As we entered the world of homeschooling this year, there was one thing I was concerned about providing, a strength of Emily's that I wasn't exactly sure how to play to. Emily is a quiet, shy, and reserved person in so many ways. Yet there is a side to her, a gift really, that embodies and exudes leadership. It kind of comes out of nowhere and takes you by surprise because of, well... the whole quiet and reserved aspect to who she is. But it is true. A born leader, she is.
Something very interesting is now happening. One of Emily's former school teachers (1st through 3rd grade) is now homeschooling her eight year old daughter, in town. Willa retired last Spring from the Montessori School to do this. She and Emily have always had a special connection, she 'gets' my girl. Those of you who've had the experience of a teacher 'getting' your child know what a gift this is.
Anyway, Willa decided to put together a program of group homeschool classes, two mornings a week. She rents a few rooms in this sweet little house above (other quiet professionals, like massage therapists, use space there too), and has about 7-8 students each day. The age range of the children is lower elementary (6-9 years). Emily has begun working for Willa one of those mornings, acting as her assistant. The fit is so perfect for her! She has the opportunity to be a helper to Willa, plus a role model and teacher to the children (she is completely familiar with all the Montessori materials, lessons and methods Willa is using). This also makes Emily both responsible for something, and accountable to someone outside of our home. A valuable thing for my quickly growing up girl.
Emily enjoys plenty of team sports each season, and we belonged to a teen homeschool co-op in the fall. Both of those things are wonderfully enriching academic and social experiences... but this little volunteer job offers something unique. Something that I could never duplicate here. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity, not just for the experience, but for the reconnection of a relationship between Emily and Willa that was (and is) so meaningful to our family.
I am continuously amazed at the creative ways in which people/families are taking back their education, and making it happen in a life lasting, meaningful way. My mom sent me this article the other night. It really spoke to me, I loved it.
