ROOM

We're three weeks into school, and while I love my kids' teachers, I do dabble in the occasional homeschool fantasy.  I don't think I'm really cut out of it, though, probably don't have the patience or organizational skills that it would take.  My husband has the skillz for sure, the passion for teaching and, frankly, the kids listen to him, but of course he's also got a job he loves, and focuses on educating outside of school.  I think my older son would love to stay home.  He's a little bored at school, his favorite time is "free time" and at the end of the day, he's a bit of a homebody. 

The kids just started at an after school program, where they play on the playground, do art projects, play games with some friends and have cool young teachers.  Given the choice, he'd rather go home and play math games on the didj and soccer with his brother while dad plans out soccer practices.  Before we started the program, he was being dropped off at my work for 30 minutes or so while I finished up and dad went to work.  I do not work at Google with Foosball tables and free snacks, we have white boards and hot chocolate.  Guess where he asks to go ALL the time?  He likes to draw complicated mazes and times tables, my adorable math geek.

My other son, while he doesn't always admit it, does like school, loves hanging out with his friends.  He may calmly tell me he's choosing not to go the YMCA that day, but I can not drag his cute little butt out at the end of the day.  After the 2nd trip to the principles in 3 weeks, though, boy is it tempting to blame the school, the outside world, so to speak.  He's a fairly calm and super sweet guy, but quick to defend himself and his friends, not to mention influenced into inappropriate actions by his friends.  So while it's tempting to want to keep them home with me, especially when it's their choice, I love getting out myself and know it's great for all of us. 

I just, as in a few hours ago, finished a book called Room by Emma Donoghue, a sometimes scary and emotional book about a mom and her son trapped in a small shed.  It's told from a five year olds perspective, which makes it an unusual read and not for everyone, but I really liked this book.  In it "Ma" found amazingly creative way to teach her clearly intelligent son while confined to a small space with a TV but no windows and very little in the way of extras.  I know I can find ways to teach them at home without becoming a homeschooler,  but I also know a rousing game of baseball in a nearby park can do just as much good as an art project at home.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of ROOM by Emma Donoghue for the From Left to Write Book Club, a virtual blogging book club. I was not obligated to write about the book and all opinions are my own.