School Starts Tomorrow

I know, I know. Most of you either don't have "school days" separated from "real life days" or are still working on finishing off this year. But on his own Noah has decided to start "next year" now. He took a 3-week Runescape vacation, and tomorrow he's jumping back into schoolwork.

His list of goals for this year are (and I quote): "1) Master Algebra; 2) Read at least 20 books; 3)Get beter at spelling; 4) Learn more about Amarican history; 5) Get a lot beter at cooking." OK, so there's room for improvement. But for Noah, this is astoundingly academic. Bravo!

I have to admit that these last few weeks have seen some leaps in his development. He's still an ass to me sometimes and a complete dick to his brother most of the time and he's one more pissing contest away from a smack-down from Dad. But all that has been balanced lately with bouts of maturity and responsibility. His desire to start schoolwork is part of this; he's been focused on academics and college preparations lately.

Fart jokes one second, college transcripts the next.

All I have to say is this: Unschoolers, be encouraged. Though we only totally unschooled for one year, we have always been more relaxed in our approach to learning. I'm in the Moore's Better-Late-Than-Early camp, so I struggled not to push him along, even though it's eaten me up to have him not interested in anything but video games.

But finally! It's happened: he's ready now for more academic endeavors. Just like all the unschoolers said: "Trust him to learn, and he will." I believe, Lawd, I believe!

Can I get a witness?!