Dear Mom,

I am sorry for your anxiety regarding the issues that you are dealing with at this time. It must have been very unsettling to think that all of the time you spent in homeschooling was somehow not right. Let's look at the positive issues that are always present despite the setbacks that you are facing.

I believe that testing is a two edge sword. It is important to understand the difficulties that children are experiencing yet at the same time it is very necessary to trust that each day of your teaching is a day that you are going forward. It is entirely understandable that you would want to change your curriculum when you are facing challenges. However I think that changing curriculum may not be the best choice in so many situations, yours included.

I do think that CHC is a well rounded curriculum and one that will give you and your dear children an academic edge. I would suggest that you put away all the different curriculums that you are now using and to seek first to examine the real challenges that your son is facing. Perhaps your health care provider could give you some insights into his special needs. It is entirely possible that there may be challenges in his special needs that are not related to teaching. It would be very wise to spend the summer months seeking first to understand exactly where he is with regard to reading etc. Many times children do poorly on standard tests because they are not able to read well enough to understand the directions. This is just one area that might need some help.

The most important thing to remember is that this is not the time to lose hope or to despair. It is important that you trust that all children learn at different levels and in different ways. It is not healthy to be working to the degree that you describe for 10 hours out of the day. This wouldn't be good for anyone, especially a small child that is working with the challenges that you describe. I do not doubt that you and your son are in tears by the end of the day. I would be in tears as well.

I am a firm believer in the philosophy of gently learning. I think that it is better to do one task well and to fully understand that task before moving on to something new. I believe that each stage of learning is a brick in a foundation. It is important to build a good foundation. It is a blessing that you are homeschooling and that you love your dear son to the depth that you do. You will make the sacrifices necessary to help him overcome each learning challenge one step at a time. Examine the greatest challenge and make a pledge to begin there. During the summer months I would not aggravate myself with tutorial for more than 1 hour or possible two in a day. Make a commitment to attacking each challenge and to allowing the Lord to guide you gently and calmly through the work.

Return to your CHC books and take a look at the work that has been accomplished. Take one book at a time review slowly until your dear son fully comprehends the lessons that are presented.

Have you ever worked on a project to the point of making silly mistakes? It is quite possible that your dear son is merely exhausted with all the time that is spent in formal teaching. A fresh mind is one that is eager to learn and to allow the tutorial to take hold.

Please sit quietly in front of the Blessed Sacrament and let the tender mercy and overwhelming love of Jesus soothe what is hurting in you at this time. Jesus knows your challenges and He wants to help you work through each one. Jesus is a loving Lord who desires to empower and inspire us as we face difficulties; more than that we do not need. Remember that the Lord's strength is ours for the asking.

I admire you very much and will be keeping you in my daily prayers. Please take time each day to sit with the Lord and let him calm your fears and in so doing you will have a peaceful heart in which to hear the Lord's instructions.

Lord, we ask that You surround this dear mother with Your arms and allow that she feel Your presence. Allow that she rest in Your embrace and in so doing find the peace that passes all understanding. Lord, we long to see Your face in all that we do. Amen.

Sending out a prayer,

Rita Munn

* * *

I would like to respond to the mother whose 5 year old son was struggling with the California Achievement Test. Let me first say that your son is lucky to have you. You are clearly committed to his education. As a classroom teacher, this is the one factor seems to make all the difference.

In my state, your son would surely qualify for an I.E.P. which stands for an Individualized Educational Plan. Many times these plans include modifications such as: longer or unlimited test time, taking a test one on one with an adult, having an adult read the questions and or answers to you, as well as, ensuring you understand each question before you select an answer. Can you imagine a more sunny outcome for your son, had these options been available?

I teach a primary grade and also administer a standardized test. Many components of the test are read by me to my students, depending on the section and test directions. That being said, I believe tests have their place. It is true that for things like the SAT, etc. it is useful to enhance test taking skills. It is also helpful to see where your students in relation to performance. However, please know that tests are not the end all be all.

I had a meeting with a parent who was very concerned about a drop in his daughter's test performance from last year to this year. I was surprised because she is a bright and cooperative student who does her work well. I reminded him that this score was a glimpse into her life for forty minutes on one particular Tuesday. It should not diminish all the work, effort, progress, and growth she has displayed during the course of the school year. Additionally, one component of the test uses fuzzy pictures that I the teacher have trouble deciphering; while another utilizes material that I covered, but could be easily guessed by correctly using inference skills. If your child daydreamed in class, but has higher order thinking skills, they will score high. If your child studied every Saturday, but has not developed this skill yet, they will score low. How is that a fair measure of ability? Each child matures in their own time and that does not mean they lack intelligence.

I am sure that if you become fully knowledgeable of your son's conditions and learn about educational techniques to support his learning style, you, with God's grace, will find success. I am sure it will take much trial and error, but you seem ready for this challenge. Please bear in mind that a crucial key in learning, especially at this age, is bonding with your instructor, as trust is essential in this dynamic relationship. All too often, my greatest progress is made in late spring with my students and then the school year comes all too quickly to a close. You have the great advantage of having been your son's teacher since birth and this will profoundly support your learning journey.

-- Your Sister in Christ