|
|
|
|
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/27/2007 10:16:45 PM | I am a single mom to 1, she will be 7 this year and we homeschool. My daughter will be entering the 1st grade this year. We homeschool because it is what is right for OUR family! My daughter is very well socialized and can interact with a variety of people but she is 7 and 7yo's do as 7yo's do. This will be our 2nd year and we love it.
My first choice to HS was because I work 3 afternoon/nights a week and sending her to school would mean I would never see her on those days..Id send her to school in the morning and pick her up from a sitter at midnight. Plus finding afterschool daycare that will pick her up, keep her till midnight is very hard in our town. This way she is able to go to my sister's where I know she will be loved and cared for. My sister also HS's her 4 children.
Our local school district went over a major overhaul this summer..laid off all the aids, took away the librarians, outsourced the custodial and cafeteria, raised the class size from 30 to 38-40 per class. Im sorry but 1 person can not educate 38 kids properly.
Activites are all around us, we have gardens to walk thru, spray parks, co-ops(actually may belong to 3 this year). Just depends on what you want, there is tons of stuff to do here.
Anyways just rambling
Melis.. | |
|
Pucks
|
Joined: 10/14/2006
Msg: 152 | |
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/27/2007 10:57:49 PM | Looneywitch, spelt the right way. haha
If your going to respond to we and you then do so without singling out one member.
Hello when you do that it is personal.
Facts do not have to be started with every post.
In fact forums are just for opinions.
I have done that and if you dont like it i could care less. | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/28/2007 8:45:11 AM | | To answer the previous question about who has time to homeschool etc. I homeschool my kids, I also work. I work afternoons in afterschool care, my kids attend with me for free, in addition due to my position there I get well enough that I make the smae working p/t as I used to working f/t away from my kids. This has provided me the chance to do what I feel is best for their education without having to rely on others to support us. It's true not nearly as many single parents homeschool as 2 parent families due to the finacial issues but where there's a will there's a way. Othr option incl working in the evening so the child is with other family during that time and you are still home int eh day, having a homeschooling riend babysit during the day while you work, so that they do some subjects with that person and the rest with you in the evening, working from home either telecommuting, or other forms. SOme like to do homedaycare for school age kids, so they have the bulk of the day to work with their own kids but have income coming in before and after school hours providing child care. The list of possibilities goes on. If one feels that homeschooling is in the best interest of their child, there is ways of being able to both work and support the family AND be home to homeschool without going on social support programs etc. | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/28/2007 11:16:28 AM | BHappy: Just wanted to say I am so sorry to hear of your experiences. However it doesn't surprise me, even though we are in different countries. These sort of situations seem so prevalent unfortunately.
I abhor the nanny state mentality. Especially when it is aimed at our children.
These people should be ashamed of what they did and their attempts of even more - typical examples of little tin pot dictators!
Ensuring our children get the best that is suitable for them as a person and raising our children individually is not a crime, nor evidence of one. These people should be taught about life in pre WWII Germany - their similar attitude to that time is disturbing.
Quite often they get away with this sort of carry on simply because so many parents (understandably) feel under enormous pressure to cave in, with no where to seek support let alone receive proper information. You didn't cave in and I applaud you 
Like you I use the law against them. It is often they do not have a clue about what their remit is or is not - a scary thought when they "work" around so many children - and then to lie, cajole and threaten?!
I have more than once used my solicitor to put these sorts in their place and I wouldn't hesitate to do so again and again.
No doubt like yourself I look at my children and know I am doing the right thing for them.
Thank you for sharing. It does my heart good to know educated, heart strong people like you exist  | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/28/2007 11:58:38 AM | Oh well done puck. How witty. With your first sentence we can all see just how capable you are of holding a mature conversation. Learn that at school did you? 
I did not single you out. You made an erroneous statement which I used and showed you an alternative view - my audacity of doing so got your knickers in a twist.
Forums are not just for opinions, especially just because you say so. You maybe used to getting your own way at home, this however is the big wide world. In this big wide world if you make an opinion or statement expect it to be questioned. You see apart from anything else Home Ed parents not only think for themselves but will question and take apart eroneous statements
This is a thread on Home Ed issues.
You came into it making a statement that you thought the "public system" is better. Now if you truly want to be involved in a discussion about this subject then provide something to back up that statement (e.g. your reasons/experiences for thinking so). To not do so is antagonistic in such an emotive subject.
Do we Home Ed parents come, say to any school meeting you may be involved in PURELY to make the statement that we think Home Ed is better than schools, then say nothing else to back up such a statement. No. That would be considered pretty weird and rude. Yet this is the equivalent of what you did.
You came into this thread and directed that towards parents who work damm hard to provide the best education possible for their children 24/7, parents who have likely been through a lot to get to the stage they are in, and make such a statement without showing the courtesy of providing a reason (or any sort of back up) for this statement and expect what? To be agreed with? To be applauded?
Then you get your knickers in a twist because someone has the gall to call you out over it?!
I have already stated previously I would discuss Home Ed issues with you, or anyone. I will not however demean myself by replying again to a troll!
Have a great weekend everyone, even you puck | |
|
Pucks
|
Joined: 10/14/2006
Msg: 156 | |
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/28/2007 12:31:20 PM | I prefer public schools over homeschooling for many reasons.
These are just some of the downsides i see to homeschooling.
- my children (all children) need to learn to behave and function in society. This imo is better done in schools/classrooms etc then in a home.
-especially in social relationships. I believe there are more opportunities. (sure homeschoolers can involve their children in outside activites but imo it is not as consistent).
- In home schooling vs. public schooling you pretty much have to be unemployed. There is no way i could effectively home school my children with my daily life committments. This is the case for most people as well. I'll agree that homeschooling can be very tough and takes time. A proper homeschooling would not only include teaching. It would include grading, preparing lesson plans etc. I just have way too many other household obligations being a single dad. Someone has to walk the dog, mow the lawn, do repairs and clean the toilet right?
-It can be way to frusturating. While i am all for teaching...and have learned many alternative ways to raising kids from my own training...(such as discipline), i do not have a degree in teaching. School teachers are trained.
You have a great weekened too.
- | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/29/2007 5:33:06 AM | Thank You Looneywitch- I did call several attorneys. No one would take the state on. One told me that I would have to wait tell they took my son away. But by then I would be to busy getting him back to deal with anything else. I do not drink or do drugs. I do not have men running in and out of my house. I have not been on a date in 11 years.I lived with my mother until she died so I did not work. She suggested that I volunteer at a hospital . I did and really enjoyed it.So why did they pick me out? I know enough now that it was not anything I did. It was just they way they do things. I do not think they are able to do anything that is not dictated to them from higher source. To one degree or another I know now that they do that to every family. I have since found legal and other advice via the multitude of homeschool resources. I share my story not to whine but to support any parent that may be going thru the same thing now. More and more of us are telling our stories. I have a tremendous amount of support from the homeschool community. . Oh, and it helps that, at 50, I have been around a very big block. Oh, and I have been known to speak my mind. If this could happen to me I know some 20 year old parent is going to be overwelmed if they went thru this. If I say nothing then I am an just as guilty.
Having said that there are great public schools. They just do not happen to be in Hawaii.The biggest complaint from all the parents when my son was in school was that the principal was never on campus and we were all discouraged from volunteering at the school. I went to school here in Hawaii from preschool up. The schools here have only have gotten worse.I have heard of some public schools on the mainland that are shining examples of what a public school should be. I hope the parents who prefer public schools are lucky to have one of these schools.
This is not an issue of either/or. We need to get past that and support the family.My best girlfriend is pro public school. she would never homeschool her kids. It is not my place to change her mind. Nor her mine. Her kids are as great as mine. We consider each other sisters, and are always there for each other.
My children, my choice. I am told I do a really great job. I dropped out of high school in 9th grade. Since then I have not lived in limbo. I have homeschooled myself all my life. Having an interest in science and medicine my research tends to lean this way. Having grown up knowing Professors from the U of H. They came over to the house all the time. When I was 9 my parents pulled me out of school for a year to live on Midway Island. The list goes on. I think I am more than qualified to teach my son. I find that alot of school staff does not know who Spongebob, Ms. Frizzle or the Time Warp Trio are. We use everything as a life lesson. Even cartoons and video games are useful. My son only plays games about a week and then he puts them away for 3 months. I think the math overwelms him. I make my own bread and weigh my flour by pounds rather than cups. My son will always be able to make bread.I have an old house and have not replaced the tile floor. I keep washable pens available and he writes everywhere on the floor. He has done this since he was about 3. When I mop it all goes away. He has never written on any of my wood furniture. He has so many journals I lost track. If a young parent chooses to homeschool they learn right along with their children. We are not rushed to meet someone else idea of what we should be doing. Homeschooling is better for my family. Learning is usually has a simple beginning. We saw Finding Nemo. (I am fascinated about practically everything. Fish was not on my list anywhere.) But my son loves them. He knows all the latin names of every fish in the movie. He knows more about these fish than most adults. The ocean totally fascinates him. And guess what? Had to expand my list ,I love fish now too! I swam with baby spotted rays. They were incredible. Did you know squid change colors.
Whether you choose to public, private or homeschool never miss those magic "AH HA!" moments with your kids. It is better than any drug. When you see that light in their eyes sparkle cause they finally get something they have struggled with.... It magic!
We, as parents, should support each other no matter what choice we make.The kids, parents and families are not the problem here. If you are against homeschool you should not think that we isolate, abuse or crowd our children. My son and I get plenty of alone time. (away from each other)
Another benefit is you can be relaxed with each other. The other day I was lecturing (my term)nagging(sons term) and I asked him several times "What is it that you want?" (It was an issue of doing chores) He mumbled something. I asked him to repeat it. He turned to me with his eyes laughing and said loud and firmly "Earplugs". I do not care who you are that's funny.
(' ')('')('')
That, more than any other reason, is why we love homeschool! Student teaches teacher. | |
|
Pucks
|
Joined: 10/14/2006
Msg: 158 | |
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/29/2007 12:12:25 PM | If i lived in the US i'd prolly do all i could to homeschool.
I cant believe 22 of 50 states allow corporal punishment by teachers. Spanking with a paddle. What a crock. Im am totally against this and could see this as a being a reason that some parents choose homeschooling.
I love Canada and this kind of punishment by the school system is illegal and against the law where i reside. | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/30/2007 6:02:16 AM | My partner and I choose to homeschool for many reasons. As my partner taught for several years during his semi-retirement, I feel he is qualified to be a teacher for our son.
Socializing is done in every event of every day. Whether it is at our dragon boats club, baseball, our language lessons to be able to communicate in the next country I am working in (My partner and I bring our child along to every class.) I teach apprentices in my trade - in a far different manner than they were ever taught in school. The way our public school system works, someone who cannot follow that particular style of teaching falls by the wayside. Many of my apprentices had nothing from public schooling... now they have a life to support themselves with, because they were taught in a manner suited to their style of learning.
It is not for everyone. I volunteer with kids, and shelters, and skills teaching classes (and so on.) I decided based on my own experiences in public school, and the data supporting teaching in an effective manner per child that this is what is right for my son. He is turning out like I did, and I felt that being skipped ahead grades was detrimental to my socializing. Being 4 years younger than others in your graduating class in highschool takes a beating out of you. I know that my emotional maturation was right on with my age, even if my learning skills were out above any norm. In a home environment, that is not an issue - especially as my home is all over the world. What school - based program can compete with an education on the world level? Including exposure to numerous cultures and languages, and tutors from all of those cultures? Nothing in our public system comes close to that, and that is what I have to offer my son. Why would I rob him of such opportunity? | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/30/2007 11:14:19 AM | One thing I don't see brought up here so much about homeschooling is it gives kids a sense of freedom, of independence to go to public schools. If you spend the entire day being watched by your parents, it can be an awful shock when you go out into the real world and they aren't there 90% of the time anymore. That's one of the biggest problems I saw from the few I knew who were home schooled. Not so much a lack of socialization but just not being used to being away from their parents and having a hard time doing so. One of my friends turned down a fantastic job offer in LA last year because he didn't feel like he could be away from his mother for months at a time, even with calling/email/webcams which they both have. He has a hard time being away for more than a day or two. I think thats much more likely the problem the OP saw in his friend.
Public schools have their problems, no doubt. But you say one person can't teach 40? In college often one person teaches hundreds in a class. It can be hard but it can be done. I think maybe its harder in younger kids to do that, but by middle school most kids should be able to learn without having someone watching only them every second of the day. If the child needs extra help, most teachers I have known will stay after school to help the kids, many public schools have tutors available and if they don't many can help parents t0 find a cheap and effective tutor. Many high schoolers, at least in my state where community service is required to graduate, will even do it for free as community service.
Public schools also have teachers who are much more specialized. I know that theres a lot of computer programs and such out there to help with home schooled children now, but it isn't perfect. What if your child has a tough math question they need help with and you have no idea? A math teacher would know the answer, you might well not be able to find it.
Likewise, homeschooling does keep kids from seeing a true view of the world, even most of the home schooling parents here seem to admit that. You see what your parents want you to see. Great way to stamp out knowledge of diversity and other ways of life.
Public schools aren't perfect and I can understand keeping kids out of elementary for home schooling to a degree, to give them more one on one time in their formulative years. But by middle school, I really don't see the point, it seems more limiting than anything. | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/30/2007 2:51:06 PM | ^^^^^It depends on your view of limiting. For us, I think my child would suffer more from my never being around when I work overseas if he were to stay here to do public school. (which I will not, my preferred option is private schooling in an elite quality school rather than the public system, after my first choice of homeschool - I will likely do this for his highschool career.)
I do not view world travel as at all limiting. Nor do I view a multitude of teachers in cultures and languages other than our own as limiting. When I work in most other countries, my child is cared for at least two days a week by a learning centre for children. Much like a daycare, but only two days a week so he has the optimum of being with his family. When I am here in Canada, a few days each month I put him in a native heritage centre for children, since he is still daycare age. I will probably continue with such throughout his life so he is more open minded than most.
But then that depends on your view of open minded... to me that is learning about other ways of life, and being grateful that our way of life is so comparatively easy. With me my child will help in rebuilding of schools in third world countries, and possibly even help other children to learn. The idea that he is sheltered from anything is bung in this. Except for that I do not allow excess media in my home... no violent video games and the like that he would be exposed to in our public school system. That is a good thing.
SO what is your idea of a "true view of the world?"
Likewise, homeschooling does keep kids from seeing a true view of the world, even most of the home schooling parents here seem to admit that. You see what your parents want you to see. Great way to stamp out knowledge of diversity and other ways of life.
seems to me that a public school would be more limiting of anything than a view of a stagnant, greed based, North American culture. He'll get more than enough in the times we are in Canada whether or not he attends public school. What is this great world view when he is limited on seeing the world when stuck in school? Please explain this. | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/30/2007 11:25:07 PM | I wasn't addressing someone who takes their child all over the world. That's far from the standard home schooling experience.
Far too often in this country home schooling is used as a way to keep children from seeing a true world view. To keep them around the people they want, teach them the things that the parents want, show them the things in the world that the parents want. Going to public schools, kids meet people from all walks of life, from all kinds of back grounds, with all different sorts of experiences. Its a real issue with home schooling. Sounds like your child doesn't have that problem at all, they're seeing an even more wide view. Some of my other points still stand.
As for a private high school, thats still fairly limiting, mostly to upper class rich people. Which frankly, isn't the entirety of the world we live in. | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/31/2007 4:36:08 AM | What is a" true world view"? Are you saying that because I am homeschool parent that my world view is false? Not knowing anything about homeschooling or my lifestyle you make this assertion. What is wrong upper class rich people? Why is so wrong for me, as a parent, to have a say who my child is exposed to, teach him the things I feel are best, show him my view of the world? Whose view do you think is better than the one that gave him life? Why do you think I do not expose him to anything else? Do you think that because I disagree totally with you that I would not alllow him to socialize with you? Does your "true world view" allow your children to socialize with my family. (I promise to take my "anti alien-foil hat" off) Even though he knows about pot and drugs we do not hang out with people who do. (3 different cases in Hawaii of teachers in the public schools being busted for using drugs on campus.One was Special Ed teacher selling Ice on campus.Just in the last 6 months.All elementary schools.)
I feel stupid for pointing out the obvious but one of my sons favorite places to go is his Japanese Aunties house. And, sit down for this, all her kids go to public school. I do not sit home weeping and chewing my lip waiting for him to come back into the fold so that I can hover over him and protect him from the big, bad world.
Far to often in this country people parrot what they think are fact . They call none issues, Issues. They seem to get their facts from wikipedia.
Please tell me what the standard homeschool experience is. I will guess that you will be wrong on that one too.
Bottom line for me and others that homeschool is our kids are happier, more well rounded and able to function in all social settings placed in. Do not take my word for it. All of our friends see a big difference in him. | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/31/2007 5:24:55 AM | Bing: You are correct that a private highschool is limited in some regards - you never hear of mass shootings at a private school. The education itself is of a far better quality as the students need to meet certain standards of excellence to be accepted. There is still a social hierarchy but usually without weapons and drugs being involved in the bullying cliques. I speak of weapons from experiencing them as a non popular girl in public school. My thigh still bears the stab scar from refusing to do another's homework for them. I should like to spare my child being on either end of that spectrum, or even merely being standing near so awful of events.... I'd much rather he get in a regular scuffle of fisticuffs than a knife fight.
As for the entirety of the world we live in, adapting to life in a third world country is far more indicative of the world we live in than a myopic view of one culture. Sure, he'll be in an upper class school for highschool, after witnessing first hand people starving all over the world, and kind people wasting away from diseases that here we have inoculations for, but are too focused on money to care overly much for human life elsewhere. Public school does not convey that reality very well. Private schools (some) will send out a crew of students for a semester to rebuild an area (school or community centre) in less fortunate countries of the world. Aspiring doctors get to work with field medics and Doctors Without Borders. Aspiring engineers and architects get to face the real world prior to college as well, and be able to make a better informed choice for their post secondary career.
I have met many families like my own who travel the world while teaching their children. That is where part of my information came from, and I must say that those children I met who have lived in and helped in third world countries as part of their "homeschooled" education had a far better sense of how privileged they were and how lucky they were to have adequate food and clothing. None of those children whined for the latest video game, ipod, or fancy cell phone just to be "cool" and fit in. Most would see the waste of monetary resource for what it was, and would rather use the funds to help the families of their less fortunate friends. I see those children, and I see their public schooled peers and I must conclude that I prefer the children who see the value of human life, over the value of being fashionable.
I also go to the non religious home school group in my area of Ontario, even though my child is not of age yet. They go on field trips every second week to a museum, art gallery, Native Cultural Centre, Science Centres, cultural centres in the not too distant Toronto (Greek, Ukrainian, Haitian, Chinese, Korean, Iranian, Italian, Pakistani, etc., etc.,) and learn about the other cultures that make up our fine country. Every week the entire group of homeschoolers (some 300+ kids and their parents) get together for sports, activities, picnics and regular "socializing." I doubt a game of Lacross is much different with homeschooled kids than it is with public schooled kids. Their league teams are every bit as competitive, and with public sports teams they are every bit as likely (and more) to land a scholarship for their skills. This IS the majority of homeschoolers outside of the secular religious groups in my area. It DOES promote more open minded view of our own country, and the world, since the children are exposed to the many cultures within our own (unlike the public system which simply can't afford such, and many other parents do not welcome that type of education.)
So meeting these children (and I do know that there are homeschoolers who do keep their children away from the world - but they are not the type to be in the association that I will be in) I am certain it is the best choice within my means for an honestly well balanced child. These kids who are exposed to the other cultures are IN GENERAL more respectful than their counter parts in public education. In general they do better on the standardized testing too, scoring an Exceeds Expectations more often.
Due to the field trips every other week they are not always under mom and dad's watchful eye BTW, not to mention that skills are shared among the homeschooling parents to teach to some of the other children than their own, skills that other parents may not have. That would be the variety of teachers that is so often talked about lacking in the homeschooled venue, and the socializing in a small class format not necessarily in their own home. I already do archery classes for some kids, and teach wood shop and basic masonry apprenticeship skills. Some parents teach about farming and agriculture to children who may not have exposure to it. Some teach cooking, sewing, botany, chemistry, forestry, creative writing, scuba diving and so on based on the skills that parent has. It might not be for everyone, but I like the idea of learning more than just the basics that is handed out in public school. Since the children have to meet the exact same standardized testing as public students, there is no worry about a sub standard education.
Since it is my job as a parent to do what I deem as best for my child, this is my decision. I have done extensive research, and have made plans to accommodate the supposed con points of my choice of education for my son. That being the whole social argument, and the argument that a child "needs" time away from parents to form independance. (I personally believe it is the other way around until a child is older, it is the parent who Needs the time away...) Since the particular group I am joining sees things in a similar manner to what I do, none of their 300 kids are suffering the lack of socializing or time away from mom. This is the choice many are making as public education is becoming measurably worse than ever before in quality. (Ontario used to have one of the best public education systems in North America, and now has one of the middling to worst due to semi - recent politics and cuts to education funding.) | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 7/31/2007 6:00:07 PM | private schooling isn't an option over here, yet. In Canada, you can accept the very questionable public systems, throw them to the wolves in a catholic school, or try to do better yourself.
Actually, I live in Canada, and the only other options to public & homeschooling are NOT merely "Catholic" schools.
There are "Christian" schools, which are decidedly NOT Catholic!
Moreover, if you can afford the $900 or so per month, there are "private academies". There's one in my neighborhood, but alas, it's unaffordable to me. It doesn't operate like in England, where private schools offer sponsored spots to students who would not otherwise have the financial resources to be educated there. This place requires "cash up front" from everyone!
In Germany, homeschooling is almost nonexistent & practically illegal, from what I gather. Under Hitler's regime in the 30's, it became absolutely forbidden to homeschool your children. Many things became "verboten" under Nazism, like Jews owning property & businesses for example, so that isn't so surprising, but I digress...
All children were required to be enrolled & indoctrinated into Germany's Fascist & tightly controlled "public school system", which kind of explains the rise of the "Hitler Youth" phenomenon in the 30's.
These days, parents in Germany wishing to homeschool their children still have a rough row to hoe... Apparently only about 200 families actually do it, but mostly for "religious" reasons, from what I gather.
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,1438867,00.html
Similarly, a great many Christian families in the United States homeschool their kids for much the same reasons German Christians do: you can google to find information attesting to this fact.
I'd have no fear of inadequate "socialization" with regard to homeschooling my child, however I am a single parent with no 2nd parent helping to raise him or support him, so I wear both hats. And in any case, I know that I don't have nearly the patience it takes to teach him math...!
I spend hours each evening, after work, and after cooking a good dinner, trying to help him understand new math concepts that he's supposedly being taught in class, but alas, with 28 kids and one harried teacher, he would soon fall through the cracks if I wasn't paying attention and if I didn't step up to the plate myself in the evenings with homework assistance.
I cannot afford private math tutors, but I requested that he receive additional Math help in school from TA's, which he does get. He's currently a C-C- student in math, and all things considered, he'd never make a passing grade without this extra concerted effort...
I have a friend who homeschools her brilliant boy. He is an athlete, a Tae Kwon Do champion, a model human being from everything I can see, and has 2 parents who give him and he 3 other siblings all kind of exposure to society. They run a farmhouse Bed & Breakfast and are both very alternative thinkers. One of their children is mentally challenged and is home-schooled, another just graduated from a private boarding school in Ontario, and this boy I mentioned and another sibling are both home-taught.
My boy will have to receive a public school education, as it is what it is, however I can understand the benefits of one-on-one instruction by a qualified teacher/tutor/parent in a home-schooling environment. BONUS: from what I understand, normal "school lessons "are completed within a few hours each day, so it's not a 6 hour all day affair! | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 8/1/2007 5:39:08 AM | There are a fairly good number of private schools in Canada which are not Christian/Catholic. Especially in my area. One is strictly an arts high school, without religious affiliations. Plenty of other religious groups have their own schools too in metropolitan areas. Of course the ones I am looking into are strictly academic oriented, until I see another avenue which may be more appropriate for my child's high school education. If he is artsy, or athletic I will find a suitable place for him after our homeschooling is complete (elementary years.) Somewhere with a good reputation that the better Universities like, since private school is usually a much more thorough education than public education. Class sizes are smaller, more student to instructor time, more tutors available if necessary....
Yes, homeschool takes up less of the day. Since time is spent on fewer students, and the lessons can have more one on one time, the lessons are over faster, and the student can typically finish their work faster and more efficiently, since they are not waiting forever with their hand up for some assistance when necessary, or being left behind because they are too shy to ask for help. | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 8/1/2007 11:18:47 AM | I have great reservations about homeschooling, although if it is done properly and the kids meet the academic standards to succeed in college and life, it can be fine.
My reservations include:
Insufficient socialization with other kids
Brainwashing in the curriculum if it is a right wing religious type homeschooling. I saw a video that showed the kids being brainwashed into believing that evolution is wrong and supporting the Republican Party when in fact the Republicans are no good for anyone whether rich or poor. In a proper school, both sides of a debate should be presented. Even though I am a Democrat I still read conservative writers' columns. I may not always agree but at least I see what they are thinking. This one sided approach is a very serious concern.
Insufficient academic preparation if not guided properly
Some parents who are not sufficiently educated to guide the children to meet standards
Lack of services for special needs children. I think a good public school system works well in this regard. My friend's town's public schools are very involved in providing all kinds of services for kids ranging from the special needs to gifted children, and provide all kinds of guidance to parents. To me this is a huge concern. A reading problem may not be handled properly by an unqualified parent, for example.
"Christian" schools sometimes are guilty of brainwashing kids into believing only one way. I would not like to send a child to such a school. Some Catholic schools admit kids regardless of religious belief, and are more liberal than some of the Pentecostal type school.
Personally I prefer young children to attend a good public school that provides the services needed if problems arise. If the child is doing well, a good prep school is a good way to go with the later grades. There are fewer problems with cliques and bullying in prep schools since they will kick a bully in the a$$ for disrupting the learning process for other students. | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 8/1/2007 3:00:11 PM | I know my promised post is long in coming, but here it is, at last!
There are abuses in both homeschooling AND the public education system. Neither is perfect...but the public education system has the backing of society. Whereas, it seems we have forgotten that it has not even been 100 years that public education has been the 'norm'. Many of our own great grandparents, and great great grandparents learned life skills by living and role modelling their parents, older siblings, neighbours and community members, OR simply by having to do. Necessity is the mother of invention...and learning.
Perhaps the Theory of Evolution is wrong...maybe the creation story is true. As far-fetched as it may seem that a divine being created us one day because he was bored. Not everything you teach your child, or that the school teaches your child is correct. I know for a fact that history is written by the victors. It was only within the last 20 or 30 years that the American History and Canadian History of Natives and Indigenous people had to be re-written. The information in our history books was incorrect. It was used to paint aboriginals within the negative stereotypes propagated by those 'victors'.
Using the example above, if I were a republican parent...I would think it wrong that a parent taught a child any other form of politics or government. As an atheist, I would think that anyone teaching their child to pray and read the bible/koran were wrong.
We have not had the final cards revealed to say that any of these beliefs, ideologies, religions, theories, hypotheses are right or not. For years, schools have taught us about our solar system. Children have made models, coloured pages, written tests, and learned that there are 9 planets in our solar system. This year we learned that Pluto is not truly a planet.
Brainwashing is a matter of opinion. A devout catholic has their child dunked in holy water before that child has the opportunity to make a choice as to what they believe. Schools teach us that we cannot attend the same classroom as those who are 14 when we are 4. Brainwashing?
Socialization in a school means only ever interacting with those student who are the same age and with the teacher in that room. In the big picture, this is a very abnormal method of teaching socialization.
so·cial·i·za·tion [soh-shuh-luh-zey-shuhn] –noun 1. a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position.
And yet, the very model of the education system is not to create an individual, but to create automatons who follow the rules and don't question authority. It is an old model that has not changed since the days of early assembly lines and automation...when parents worked in factories and latch key kids waited for them to come home. School was a communal babysitter serving the purpose of attending young children and getting them ready to work in the same factories as their parents.
A child who is homeschooled not only learns the reality of life, the practicality of learning skills, and how to take care of themselves as adults...they are allowed the freedom of expression to be their own person. One who is not condemned, suspended or expelled for being truly individual.
Let's look into a classroom, a young boy who LOVES astronomy is heard to say..."Sir, Pluto is NOT a planet!" The teacher takes offence that the child has questioned his knowledge and offers him a pass to detention.
Another look in a classroom...a little girl is sad because her kitten got hit that morning before she left for school. Her best friend, the boy who lives next door reaches out and offers a hug to console her. Zero tolerance for touching and they are both sent to the principal's office.
In our first year in the school system, I could not believe the idiocy, the favoritism, the hostility, the power struggle, the stupidity, the homework, the costs, or the lack of teachers who truly were impassioned by their work. The stories I've heard from other parents makes me shake my head in wonderment.
A friend's son was a Scout. On his break in the library, he was looking at the Swiss Army Knife website to choose the one he wanted to buy with his own (paper route) money for camping purposes. When it was discovered that he was viewing the site, he was given a three day suspension. He had NEVER been in trouble in school. He was a good student. He was polite, helpful, and volunteered with the younger scouting groups in his community.
The public education system is far from perfect. In actuality, it can fail those who rely on it. It is an institution that does not control it's own funding source or ability to be run as an autonomous business creating jobs, building assets and creating competition to best serve its clientele. The principal is but a title head who does not have the power to truly make change...and yet change must occur.
Most of us went through the public/catholic/separate school system here in Canada...and yet, were school the best choice and truly successful, we would all have the same ability. But, as individuals, we do not. I excelled at school because that's what I do. Other students maintained an average passing mark, while others failed. Some dropped out...some were kicked out. If asked, few would remember how to do quadratic equations, solve the area equation needed to fill your back yard with sod or perimeter equation used to add a fence around your propery. You probably forgot how to conjugate the verb savoir, create a haiku, or relate the history of Upper Canada/Lower Canada and Confederation. Many, as noted here, cannot spell, or communicate their ideas to a group of people. Others couldn't find the necessary information needed to write a report on the biological impact of plastics on our environment if they had to. BUT, we expect the same school system to work for our children.
I chose to homeschool my own children. With classroom sizes too large, cutbacks to funding, and the violence, racism, and intolerance in the classroom...I knew my guys were better off learning the ABCs and 123s at home. They did. I always trusted they would learn. I knew their abilities, strengths and weaknesses. I prefer the student:teacher ratio of 3:1...the boys got the attention they needed, and we had a great time growing, learning and living together.
I was forced to put them into school this past year by the ex who once agreed that homeschooling would be the best way for our children. They were all dropped in grades according to age...gr. 4, 7, and 8. My youngest child will be attending grade 5 this year, my middle son will be in grade 8 and my oldest son will start highschool.
My children are very social. It was never a concern on my part because I come for a big family and a small community. We are involved and active. One thing I heard many times this past year was how respectful, pleasant and well-mannered they are.
Remember...a child learns because he/she wants to learn. A teacher is but a facilitator in the quest for knowledge. You can give that job to a school, or you can maintain the teacher role in your child's life. Homeschooling is a legal option.
I worked part-time and homeschooled. It doesn't take seven hours everyday to teach the same lessons kids learn at school. Fractions can be as fun as making pizza together for dinner. Math can be selling their old toys in a yardsale and letting them decide how they will spend their profits. Measurements are as tasty as chocolate chip monster cookies.
Reading aloud to each other and discussing books increased comprehension and literacy skills. I taught the boys to read phonetically. They have also been taught how to use a dictionary and a thesaurus, how to use the library, how to search, and how to find other reference material when they need to find information or an answer.
To all the parents who say kids cannot learn without a public education system...you give your kids too little credit of what they are capable of. You also do yourselves a disservice by questioning or denying that you are their best teacher. They learned to walk and talk on their own...and you taught them for the most important years of their lives.
I understand that some of you "keeping-up-with-the-Joneses" parents think you cannot afford to live without two incomes...but the reality is that you can. You chose to be parents, why do you give that opportunity up to babysitters, daycares, nannies, grandparents, neighbours, and schools? They grow up too fast already. You're missing the best years.
Be an influential part in your child's life. Share their curiosity and zest for learning. Spend the day chasing butterflies and call it biology. Head to the beach and swim...phys.ed 101! Plant sunflowers, care for a pet, watch a movie or sing silly songs. Learning is around us. Abstract lessons in a classroom have little benefit compared to an afternoon performance of Phantom of the Opera and lunch in the city, then a visit to the museum.
We buy so easily into the belief that we cannot raise our own children...or that we don't know what's best for them. But, if you don't know...then how is a third party going to know? There are a lot of unhappy children stuck in the classroom...willing the day to be over so they can get home. Think about it. Rather than thinking about what you see as limitations of homeschooling, think about the freedom and experience you can achieve when your kids don't have to go to school every day from September to June.
I believe in personal choice...decide for yourself, and your children, but do not impose that decision on me or mine. If homeschooling isn't an option for you...it's understandable.
However, remember to be there for them...be available when they do get home, no matter how tired or stressed you might be from a day at work. As a parent, you owe them that much.
My boys are bright, funny, charming, polite and personable...and we're close as a family. They respect me as a parent and I respect their individuality. They feel secure, safe and loved...and they are comfortable talking to me about things that are affecting them. IF they had learned nothing in our homeschooling years together, we are a strong team held tightly together by love for having had the opportunity.
Learning comes naturally when desire and opportunity meet...be it in a classroom or your livingroom.
Dev | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 8/1/2007 6:12:15 PM | Dev-Thank You! Seems like the only ones who know what homeschooling is are homeschoolers. I think it is funny that despite not ever knowing each other so many of us homeschoolers have similar experiences and opinions. Our politics,culture,economic status and religion may be different but our goals are the same. With homeschoolers these differences do not seem to be an issue. Our kids are worth it. It is nice that the number of homeschoolers is growing. I also find it interesting that most people who are adamantly against homeschool are fresh out of public high school. Or do not have kids. Or want to make a family issue into a politcal issue.
If I had it all to do over again I would change but one thing. I would have started sooner. Like before he was school age. I know that till the day I take that last breathe that I did the right thing by homeschooling.
He has an unending thirst for knowledge. He understands diversity better than most adults. It is quite amazing to be a part of that process of him learning. We guide each other thru the maze of subjects that he finds interesting. Sometimes I even learn a thing or two. Math is my weak point but I am learning right along with my son.With remodeling my house and woodworking we learn alot of valuable math skills. With all the websites available and people in and out of homeschooling who have a passion for math willing to help how can we go wrong. My strength is reading,vocabulary,spelling and grammar. Sometimes the best lessons in life are learned spur of the moment.
I am a single parent that can afford to homeschool. I am not rich, I am frugal. I live on a fixed income and do very well.My car is 11 years old and I do my own car care. I like to squeeze the eagle till he screams. Living in Hawaii I think that is accomplishment. Our family goal is to buy an RV and travel the states. Talk about up close and personal history lessons. There is a group of Homeschooling RVers that I hope to hook up with. If I can do it anyone can.
Anyway, to all you parents out there keep up the great work. Childhood only comes once, make the most of it. Whatever choice you make stay strong and be aware. Our children are worth it. They are our future. | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 8/1/2007 6:27:02 PM | ^^^We do RV travel for writing history and geography on the continent. We started lessons for my son already, even though he is two. Already he is forming letters, counting, forming numbers and many other skills not expected for 3 - 4 years yet. We have been to every Canadian Province and Territory (though we had to fly to Nunavut), All states reached by land, all the Mexican states, and throughout central and south America too. Often times I am working as we travel, and seeking small contracts as we go along. We are also tempted to buy an RV (as it would be cheaper than shipping ours) in Europe, and traveling Europe via RV as well.
It is one of many freedoms we have as homeschooling parents. One of many opportunities homeschooled children receive that other children do not. The opportunity to see and be a part of other cultures. That is what I am giving to my child. | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 8/1/2007 10:41:36 PM | | The only person I know that does it is a housewife and her husband makes plenty of money. I really don't see how a single mother with a full time job could do it, not without someone to help. | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 8/1/2007 11:29:15 PM | I too would love to have an RV and travel to experience this great land.
Im sorry for those who think single parents can not homeschool. I do, and only work part time also. I didnt have a child for someone else to raise. and for those of you that say the classroom is great for socialization..yea, ok. | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 8/2/2007 1:30:53 AM | RVing in Europe would be so neat. The food alone would be worth it. I would get so fat. We are researching Jugoslavia now and having great fun.(having a bowl of saurkraut soup in his great grandmothers home town would be good. I wonder if they have that in public schools?) Istria also looks like a fun place to RV. I want to kind of stick to the mainland US for now though. Just planning road trips is a great tool for my son. Funny the movie Cars turned my son on to old hotrods and Route 66. I am really want the Virginia area as a homebase. Or somewhere close. Since we have friends in California, New Mexico and Florida we have lots of good places to fan out from.
I am a widow and he left me nothing. My real family has all passed on. On a monthly basis we balance our time and budget so we do okay. Lots of single parents homeschool. When you say single parent that sounds so lonely and isolated. I have great neighbors who I consider family. I have 3 families my son could go to if something were to happen to me. You have to plan. You have to be frugal. I think I have bought my son 6 articles of clothing his whole life. My best friends who has boys older than me gives me bags of nice clothes. My son is always well dressed. I am always willing to take odd jobs here and there. House sitting is one of my specialities. I can wrangle a turtle like no one else. My clients really like my touch with frightened animals. People I know are very kind if they see someone is doing the right thing. Even strangers have done the kindest things for us. I get more positives than negatives from people I know about homeschooling. People who walk in the evening in my neighborhood bring Easter candy and toy cars for my son because they think he is the nicest kid.They always stop and talk with him when he is out playing in the yard. I did a lot of research on homeschool so I was ready when negative reactions came. Fortunately they are few and far between.
I do not go out to have fresh Lobster dinner lately. But, that money went to a really state of the art microscope that we bought. For half price. I am such a tightwad. When we look at our prepared slides who needs lobster.
We are more than halfway thru our journey. He is already decided to either be a professor or a cartoonist (on the scale of Stephen Hillenberg). He also wants to join the Navy. He has already picked his college. They have a great ROTC program. Lucky us, they have a great policy concerning homeschoolers. Since both his grandparents are Alumni of said college that should help.
I just bought my son the book THE DANGEROUS BOOK FOR BOYS. I know I mentioned before but it is well worth mentioning it again. It is one of the best books for boys ever. I hope he continues to make new versions. My son and I love it. Being a female it is hard to be a male role model for my son. Even though I am a bit of a tomboy I do not even try. (I am lucky if I can find my lipstick.)He knows this. This book really helps him see the joy of being a boy without me saying a word. The other great book is Bill O'reilly's Book for Kids. Lately there seems to be resurgence of honoring the male in our society. Long overdue. My son is lucky to have been born at such a wonderful time where people are starting to reclaim the family.
When we started we agreed to a one year trial. We told our friends this. That seems to calm the few worry warts. After one year we decided that we never want to public school again.
There is a book at Borders that is an enclyopedia for homschool websites. They have coupons in the back. Look for it on the internet. Auction sites may have it at a great discount. If you do not mind it being dog-eared.
Alton Brown Good Eats is a really fun cooking show on cable. We sit and watch him everytime he is on. I even bought my mixer on his advice. My does not have the racing stripes(yet).
The most important ingredient to bring to homeschooling your own is to realize it is not rocket science. Have faith and you will be surprised at how creative you can be. And you will be amazed at how kids will absorb things on the move. When you think they were not listening they pop up with a math equation or science/history fact that lets you know they get it. Mostly you will get a chance to see that children are not a blank slate to be filled with inane statistics. When they are allowed to embrace the world fully they get alot more than some would give them credit for. They are all individuals who have there own prospective on everything. Oh, the debates we have. Be ready to admit it when you are in the wrong. Be ready to stand your ground when you are right. And, always be ready to laugh. You will laugh hard and often. This I promise! | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 8/8/2007 5:52:18 PM | | sorry but gotta put my 2 cents in on this one... my son is 15 years old and has been home schooled for 6 of them years, and he was not robed of poper socialation, he got friend outside of school, the schools here sucks no one cares about the kids.. and I know this for a fact I fight so much to have my son learn in school that in grade 6 he was at a grade 2 level..now who fault is that mine? I am not paid to teach, so I did what I had to do and got even the school board to pay for the home schooling a teacher came to my place 3 times a week..just my 2 cents here | |
|
| Homeschooling
Posted: 8/9/2007 5:04:46 PM | whats that saying scratch the surface of a schizophrenic and you will find an over possessive mother ? children develop there social skills interacting with other children..
homeschooling should be against the law. | |
|
|
|
Home
login 
