90% of teaching is knowing the child

The most surprising encounters I have had as I start this journey is meeting other moms...that used to be public school teachers or preschool teachers. The two moms I am thinking of had a child that the public schools labeled as "special needs" and so they were given an IEP (Individual Education Plan). A whole slew of people from the school get together to decide HOW they will teach this child. After that big ol' meeting their child is still not getting what they need so these mothers who were educated to be teachers pull their children out to do what they know needs to happen. And it can be done without an IEP when a child is homeschooled. As I chatted with one mom and telling her that I was nervous about homeschooling, she responded, "Don't worry. You will do a great job because you know your child. 90% of teaching is knowing the child. Every year that I taught school I would go to the teacher a particular child had the year before and ask HER about the child." Wow. That is interesting...and scary to me. What if that previous year's teacher told her a whole lot of negative stuff about my child...or about me? I can just imagine, "His mom is kind of annoying. She calls the school often. And he is....". I won't go there. I know that homeschooling will free us to do what needs to be done without those "special" labels. I already know James so well. I know sometimes that when he is talking even more that usual, he wants my attention and I can pick him up and set him in my lap and he is quiet. When he wants to cuddle, he will come stand next to me and wait for me to pick him up. Ahhhh. I am already 90% there. :)