My pulmonologist got me through a serious illness a few years ago and I respect him for that. But as I've gotten to know him better, he seems more comfortable asking me about homeschooling. And I feel more uncomfortable answering his questions. (His wife was a public school teacher.)
Every homeschooling mom's radar picks up the subtle thoughts behind the questions. "How long do you plan to homeschool?" "Are your kids involved in outside activities?" "Do you have any other families you interact with?" Interpretation: Surely you're not going to continue this through high school! Your kids do associate with "normal" kids, don't they? They aren't isolated from the world, are they? I always feel the need to assure him we are quite fine, thank you.
This last visit he focused on me. After a discussion about my health, I happened to say I am only so concerned because of my girls. I've never been one to obsess over aches or pains or illness. So the doctor now thinks I'm obsessed with my daughters. He says, "What do you do for fun?" Fun? The question takes me by surprise. He elaborates, "Do you have any hobbies?" Who has time for hobbies? I try to think...yes, I do quilting. Right now I've making quilts for my grandchildren. Oh, that plays right into his stereotype. He gives me a knowing smile. He's sure now I'm holed up in my house, alone with my girls and my sewing machine.
I didn't tell him this: I've never been more at peace in all my life. It is the contentment of being totally at the center of God's will, doing exactly the work He's called me to do at this moment in time. It's not about fun or hobbies. It's the joy of spending the days with my precious daughters, raising them to be godly women, enjoying their desire for knowledge and celebrating their achievements. I value this time to let them grow at their own pace, keeping them children for as long as possible, not pushed to adulthood ahead of schedule by our culture. The world will never understand this.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Testing
My special ed reading teacher friend offered to test my daughter in reading so Liana will be prepared for the California Achievement Test she must take in January, as required by our state. We drove to Colleen's house on Election Day and she generously gave Liana about two hours of her time, and I was able to listen in from the next room. My difficult daughter amazed me!
Liana alternated between reading a passage aloud and then answering questions, to reading silently and then answering questions. I heard no complaint from her and there were no tears. She was cooperative and willing to do all that Colleen asked of her. Liana has never in her life read so much for so long! Results: Colleen said reading is difficult for her but she is reading on level and I should continue teaching her on grade level. We need to review some forgotten phonics concepts and push sight words that seem to hold her up. She reads slowly, but she can do it! That was encouraging to me. We will keep plugging away. Some other advice from my friend was helpful too. I should ask Liana to look for certain facts or ideas in the story before she begins, so she can anticipate what might happen. I should also ask increasing more complex questions about the story after she reads it and also allow her to ask me questions about it. Liana loved that part. Colleen also said she should read independently below her instructional level. I've found she then doesn't protest and actually seems to enjoy reading.
I've wondered for awhile about some sensory-overload issues and one thing Colleen said confirmed this. Liana's comprehension is better when she reads silently. (I would have thought the opposite--that she would skip over words.) Colleen said she understands more because she isn't trying to articulate words plus keep track of the story. A homeschooling friend of mine gave me another great idea--I read a page from the book, then Liana reads a page. Then the passage doesn't seem so overwhelming to her and we end up actually reading more.
Liana alternated between reading a passage aloud and then answering questions, to reading silently and then answering questions. I heard no complaint from her and there were no tears. She was cooperative and willing to do all that Colleen asked of her. Liana has never in her life read so much for so long! Results: Colleen said reading is difficult for her but she is reading on level and I should continue teaching her on grade level. We need to review some forgotten phonics concepts and push sight words that seem to hold her up. She reads slowly, but she can do it! That was encouraging to me. We will keep plugging away. Some other advice from my friend was helpful too. I should ask Liana to look for certain facts or ideas in the story before she begins, so she can anticipate what might happen. I should also ask increasing more complex questions about the story after she reads it and also allow her to ask me questions about it. Liana loved that part. Colleen also said she should read independently below her instructional level. I've found she then doesn't protest and actually seems to enjoy reading.
I've wondered for awhile about some sensory-overload issues and one thing Colleen said confirmed this. Liana's comprehension is better when she reads silently. (I would have thought the opposite--that she would skip over words.) Colleen said she understands more because she isn't trying to articulate words plus keep track of the story. A homeschooling friend of mine gave me another great idea--I read a page from the book, then Liana reads a page. Then the passage doesn't seem so overwhelming to her and we end up actually reading more.
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