Why we homeschool - reason # 4,285

He's almost twelve and in the sixth grade.

He has grown about two inches this past summer and is not showing any signs of slowing down.

He is constantly hungry and regularly has second and third helpings of whatever we're having for dinner and about an hour later is on a food hunt once again. 

He eats practically one of everything in the fruit bowl . . . every single day.

He is sleeping about ten to twelve hours a night, easily.

He is also reading voraciously and his imagination has kicked into high gear. He's currently reading a fabulous (450 page) novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson called "Peter and the Starcatchers."  He can't wait to tell me what has happened in the latest chapter he's read.  He gives me a painstaking description of the action and describes the characters in detail, including his opinion of what motivates them. 

He tells me just enough of the plot to interest me, but he doesn't give it all away.  He acts it out and mimics the voices and then loudly exclaims: "You've just got to read this for yourself, Mom."  The unbridled enthusiasm with which he says this makes it extremely compelling.  None of this is solicited.  He is just so excited about what he's reading that he must share.  The enthusiasm comes directly out of his heart so much so that it can be felt.

(NOTE TO SELF: Put 'Peter and the Starcatchers' on my reading list.) ;-)

Because he's (obviously!) in serious growth mode right now,  I am not pressing him to do too much academically.  His twelve year old body and mind are competing for all of his energy.  (The body is winning. =D)  I'm so glad I don't have to explain this to a teacher.  I can gauge where he is and what he needs right now because I. KNOW. HIM.  And I'm not worried at all.

This is what the California State Standards have to say about what he's supposed to be doing:

2.3 Deliver oral responses to literature:

a. Develop an interpretation exhibiting careful reading, understanding, and insight.
b. Organize the selected interpretation around several clear ideas, premises, or images.
c. Develop and justify the selected interpretation through sustained use of examples and textual evidence.

2.4 Deliver persuasive presentations:

a. Provide a clear statement of the position.
b. Include relevant evidence.
c. Offer a logical sequence of information.

Which is really just Educationalese for: "Is he getting it?"

I think the answer is a great a big YES. =D