Over the last two weeks or so, we have had an ongoing conversation with the Bots about whether or not they like the idea of homeschool or unschool or some sort of combination of the aforementioned.  We’ve gotten a whole range of answers, sometimes they like… sometimes they don’t, sometimes its convenient to decide against regular school when its 6AM and 40 degrees outside.  Sometimes they want to go when there is a particular fun event happening in class, but the most difficult response we’ve gotten is from the Tall Bot (Deegan), which is “Will I still be able to go to Junior High?”

When he asked, I sort of had a twinge of guilt and sadness…. after all I didn’t want to let him down, and I responded very matter-of-factly “no”.

I really wanted to say to him something more along the lines of “Well, not in the traditional sense, no you won’t go to an actual Junior High School, but you will be able to learn things and…. well, learn things…. and well, I got nothin.”

I am realizing that for Deegan, the social aspect of traditional school is at that critical point were it becomes SUPERIMPORTANT to have friends and be liked and start wondering about girls and crap.  The idea of not going on to Junior High with his friends really bums him out, and I can totally respect where he is at.  My struggle is, how do I honor his wishes about wanting to maintain his social connections, and still guide him in making a REAL choice about his learning environment.  Friends are great, but only a part of the picture. I’m really ok with letting him stay at school. But if his academics continue to suffer and he isn’t getting the guidance he needs to be successful in that environment….I may have to re-evaluate my choice to let him take the helm.

The little one on the other hand, is all systems go.  He’s even picking up on my cues about how everything is a learning tool. He’s been talking about how Minecraft is math and that he can build a school WITH Minecraft instead of going to a reaI school. I think his little light shines just a shade too bright for most, and I think he is misunderstood quite a bit.  He tries so hard to be outgoing and funny and entertaining, but for kids who are shy or more reserved, it often times gets misinterpreted as aggression.  In his secret heart of hearts I know it hurts his feelings, but he really tries to rise above and learn and keep trying.

Anyhow, this is where we find ourselves at this moment, one foot in and one foot out.  I am thinking I may just let the year ride out before we get started, and let it really soak in for them.  They will be gone for most of the month of December, so perhaps that’s best!

To be continued!