Parent, UK
My stories
My School Story
My child would repeatedly come home upset. Constantly being told off for doing things he would be allowed to do (playing on the grass, touching a tree). He was so upset one day and wouldn’t tell me why. I said ‘If you don’t talk to me, I can’t help you sort it out.’ He said ‘What is the point? You will only send me back to school again tomorrow.’ He was 5 years old! He was already learning to shut me out because I couldn’t do anything to help him!
My Home Ed Story
He is now 12. He is dyslexic.
He learnt to read very late. We never made him feel ‘thick’. He loves reading now!
He can’t spell very well, but he is progressing. He can work at GCSE/A Level for Science despite not being able to spell ‘phospholipid’ or ‘xoozanthellae’. He can read about the Romans invading Britain despite note being able to spell Boudicca. He can tell you every country in Europe, despite note being able to spell Lithuania.
He is happy. He can confidently laugh at his own weaknesses without feeling like a failure. He confidently asks his younger brother how to spell things, knowing that spelling isn’t a reflection of his intelligence.
As a mum, my life is so much more interesting because of following his interests. My social life has never been better. I have seen so many places that I wouldn’t have seen.
He is happy. I am happy.
He learnt to read very late. We never made him feel ‘thick’. He loves reading now!
He can’t spell very well, but he is progressing. He can work at GCSE/A Level for Science despite not being able to spell ‘phospholipid’ or ‘xoozanthellae’. He can read about the Romans invading Britain despite note being able to spell Boudicca. He can tell you every country in Europe, despite note being able to spell Lithuania.
He is happy. He can confidently laugh at his own weaknesses without feeling like a failure. He confidently asks his younger brother how to spell things, knowing that spelling isn’t a reflection of his intelligence.
As a mum, my life is so much more interesting because of following his interests. My social life has never been better. I have seen so many places that I wouldn’t have seen.
He is happy. I am happy.
How I think schools could be better.
No ridicule when someone doesn’t know an answer.
No patronising teachers who judge intelligence according to test results.
More exploring nature without so many rules (what is the point of forest school if you can’t climb a tree?!!!)
No knife crime.
Engaging teachers and engaging topics.
Deal with bullies.
Let home educators home educate.
No patronising teachers who judge intelligence according to test results.
More exploring nature without so many rules (what is the point of forest school if you can’t climb a tree?!!!)
No knife crime.
Engaging teachers and engaging topics.
Deal with bullies.
Let home educators home educate.