Talking Allergies

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this to inform you of my intent to homeschool my daughter ...

Child has severe food allergies to peanuts and nuts. Her younger sister child has severe food allergies to milk, eggs, chicken, as well as allergies to cats, dogs, environmental allergies and multiple chemical sensitivities (including chemicals used in playdoh, soaps, craft supplies, cleaning supplies etc.). Child had been in preschool for a year and a half, which we discontinued in February 06.

Classroom use of food (mostly junk food treats) was very hard on Childs self esteem. Being around treats and snacks everyday at school, which could potentially kill her, made her anxious about attending school. We had an agreement with the preschool that Child was to only eat food that had come from home. Contrary to our agreement, she was continually offered treats by classmates, teachers, student teachers, “Santa Claus” and other parents. For her age, she was very mature, and fairly responsible in refusing these treats, but I felt it was all too much responsibility on my then 3-4 year old. We had one incident where Child ate the food she was offered, she told me later that she ate it because she just wanted to be “like everyone else”. She had a reaction to the food because the treat, even though it did not contain peanuts or nuts, was left over from a parents Christmas treat dish, which had sat out, surrounded by peanuts over the Christmas break. After a discussion with the school I was assured she would no longer be offered treats. A few weeks later, she came home with a box of valentines with candy taped to many of them.

That is when we decided home schooling would truly be the only way to educate our children in a safe, positive environment. I understand that my children would probably have a better environment at a public school rather than a private preschool. However, instances of food used in a classroom for treats, rewards, games, crafts, parties, snacks and fundraisers are extremely common in all schools. With the allergies of my younger daughter to consider as well, pretty much all food in her classroom could be deadly. I feel that any efforts made by myself, the school system and the teachers to remove the food from the classroom would ultimately result in my child feeling alienated, hated and unaccepted among her peers and their parents, who, speaking from my preschool experience here, view the treats as a part of school they are being denied by my child being in their class.

I feel that an optimal learning environment for my children is one in which they feel safe, have a low level of anxiety, and feel acceptance and inclusion. We plan to educate our daughters through having a variety of learning materials present in the home, and letting them choose what they would like to do. My oldest daughter is 5, and is reading quite well, something she taught herself through her love of books. We have children’s science books, and social studies concepts books available for reading. We have some workbooks, including “Grade 1 Singapore Math” which she is about half way through. We also have a spelling, and a phonics workbook. At the age of 5, I do not wish to push workbook type learning on her, it is always her choice to decide to do a workbook. She actually enjoys them. For science we explore her interests. We raised butterflies this past spring, and planted a garden. This summer we are traveling to Calgary to visit the zoo, science centre, as well as the Tyrell Dinosaur Museum in Drumheller. We have educational toys for the girls’ playtime including math manipulatives, an interactive globe, an interactive toy cash register with Canadian play money and educational computer games. She also is involved in dance (previously ballet, next year jazz and tap) and gymnastics.

I do feel that she is currently ahead academically of where she needs to be, so I am comfortable with a child led, play based, relaxed style to learning. In the future, if I feel that she is falling behind, or needs more structure to complete her learning I will adjust our learning style accordingly.

Thank you,

More students learning online
Program's popularity growing with state funds

By Christina Cepero
ccepero@news-press.com
Originally posted on July 25, 2006

Matthew Scamardella won't wake up at the crack of dawn to get ready for his first day of school. He won't have to wait for a bus. And best of all, he can wear his PJs to class. In August, the Cape Coral 12-year-old will begin the seventh grade at Florida Virtual Academy, a kindergarten through eighth grade full-time online public school.

The Florida Department of Education launched the school, as well as Connections Academy, in 2003.

while keeping my child (children) safe, is he/she missing out on experiences/athletics/science fairs that a good school can offer (what does one do about that - or not?);

more on the socializing, making new friends aspect.

- At what age might I want to expose my child to less controlled environments (maybe a public school?), knowing that he/she will need to learn to manage around allergens outside the home;