So, it's Sunday and because it's back to school tomorrow following the end of the October half term holiday, it means there'll be lots of organising to do.
- Three book bags to find and ensure that they contain the correct reading books, homework and letters to hand back in.
- Three sets of PE kits to gather together.
- Three uniforms to sort out.
- But saddest of all, three beautiful, precious, gifts from God that I will have to make do their homework, make them wake up and make them get to school on time.
It's not something I look forward to at all which is weird because I loved school. I loved and still love learning. But, I know that school is not the best place for any of my girls. The eldest gets bored because (in my opinion) she's not being challenged or stretched enough in English which she excels at and in Maths which she hates, she's struggling to keep up because she's not getting the help she needs to understand concepts which don't make sense to her.
The middle daughter is amazing and very motivated but feels devastated when she realises that it's a school day and that she's not going to be with me.
The youngest has only been in full time school for one half term so far, so it's still early days but I don't feel like she's learning anything yet. I was also a bit irritated that she brought home another child's work. The other child also has Down Syndrome but is 2 years above her in school so what the heck?
They've not really engaged with the Down Syndrome Support Service to help ensure that they're meeting her needs despite getting additional Govt funding for her. I also feel (in my opinion) that they don't have high expectations of her and what she can achieve because you know, she's a learner with additional needs.
Maybe I'm being too hard but if I'm praying hard for the honour and privilege of having children then I also have high expectations that they will soar in life and have beautiful days enjoying the life they've been blessed with.
I watched an interesting programme this past week rather irritatingly called Feral Families and it showed a brief spotlight into 3 families who had made the choice to homeschool.
It's not something I would really consider due to the financial considerations and because I love my job but it's made me think about it.
I mean, why do we send our children to school? I want each of my daughters to absolutely excel and achieve their best but why? What does it really matter so long as they fulfill their purpose in life and are safe, happy, and provided for / able to provide for themselves? Is this country's education system even fit for purpose? If my daughters want to be professionals e.g. doctors or teachers could they still achieve that without going to school? Could they do far better?
So many children, bursting with potential, are being ground down by a one size fits all system and all children are absolutely uniquely made.
I'm definitely NOT having a downer on teachers. I love great teachers but it's just that they are facing such massive challenges when teaching 30 individuals. How can they possibly personalise learning for each child and ensure that each one really 'gets it' and knows how to extend and deepen their learning?
Lots of things to ponder.
But whatever the answers to my questions I still have to try and make the best of the next 6 weeks of routine until we get to the Christmas holidays.
