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My 13-Year-Old's New Challenge!

He'll be 13 in a couple of weeks -- my 3lb. 9oz. preemie -- a teenager! He's always been quick to run, jump, climb and throw a ball; quick to comply, quick to smile, quick to laugh, quick to take on a challenge of any sort and master it.

"Here it is, son," I told him this summer with a big grin. "Your next big Challenge!" 

I gushed on and on about all he would be doing this year, and to my great surprise, his eyes lit up, and the questions came pouring out!

Why was I surprised that he was excited too? How did I forget that my children's hearts reflect my own in so many ways?

I'm excited about the Challenge Program because it offers what the culmination of all of my years of homeschooling has led me to pursue: "A Well-Trained Mind" not just for my children, but for me!

I don't see it as a whole new direction because I've been plotting our course this way all along. I just see it as a "leg-up," a hand on my shoulder, a like-minded friend walking beside me. 

I'm surprised at the impact it makes on my kids to have someone new on the homeschool scene. When that new person affirms what I've been sharing with them, their eyes light up, and they look at me with such pride and thankfulness. 

I will continue to home-school, but my son and I will attend a meeting once a week with peers and a tutor. Here he will be able to more fully flesh-out his understandings of debate and the Socratic method. He will participate in a mock-trial, demonstrate his mathematical knowledge in front of the group, read aloud what he's written, receive group feedback, and much more!

Best of all, he won't feel so isolated while he's doing his work. So often, when I give an assignment, his luster is lost because "It's just something else mom is wanting me to do."

One of the goals of this Challenge year is to encourage the children to take more initiative and become more independent in their study skills. Both goals that my son, who will be turning 13 in two weeks, is ready and willing to take on.

Hopefully, this year, he will feel more like I'm here to support him rather than direct him as he is keeping in step with this Challenge he's undertaken.

Here's to an exciting new school year, and wherever you find yourself along your educational path, may you find truth, understanding, and wisdom; and may you embrace the joy of your journey!

Love,

Jennifer Dowell

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Comments

The Eyre family said…
I love this! Homeschooling is cool because there are always options for every season....Blessings to you this year, sweet friend. I just love you. :D (And I can't BELIEVE he was ever 3 lbs 9 oz....)
August 11, 2011 at 7:06 PM
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