Waiting for Superman

     When I want to feel validated, I watch waiting for Superman. WOW. So many things resonate with me in this movie..Tracking, curriculum issues, ranking in the world..so much. There is no doubt that Sarah was being tracked in her current school. She was never even given the opportunity to learn at the highest level because for some reason a teacher decided she could only learn a certain way and at a certain pace. I would think that decision at  the very least that should be discussed with the parent.  After all, it affects their entire academic life.  I am not being overly dramatic.it really does. Once you get tracked in fourth grade..you begin to fall farther behind and it is near impossible to change your track.  By middle school even the student believes that they are only capable of a certain level. If that level is the highest..great,  but what about the other eighty percent of the class. So, In Our class Sarah is expected to perform at the top of the  class (of One). There is nothing she can't learn. She may struggle and some things may be hard but she can learn and master any concept given the chance and the right expectation. This I am sure. 

The first week

We are in Day 2 of this adventure. Yesterday was day 1 and it went great. Sarah was very focussed. We worked from 8-2:30 and there were no tears or frustrations. Today was great too. As we were eating our lunch on the deck, Sarah seemed a little pensive. She asked me to play with her for recess and I felt a little sad too. Did I take her away from all the activity and friendships of school? Everyday, I hope I am doing the right thing for the right reasons.  I know she will learn more and better so it is worth it.

Right now Sarah is at a knitting class...I know.  We'll call it Art.

summer is winding down

The Public schools start next week and so will we. The summer school didn't go exactly as planned but we did manage to get about 20 days of some learning. My plan is to begin on Tuesday August 16th. We have a Math orientation at the learning vine on Monday, so Tuesday seems like a good start. I am excited to have our family on a better routine. The summer has been filled with house guests and 100 degree temps and parties and lots of lazy days. I guess that it what summer is all about.