Wednesday, October 6, 2010

How did I become this mother?

I visited three schools and rang up another one today because I've recently added a new worry to my list - Which school to go to? BIG QUESTION for me at the moment even though Aaron is still a little guy.

I don't know what it is. Maybe its because I'm Chinese. I understand that play and socializing is important but at the same time, I want him to also do the serious learning. Y'know, stuff like reading, writing and arithmetic. (Yes, now, when he's four years old.) One of the great things about having nowhere to go in Palembang was that I got to spend a lot of time doing stuff with Aaron. We played a lot but we also read a lot and did a lot of pencil and paper work. I want a school that will do that with him - Play and Learn.

Of the four schools I checked on today, two were Catholic primary schools, one a state school and another a Montessori school. None of them were bad, but none of them stood out either. In fact, they were so 'bland' that I came home and looked up 'homeschooling'.

I'm chiding myself now. It shouldn't be such a big deal. He's only going into Prep in 2012. Thats a preparatory year for Grade one in 2013. But then again, I would feel a lot better knowing that somebody will be paying attention to his particular needs. I don't want to find out that they're trying to teach him his ABCs a year from now when he's already reading at the moment.

Anyway, I don't have any answers yet. They don't even tell you if you have a place at these schools until sometime next year. They're going to keep me in suspense...keep me browsing the homeschooling website.

4 comments:

Fiona said...

it's been really nice reading your thoughts & methods on motherhood. from here, i've been reminded to hold back on my "hovering". it's hard to quit entirely but i'm trying my best to step back for now.

best of luck to the school hunting! the best will happen. :)

Mike said...

I'd give you some advice on this one but I'm going to do the smart thing and keep my mouth shut.

Bilbo said...

You've become this mother by trying to be a good mother. What more needs to be said?

Mom of 2 said...

Ok, think about it, how will the child learn more/faster?

Sitting in a room with 17 others kids, all with needs, all at different levels, fighting for the attention of one underpaid teacher.

Or taught by you.

I think you know where I am going with this.