Tomorrow, we begin a new phase of our educational journey.
For the past six years, my boys have been homeschooled. We pulled Boy #1 out of school halfway through first grade; he’s now in 7th. Boys #2 and #3 have never been to school, except for preschool. They are now ages 10 and 7. #4 has never been part of a structured educational environment (unless you count storytime at the local library).
Tomorrow, though, the older boys will begin taking classes at our local public school. As per our divorce decree and a tiny little part of Wisconsin state law, Boys #1-3 will be taking one to two courses each. #1, my history buff and avid reader, will be focusing on Language Arts and Social Studies. #2 will join a 4th grade class for reading, writing — and gym twice a week. #3 will also focus on reading and writing. He’ll also get to stay for snack and recess. #4 will probably start 4-year-old preschool in a few weeks.
It’s a big change, to be sure. But you want to know what my boys were worried about today? Whether or not it’s OK to fart in the classroom. That’s right: on the eve of their re-entry into the world of formal education, the top question on their minds was, “Do you get a detention if you fart really loud in class?”
I didn’t have an answer to that one. (And I swear, I scanned the Behavorial Expectations book!) The question, though, reminded me that boys will be boys, whether they’re at home or at school. You can take the boy out of the home, but you absolutely cannot take the boy out of the boy.
7 Responses
Big changes for sure. Best of luck with the scheduling of all this. I know you will find the positive, and the burning fart question will sure to be answered!
Thinking of you with these big changes. I pray your boys will have teachers that love boys — and “get” them!
Can’t wait to hear how it all goes — in the first days and a few weeks down the road.
Best of luck to you and your boys.
{{{HUGS}}} to your and your boys as you start this new adventure!
I laughed so hard when I read that last part, about detentions, and farting in class. I love your kids, they are absolutely awesome, hehe. 🙂 -Tara
How is school working out for the boys? Also, could you please elaborate about the WI law part? I live in St. Croix county and it seems every day I am more inclined to homeschool my son. If I could find a way to send him part time, that would be even better. He’s starting 3yr old preschool in September – 3hrs, twice a week.
@Mel — It’s actually working out well. According to WI law, homeschooled elementary/middle school kids can take up to 2 classes/semester at the local public school with the district’s consent. The catch is that the district doesn’t get any funding for the kids, so that may be a factor that your local district would consider in deciding whether or not to approve part-time attendance for your son.