I firmly believe that mothers are a child’s first teachers. Well, both parents are, but in many ways much of it falls in the lap of the mom (argue with me if you want, but I’m not trying to start a fight here on gender roles or anything). Anyways, up until January of this year, I was more than Miss A’s teacher in concept – as a homeschooler, I was also her teacher in reality. Every day of every week in every subject, Miss A had me for a teacher. Even in many classes outside the home, like drama and gymnastics, she had me as her teacher (since I taught the classes she was taking).
Sound like it might get a little stressful? It did.
So it was a moment of joyous excitement when we found out that Miss A had been accepted into a local charter school. We had hoped to enroll her there for junior high (after homeschooling her through 5th grade, but decided since the chances of getting in the school were so slim, we should start trying now).
Well, the stars aligned and things worked out in just such a way that a spot became available for her this year. We jumped at the opportunity, and I’m so glad we did.
Adjusting to life in “regular school” (though this school is so far from regular, I don’t think it can really be called that – which is one of the reasons we like it so much) took some work for both Miss A and myself, but overall I have to say I am very happy with the switch.
One of the “benefits” of no longer being Miss A’s teacher for everything, is that now I can join the ranks of all the other moms who get treated to special surprise school projects on Mother’s Day!
Miss A made me a lovely Mother’s Day painting in art class, a card with a picture of the family and a poem written inside…
and a really neat card with a note written in Spanish!
She was so proud to present me with all her surprises, and I was so proud of her.
To all mothers – while we are the ones being appreciated today, may you appreciate your home, your family, and your life everyday (and take advantage of your special day in every way you can)!
Melonie Johnson 