What is the point??

Kate · #1 08-08-2011, 09:14 PM

As Mitchell enters the First Grade I have been thinking a lot about what the point of school is.

I have always been a huge backer of education-being a teacher, my husband a teacher and also a background in truancy...but never did I imagine that I'd think what's the point??

It has always been to get through with good grades so you can move on and go to college or a 2 year school and get a job...but what about Mitchell? What is the point for him? When we started thinking about school and how we wanted his programing to look-we've talked about holding him back. We wouldn't in K because they only have 1/2 day K...so it would probably be 1st grade. But then I get back to the question-what's the point?

It's hard to know where he is at developmentally and he really is very smart-he is behind but knows his letters and numbers though counting is tough. He is starting to read on his talker-and works the computer, ipod and communication device like he's a tech freak.

So where does he fit in all of this? I know nobody can answer this and so much of it time will tell. "They" say that not many with his syndrome make it to adulthood-though he seems to be doing great. I never have listened to statistics or whoever says kids with this syndrome wont make it because hey look at us...we're 6.

But it still makes me wonder about where we fit in all of this.

So is the point of school for kids like Mitchell to get through it as pain free as possible. (pain free meaning mostly emotional) And if that's the case-why the heck hold him back-float him through as fast as we can. Or, do we try are best to get him as close to his peers developmentally as possible and if that takes a gazillion years to get through school-then that's what it takes?

Does anyone think about this? What do you want your child to get out of his/her education?

glowingpurpleaura · #2 08-08-2011, 09:21 PM

wow thats a tough one. firstly, *hugs* secondly, I think just put him in school and play it by ear. I mean if holding him back will put him more on par with his peers SOCIALLY then do it, if not then send him through. Have you considered home schooling prehaps it would be easier with all the appts etc our kids go to , and that way you can teach him what you want?

Kate · #3 08-08-2011, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowingpurpleaura

wow thats a tough one. firstly, *hugs* secondly, I think just put him in school and play it by ear. I mean if holding him back will put him more on par with his peers SOCIALLY then do it, if not then send him through. Have you considered home schooling prehaps it would be easier with all the appts etc our kids go to , and that way you can teach him what you want?

I know-it really is just a wait and see how he does-he's so little but you know sometimes when my hamster starts running in my brain...all these thoughts come out.

Homeschooling would be the biggest mistake of my life.

I'm a teacher by trade (and ironically special ed) But couldn't teach Mitchell. I have a hard enough time being his mom

I feel bad for his teachers-he's a smart kid but a tricky one to teach. So nope, never thought of homeschooling...just not for me. But thanks for the idea.

glowingpurpleaura · #4 08-08-2011, 09:33 PM

haha i have a brain hamster too

Billy'smom · #5 08-08-2011, 10:26 PM

Kate...I am a teacher as well (dual certified in gen ed and sped) and there is no way I could homeschool my kids!!!

They are on homebound, but a teacher comes to the house. The kids like that.

As for school, I just wanted my kids to enjoy themselves and learn what they could. They are both bright, considering, and do enjoy learning. Once it got too hard for them physically, I had to pull them. In HS, Chris' only real option was the MCS (Mentally Challenged) self-contained. He hated it! He was too high for their level and would get tired of their fighting and interupting class. But, it was the only place where he could be out of his chair and laying on a table. By sophomore year he was on homebound.

I never worried about grades or anything. They each had an aide who helped them. They would never be on the same level as their peers academically or socially. When they were in ES the gap wasn't so bad, but the older they got, the wider the gap got. I looked at it as them getting out of the house and getting their minds challenged a bit. I knew they would never use their education. Although, I did want Chris to learn to spell so he could communicate. I taught him to finger spell. With Billy, it's yes and no questions.

Oh, and I thought I was the only one whose mind runs constantly, especially when it's bed time!

JWorthington · #6 08-09-2011, 04:28 AM

School for Sam is a magical place - he loves it. He excels at literacy and numeracy but history, geography, etc is totally lost on him. he spends time with his peers on the numeracy and literacy because he is on a par with them for those subjects. for others, he is taken out so his TA can concentrate on social skills and occupational therapy. he spends some time in the lower classes with the children he is closer to developmentally and he really thrives in that environment. i am happy because I know he goes into school every morning with a huge smile on his face and he does work very hard when he can. We know Sam will never be a rocket scientist, but we just hope that he is one day able to care for himself and live as normal a life as possible.

destinyandmiracles · #7 08-09-2011, 07:46 AM

I used to wonder the same thing seeing that Ashton in non verbal, trach and severe cerebral palsy. However this being said, I don't wonder that now. Ashton LOVES school. He may not be able to do much at all but he is excited to go everyday and has a great time. The kids in the class adore him. (he is fully integrated).

kadiera · #8 08-09-2011, 07:59 AM

I wonder what the point of school is for most kids, but then I'm wierd like that.

I think school is good for giving them something to do, often (but not always) in a place that's not at home. It's good for interacting with people. It's good for giving them a chance at as much independence from you as they can manage.

Kate · #9 08-09-2011, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kadiera

I wonder what the point of school is for most kids, but then I'm wierd like that.

I think school is good for giving them something to do, often (but not always) in a place that's not at home. It's good for interacting with people. It's good for giving them a chance at as much independence from you as they can manage.

I'm thinking the same thing. Mitchell LOVES school-which makes this question a little easier. I just hope we don't run into a day he doesn't. I guess right now my main goal is that he can get what he can and he can learn how to act around peers.

alizesmom · #10 08-09-2011, 08:58 AM

Ciara adores school and it has been beneficial to her socially. Does she know the things kids her age are supposed to? No but I continue to hope. Brian is a more difficult issue; he gets the therapies on a more regular basis. In all honesty I need the school hours. It's my only respite. Karen