loving human being?
I was on Soulemama (again) this morning and recently her family has been visiting and tending a farm. This is my dream. I'm not sure we'll ever have all the animals, but the simplicity of the lifestyle is what I want for our family. I also found this website recently. It's helped me stay grounded and true to who we are as a family.
Sorry about the stream of consciousness typing. I had to get it out there.
What do you think oh mighty void (and friends)?
n.
P.S. Here's a Franciscan Benediction that Sam regularly prays for Kedzie.
Try to not be inspired. Can traditional preschool help him with this?
"May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen."
I say he could learn more interesting stuff with you and on his own as a 2-year old. My thought is, do I want my kid to be accepted to Harvard and have a IQ that is a little higher than other 3 year olds (or 18 year olds) or do I want him to be a happy, balanced, loving human being (not that the two are exclusive of each other). I feel like life is overscheduled in the first place, why not enjoy the first 4 years of life living and learning in the "real world" at at one's own pace!
ReplyDeletehmmm....I try to never make a decision based out of fear. So you are excited and fulfilled by the thought of homeschooling but afraid it won't be enough? One on one attention with someone who is totally devoted to you and your well being vs one on 20 attention from someone who probably really loves little people. You can always be conscious about supplementing with play dates and socialization activities where you can be there to guide and nurture the life lessons that occur. A teacher is not always going to be available to help the young people navigate thoughtful resolutions to peer fighting. Anyway- just a few thoughts off the top of my head.
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Heather Rose
No worries Nicki, I read some about that, and there are studies that show that the kids who don't have pre-pre school and what not, end up learning just as well and are just as intelligent and well rounded as the others. Also, home schooling, totally worth it. There is plenty of opportunity for socialization and the only thing Kedzie might be missing is some of the heartache and torture from the drama of school. That is what I think anyway.
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