Therefore, I will create a new "Path From Homeschool to College" with the particulars for Ian (as he "graduates" lower school, and begins his *Path* next year to college.
Hana
The most difficult part of homeschooling thus far has been....really (really, REALLY) taking into consideration the uniqueness of each child. Their gifts, their opinions, their motivation, and their preferences. It is just too "easy" to give all the children "the same things" in some sort of twisted logic that "your being just and equal." However true equality (and the unique value of homeschooling) is offering to each individual child something for their specific need. That's not going to be...chocolate cupcakes all around. One kid may be allergic to cupcakes. Although it seems "equal," its really not "fair," "just," or "best" (clearly) for THAT kid.
Hana #1 - wants to go to school 5 days a week. Now, children don't always "know best" but the option of a desire to attend public school is honestly....just *too easy* to accommodate. We live in the catchment of GREAT public schools (hence why we purchased this house). The other 2 children had the opportunity to experience public school....why not her?
#2 the right for children of color to attend public school is a hard-fought/won option that I don't take lightly. While I feel no OBLIGATION to send my child into something that doesn't work for them, IF it does work...I appreciate the option!
#3 Hana would be well-served with the "legitimization" of an "American institutionalize experience and credential." As an Ethiopian citizen (and American citizen) where little girls CANNOT go to school, it would bode well for her to have the paper from America that "proves" her "American-ness" and her "educated status" to the world - especially in Ethiopia.
#4 Hana is an extrovert, and get energy from others. The more, the better. Sure, some of that 'energy' is not uplifting - and we'll have to watch that closely and be vigilant. But the benefits seems to outweigh the risks - and is worth a try. Last time Hana was in school for about 1 week. We pulled her out because it was just "easier" (condensing limited family resources) to have all the kiddos together. Was that what was best for HANA? I think so (all things considered).
#5 I exhale knowing that I don't have to incorporate additional plans for Hana. The burden of homeschooling is heavy - you want to do "right" by your kids. A burden lifted (a bit) by having her go to Public School is a welcomed relief. ESPECIALLY since, it seems like its all positive all around.
The key point is, is important to constantly reassess, consider resources (and TIME/ENERGY is the most valuable resource we have), preference of the child, an incorporation of their "life story" and the benefits therein....personality...desires...and available schools...and make the best decision you can with the information you have.
Hana is off to public school next year. Supplement with Taylored Curriculum (as per usual).
Ian
I intend to start a new documentation journey for Ian as he accelerates into high-school. If I would have know then (with Haley at this stage) what I know now, it would have been clear that "skipping middle school" is actually what we did. And that process begins at age 10. Ian is 10. Stay tuned for more on Ian's 'Path Home to College.'
