Monday, September 1, 2008

A New Chapter

I don't often discuss homeschooling with others, most of my readers know we are home educators, but this isn't one of those typical homeschooling mom blogs. Am I allowed to say that? Laughs. As a home educating family we see our journey as individualistically as others view their faith, finances and politics. We don't have a traditional classroom, we don't have a schedule. Rather, we see every room, every tool, book, experience, every part of our everyday lives as an opportunity to learn and educate ourselves. Much like spiritual growth, it isn't in the where or even the how it's simply within.

I have learned and continue to learn so much from my children throughout the home education experience. In fact, just yesterday I spent 40 minutes or so choosing books on understanding and overcoming dyslexia. As our Yael's vocabulary grows we have come closer to confirming what we'd suspected for some time, Yael has dyslexia. This is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives as home educators. It will undoubtedly be challenging, but ironically I'm almost looking forward to the challenge. I can't think of anything greater to reinforce my love of language than uncovering the tools needed to spread that love. Working around the confines and frustration of this learning obstacle to make reading more enjoyable for someone whose existence has so greatly enriched my love of everything around me. This has truly fueled my fire to dive into this new chapter, no matter how long it takes us to wade through it.

What challenges are you facing this week?

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your blog is so inspiring. This post especially makes me think about the hurdles facing me in the next few months...

Because I enjoy reading your blog I've given you a blog award. It's in my Labor Day posting for you to receive.

Rosebud Collection said...

Great blog..One of our daughters has dyslexia..of course that was before they put a name on it.I knew there was a problem before school..her colors/numbers/letters were giving her problems..She is a wonderful photographer/wife/mother...and a very secure woman..she did well..course all the love and encouragement didn't hurt..

Unknown said...

My challenge is to not kill my husband. His idea of helping out is doing his own laundry. Which means everything else - EVERYTHING - falls on my shoulders.

You are dealing with a more serious challenge and with the attitude and approach you are taking I know that you will overcome it.

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

u are just a wise woman

and hats off to phyllis wheatly on this day

SandraRee said...

Just the fact that you're looking forward to your challenge says it all. Shows what a good mother you are.

My challenge is to walk a straight line between my son and soon to be ex daughter-in-law for the sake of our first grandson. A casualty of this war... this war that should have never existed.

Anonymous said...

Tameka,

Good for you for identifying...and OWNING...the issue. As a former tutor for learning challenged children, having you as an advocate will take Yael miles and miles!

I have been procrastinating about donating my library of LD resources. Now I know why?! ; ) You'll be getting yet another package from me in the mail....

Unknown said...

i can appreciate the wholistic approach y'all taking to educating the children.

my challenge this week? hmmm...

i guess mostly just focusing and deciding what i'm gonna do about a particular situation. or if i'm gonna do anything about it at all.

Lisa R Charles said...

"Not a typical homeschooling blog"...I can relate. Something I've come to accept and decided to keep moving forward doing me.

We have so much in common. I have 5 children, homeschool or should I say unhomeshool and have been doing so for the past 10 years.

Your challenge is one that I can't relate too, today but I do have my own. Moving, starting school and trying to school my children at the same time has been my recent challenges. Oh, btw, I've decided to go back to school to receive my BA in Psychology. I noticed you have an interest in Psychology as well.

It's definitely nice to meet you. I found you through a comment you left at mehismom (Renee') blog.

T.Allen said...

Thanks so much for all of your posts; help, support, encouragement and kudos.

Welcome Lisa C!

Anonymous said...

I think it's also important for people who have kids that go to public (or private) schools, to recognize that the education doesn't stop in the classroom. Regardless of how much a parent wants to put into their children's education, they pick new things up everyday. As a parent, you do have a way of influencing that. (I know that's a little off topic).

I think embracing your challenge is a gift and Yael's lucky to have you!

My challenge for the week is a combination of getting rid of clutter and finding no-cost organization solutions.I wish I was looking forward to this. (j/k i think i'll like the outcome)

Mequet said...

I'd say my challenge this month is to stick to my healthy eating and be able to rejoice in my small victories. The big victory is a long way off so I have to learn to stay satisfied with all my small ones along the way. Good for you for being in tune with Yael and for helping her through some tough days to come!

DivaJood said...

t.allen, I applaud your approach to home-schooling. In an era where the Public School System is failing our children through the "No Child Left Behind" program (school is about learning to take tests) it is essential for parents to really educate their children AND themselves.

As a grandmother, I watch my daughter and my 3-year-old granddaughter interact. Beanie goes to day-care, but it is what goes on at home that matters most. And it is inspiring. I wish I had been a better mother.

High Desert Diva said...

Nothing as challenging as dyslexia. Best of luck...I know you'll be brilliant with this....

Lisa Abdul-Quddus said...

Hi T! I have been neglecting your blog lately but know your's is #1 on my list.

Come by my blog and read today's post.

Lisa

PS...I'll be back to catch up on what I've missed.:)

Beat Black said...

I'm so in love with the way you write and love how you look forward to a challenge. Your an inspiration to say the least

Kiandra said...

you beautiful mother you!

this post brought tears to my eyes!

you so rock...you are going to do such an awesome job...if there is anything i can do...just holla.

i support you and yael with all my heart! i love the way you are looking at this...reminds me of how i face challenges..an opportunity to grow...and it excites me. so poignant as tomorrow is our first day home schooling...

my challenge?

well i just realized, or should i say discovered yesterday that i probably will have to put my desires to complete a b.f.a. on hold as the classes are not offered during the evening. i was heart-broken. i checked all the local universities and its pretty much the same at all of them.

yeah, i could put the kids in daycare or something a few hours out the week so i could go to school, but this goes against everything that i stand for as a mom...i can't do it. so i'll have to put me on hold for them.

a challenge i'm going to embrace...more time to focus on creating a better me. and hey i can still get that a.s. degree...

ScentScelf said...

You may wish to add the book "Whittington," by Alan Armstrong, to your readings. Intended for a young audience, it has a multiple level story, where the main narrative is in the present, but there is a talented cat who helps teach a dyslexic child how to read and tells the story of his namesake (yes, THAT Dick Whittington and his cat).

Wonderful blog; glad I have discovered it.

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