Jumping off the Assembly Line

Well, since my last post things have pretty much stayed on track.  I didn't create any midterms because I suddenly realized that we had gotten behind!  I'm not exactly sure how that happened, and I know that I am on my own schedule, but I really want to stay as close to the school district schedule as I can.  We have been doing extra assignments and chugging along.  Alex has been moving quickly as most of this is really easy for him.  I did hit a bump in the road and had to make some decision.s   Now, you seasoned homeschoolers will probably roll your eyes or giggle at my issue I faced, but I felt it was a big decision for us.

Part of Alex's curriculum is Phonics.  He does very well in the subject.  His book work is nearly flawless, his reading is well above grade level and he seemed to be doing well.  Then we realized that he was BOMBING every phonics test!  Then we started to notice him having increased anxiety and irritability when taking the test.  He knew he wasn't answering the questions properly, but he really didn't know the answer.  I felt really bad.  I think that problem is that most of the test is oral.  He was having a hard time translating the oral to paper.  I finally decided to stop the tests for a while.  We are working hard on his book work, flash cards, reading and spelling.  I had read in the book "A Thomas Jefferson Education" that tests are to be used as a benchmark and not as a method of teaching.  Right now I don't feel that his Phonics tests are giving me any sign or measure of his ability, and instead are being used to torment him, so we are going to take a break from them for a while.

I was raised on the conveyor belt education, and it worked for me.  The thought of doing my own thing or breaking out of the "curriculum" is a concept that is hard for me to conceive, and at times I have to remind myself that I get to choose what we do.  Having that power is relieving but also scary.  It is proof that I know what is best for my child, but at the same time I want to make sure he learns what he needs to learn, as well as knowing that his future rests largely in my hands.  I am grateful for the opportunity I have to teach my children.  I am grateful for the freedoms we have and that I can do what I feel is the best for our family and for our children.  I pray that as we continue to pray and read the scriptures that we will be guided to know what is best for us and what is needed that we can continue down the path the Lord has put us on and accomplish the things he has in store for us.