Over the past few nights, I have been unable to sleep AT ALL because I have a very important--but so far unsolveable--problem on my mind: Where should Ben go to kindergarten?
Now that I've got you laughing, I have to tell you that I am SERIOUS. Kindergarten registration happens in January, and I have to decide where Benjamin should go. This will affect the kind of education he receives (not just in kindergarten but throughout elementary school and beyond), the kinds of friends he will have, and--ultimately--the type of education and friends Janae will have, too.
Last night I was online researching the options until I was so tired that, as Jason put it, "the hamster was falling off the wheel." Then I proceeded to lay awake and worry about it some more.
So, here they are:
1. French Immersion
We have two French immersion elementary schools pretty closeby. One of them is quite familiar to us because it is where Ben's cousins go--so we feel comfortable there. It is within walking distance and seems to be a really nice school. I just feel sad for Ben when I picture him in a classroom where the teacher is speaking French and he doesn't have a clue what's going on. I also LOVE English (in case you haven't heard!).
When we looked the French immersion program up on the school district website, a woman dressed in a red hockey jersey holding a Canadian flag popped up. This just doesn't seem to be "us" (and it gave Jason some pretty disturbing flashbacks to his education in Quebec).
But this is the school where Ben wants to go, and--probably because it's the only one we've actually visited--the one I feel most comfortable envisioning in Ben's future.
2. Fine Arts
Our town has a fine arts elementary school where drama, music, dance, and visual arts are integrated with the academic curriculum. This sounds fun, and I think Ben would enjoy the variety and the physical movement (he's kind of a hands-on learner, I think--he loves acting out stories, dressing up, etc.), BUT whenever I think about this option I picture THIS
or THIS
Not really what I had in mind for my boy. And then when he goes to high school, will he be the "fairy from the fine arts school"?
3. Traditional
This would be a school with a dress code/uniform and strict academic standards. I like the idea of an emphasis on academics, but will my little Benjamin be able to have any fun? I read the list of school clubs--Recycling, Office Monitor, Chess--and had to wonder. I also picture an ultra right-wing militia-type environment where Ben will be scolded for mispronouncing a word or not tucking in his shirt. I don't think they're using the strap anymore, but you never know. The parent testimonials on the web site were glowing, but at the same time, scary.
I guess I have problems with both the extreme right and the extreme left.
Anyway, "traditional" is Jason's vote.
4. Our Local Ghetto School
This one is pretty much out of the question. We have nice neighbors, and they have great kids who Ben plays with outside, but when you go beyond our complex into the surrounding area, things get kind of scary. I might sound severe in my judgement, but I don't want to send my little Benjamin into an inner-city school (not my term) filled with serious social problems. It might, however, have some fun clubs (street fighting, anyone?)
5. Ben's Preschool Kindergarten
I love Ben's preschool (and hear it has an outstanding board of directors), and it does have a kindergarten, but this option would be expensive and also put us in the same situation next year (i.e., of having to choose our type of education for the rest of elementary school). Ben would also be the "new kid" in Grade One; whereas in kindergarten they're all new to the school.
So, I don't really like any of the options, but I know I have to choose one. I could always home school, but then Ben would miss out on the social aspect of school--not to mention the motivation a passionate teacher outside the family could bring.
If you have any insights, feel free to call any time day or night--I'll be awake!
3 comments:
I have told you what I think, but ultimately it is You, Jason and Benjamin that will have to decide. I must tell you though the picture of Ben in tights is knd of scary, don't you think.
Good luck with the sleeping!!
Hi Lisa, That's a big decision! Why don't you visit the schools you are considering? Sometimes the principals are even willing to give you a quick tour if they aren't too busy (probably not December). Another great thing you can do is attend the Ready,Set, Learn at a few of the schools you are considering (if you can attend more than one). It gives you an opportunity to meet the types of other families that would be going there with Ben's class. More importantly, you can meet the kindergarten teachers! From working in dual track schools (eng&french) the french teachers usually feel that immersion works well when the parents are willing to learn some french with their children so they can continually help them along. So be willing to take that on, and they are not instructed in english until grade 3, which concerns some parents, but they pick it up quickly. (Remember that Abbotsford also has late french immersion starting at grade 6 and those kids do really well. I think Jeffrey Cervo did that.) Be careful of traditional schools because you can get some kooky strict other parents, but lots of nice families too. Traditional seems to give peace of mind to people who think that public school is not working (and wished they could afford private school)...however, it is really more teacher-directed learning which I also have opinions about!!!! The best things about "inner city" schools is that really amazing teachers are there, many who I felt really wanted to make a difference with struggling families or who were just plain better at handling a number of challenges not found in other neighbourhoods. But I understnad your feelings for all of your choices. Anyway, I could go on and on...
Whatever you decide will work for Ben (and Janae) because you are obviously an involved, loving mother who will work with Ben and the teacher to make his school experience positive. That level of commitment from parents makes a big difference. (OK, now I sound like a report card...)
Oh yeah, and I check up on your blog from time to time...I guess I just made that known!! Ha ha :)
I know how worried you must be. Like your Mom said, you know what I think. With all the bullying etc. I'd hate to Ben picked on because he is such a sweet child. Home schooling would be hard, and time consuming, but I would probably consider it if I had children these days. I wouldn't be concerned about the social aspects because he socialize at church, he takes swimming lessons or I think that he still does and you can get him into other activities. I know so many people who have home schooled and their children have excelled. At work I hear some of the horror stories of the bulling in high school. I don't know if it is the same in kindergarten, probably not.
I hope that I haven't made things worse for you. Lisa has some very good ideas.
Post a Comment