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Post by tea4me on Jun 9, 2011 12:25:06 GMT -5
Why do people home-school?
Someone I know told me she was not going to send her kids to the same school she went to because it was not a good school and she did not learn anything. (It's a small town, only one school). She decided to teach her kids herself with her high school education.
A girl I graduated with home-schooled her nine kids even though she also had only a high school education. I don't know why she chose homeschooling, but I think it had something to do with religion.
I have no children. I am curious why people chose to home-school.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 9, 2011 12:40:12 GMT -5
It wasn't an option for me with DS; I had to work for a living. Here are some reasons I might have:
1. Tailor the learning to the child. DS has a touch of ADD and I think I could have learned to handle it better than the school did.
2. Go at your own speed- not the speed of the slowest kid in the class. No need to dumb down. If your kid is reading at 8th grade level but in Math at 5th grade level, you can work with both.
3. Public school is a jungle. No one dare speak the name of God or try to impart values. The inmates are running the asylum. To those who say, "tough- that's the real world"- I agree that kids need to interact with other kids (and there are plenty of home-school support groups that offer that) but at least you can control when and how many baby criminals your kid has to deal with. Public schools won't expel them- they'd lose state funds.
4. You're not chained to the school schedule with the short summer vacation and a school year punctuated by surprise snow days, teacher convention days, etc. You can travel in April and still get nice weather and lower prices and smaller crowds.
5. No fund-raising, obsession with "making the grade" on the standardized tests, protection of below-par tenured teachers (yes, I know there are excellent teachers with tenure, but the bad ones are near impossible to get rid of).
6. To me, a HS education is not a barrier. My mother taught us to read before kindergarten (back in the 1950s when the professional educators insisted 4-year olds couldn't learn to read). She has a HS education. If you get beyond what you learned in Math or science, start the kid at the local community college or use the other parent or a neighbor as a resource. (The latter is technically not permitted.)
I know quite a few actuaries whose wives are home-schooling the kids. AFAIK, none do it for religious reasons. They just think it's a better quality education.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Jun 9, 2011 12:44:15 GMT -5
If I had the patience for it, I'd homeschool my DD when she is old enough because I am concerned about the piss poor state of math and science education in our schools, especially science. For her to get ahead she NEEDS that knowledge. My school completely avoided teaching certain topics because "it creates controversy" Um EXCUSE ME? My current tax dollars are going to teach science, not pander to delicate parental sensitivities. As it stands she'll go to school but I plan on supplementing her outside of school.
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whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Jun 9, 2011 12:51:44 GMT -5
We haven't done it yet, but seriously considering.
On the academic side - I don't like US school system curriculum. On another side - I don't like the things that schools do when it comes to regulating things that shouldn't be and not doing anything about things that should be regulated.
The argument that kids should go to school to learn how to socialize is disturbing to me on a number of levels.
So, it will really come down to whether we are able to do it financially and otherwise
Lena
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Martivir
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Post by Martivir on Jun 9, 2011 12:52:48 GMT -5
I'm planning on homeschooling. Our district is actually very good but it's not what I want for my kids. Not all kids learn the same way and you can't get that kind of individualized attention in today's public schools. Plus the politics in today's public schools is a huge problem.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Jun 9, 2011 13:16:51 GMT -5
Why do people home-school?
Uh, there are tons of reasons. The question is too broad.
Some parents think the PS system sucks, which it does in many ways. Some simply want to control their childrens' education. Some want to shelter their children from the world. Some want to indoctrinate religion as completely as possible. Some want to teach specific skills and training that you won't get in a PS environment.
There are lots of reasons to homeschool - some good, some bad. It takes a ton of commitment, and isn't something to be entered into lightly. Plenty of parents do a horrific job at it.
ETA: Athena and the others did a good job elaborating on some of the better ones.
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swasat
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Post by swasat on Jun 9, 2011 13:38:11 GMT -5
A question for homeschoolers.....
How do your kids react to the overall situation?
1.Do they ask questions as to why other kids on the street go to school and they don't? Do they ask the "why" question? 2. How do other kids/friends react to it? Have you had any issues? 3. Finally, as a family, do you ever feel its "too much togetherness"? You KWIM?
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MN-Investor
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Post by MN-Investor on Jun 9, 2011 13:54:04 GMT -5
My SIL is homeschooling her four daughters, ages 7 - 15. One of the primary reasons was definitely religion. I think my brother and SIL were also concerned about the sexual pressures on girls at a public school.
I was concerned about the social aspects back before my SIL started teaching them, but SIL has made sure that the girls are very involved in many group activities and they all have good friends, so it's not an issue at all.
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strider
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Post by strider on Jun 9, 2011 14:01:40 GMT -5
I can understand it on some levels such as bad school districts but I adamantly disagree with it on the grounds of religion. What a way to stunt your kid's academic growth when they reach the real world.
I may even homeschool my kids but they damn sure are going to go to Museums and go to Libraries and take in hobbies instead of sitting and reading The 'good book' and being the chore runner of the house.
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qofcc
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Post by qofcc on Jun 9, 2011 14:04:33 GMT -5
It wasn't an option for me with DS; I had to work for a living. Here are some reasons I might have:
1. Tailor the learning to the child. DS has a touch of ADD and I think I could have learned to handle it better than the school did.
2. Go at your own speed- not the speed of the slowest kid in the class. No need to dumb down. If your kid is reading at 8th grade level but in Math at 5th grade level, you can work with both.
3. Public school is a jungle.
Yep, that's why I wanted to and why I couldn't. It's one of my great regrets.
There are plenty of opportunities to socialize kids in team sports, scouts, etc. Some people do better when they don't have to deal with group dynamics all day long.
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CarolinaKat
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Post by CarolinaKat on Jun 9, 2011 14:07:30 GMT -5
Homeschooling is not something I would want for my (hypothetical) children.
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swasat
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Post by swasat on Jun 9, 2011 14:14:35 GMT -5
CarolinsKat, I think a lot of factors are in play here. The personality and traits of both the kids and the homeschool provider (mom/dad) need to be taken into consideration.
For e.g. I am 100% sure homeschooling won't work for my kids, specially DS. He is much too social. Heck, he wants to attend every activity/sports/music/dance class he comes across. And he has always loved structure to his day. Right from the time he was a baby. I would suck as a homeschooling parent too. I am the stricter parent in our home. So it would be very easy for me to get into the "parent" mode and to forget that he needs his own space and pace to learn.
But if the kids and the parents can both see themselves in that setup, then good for them.
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Post by tea4me on Jun 9, 2011 14:16:13 GMT -5
Where I live, there are on average 12 students per classroom. That would not be too bad.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 9, 2011 14:20:25 GMT -5
My SIL is homeschooling her four daughters, ages 7 - 15. One of the primary reasons was definitely religion. I think my brother and SIL were also concerned about the sexual pressures on girls at a public school. Yes, that would be a major concern of mine and I was a gleeful participant in the Sexual Revolution in the 1970s (but I was in college at the time, not 15). It concerns me that girls are having sex earlier and earlier and that getting pregnant is almost desirable- you have that cute baby, you're the center of attention, you get lots of cute baby clothes as gifts... and there's suddenly a massive barrier to finishing your education and setting yourself up for financial independence. Sure, they should be around boys growing up, but I'd rather they were more influenced by the values of the family than the values of their female peers or boys with raging hormones. What's sad is that home schooling will add to the death spiral of the public school system- the kids getting home-schooled are the ones with involved, conscientious, educated parents and a good home environment. I doubt their parents are going to be too enthusiastic about voting themselves tax increases to pay for the public school system, either. I'm still strongly in favor of home-schooling, DS says he wants that when he has kids and I'm all for it.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 9, 2011 14:24:59 GMT -5
Also, what would you do if you knew of a couple who are claiming they are home schooling their kids, but in reality are not and have not been for years? My gut says to turn them in, but to whom? Don't they have standardized testing for homeschooled kids? As for turning them in, there used to be something called a Truant Officer and there are still laws that require that parents get their kids an education. Could you report them as not sending their kids to school, and then let the authorities determine whether the parents are truly home-schooling them or just letting them run wild? That's pitiful.
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qofcc
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Post by qofcc on Jun 9, 2011 14:28:07 GMT -5
Strider -I adamantly hate it when school is referred to as "the real world". When I go to work, I am not stuffed into a room with 26 other 33yo's. The personality and traits of both the kids and the homeschool provider (mom/dad) need to be taken into consideration.Very true. My DG loves preschool and I think he'll do very well in the public school environment socially. It's too early to tell on the academic side, he's only 3. My DS did not do well in the school environment and would have really benefited from homeschooling both socially and academically. My DD did OK in school socially, but I think she could have benefited from homeschooling academically during the middle school years.
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CarolinaKat
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Post by CarolinaKat on Jun 9, 2011 14:30:46 GMT -5
CarolinsKat, I think a lot of factors are in play here. The personality and traits of both the kids and the homeschool provider (mom/dad) need to be taken into consideration. I'm aware my stance is basically formed from what I've seen first hand about homeschooling. I tried writing out a longer response but couldn't quite make it sound right without voice inflections. It sounded 'mean' when viewed under a 'homeschooling is best' lens and wasn't intended that way at all. I plan to be very involved in my children's learning experience, school shouldn't replace parental involvement in learning. But parental-directed learning shouldn't be the only learning either.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Jun 9, 2011 14:30:57 GMT -5
Well homeschooling will not necessarily prevent kids from having sex. My cousin homeschooled her daughter for 12 years (for religious reasons). The daughter became addicted to heroin at the age of 16 and an unwed mother at 17 (she met the father in her Narcotics Anon group). She's now 18, works at Walmart and is one frustratedyoung woman. She is bright, personable and beautiful, but she has no education (not even a GED), and no skills.
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CarolinaKat
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Post by CarolinaKat on Jun 9, 2011 14:32:41 GMT -5
Don't they have standardized testing for home schooled kids? As for turning them in, there used to be something called a Truant Officer and there are still laws that require that parents get their kids an education. Could you report them as not sending their kids to school, and then let the authorities determine whether the parents are truly home-schooling them or just letting them run wild? That's pitiful. The way I understand it, is there is no standardized testing unless you're with a school sponsored program like K-12. There is in NC. Standard testing for homeschoolers at every grade level (although you don't have to do all one grade test each year) if you want them to have a diploma as opposed to a GED. (At least this is my understanding from one of the women who conducts the testing)
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telephus44
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Post by telephus44 on Jun 9, 2011 14:34:22 GMT -5
I am not planning on homeschooling my children for various personal reasons, but I think the biggest reason that most homeschoolers do is because they feel they can provide the best education for their children - they know their individual strengths and weaknesses, and they have more options to choose from to create a comprehensive educational plan.
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swasat
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Post by swasat on Jun 9, 2011 14:37:12 GMT -5
It sounded 'mean' when viewed under a 'homeschooling is best' lens and wasn't intended that way at all. I plan to be very involved in my children's learning experience, school shouldn't replace parental involvement in learning. But parental-directed learning shouldn't be the only learning either. I completely agree to that. 100%. I don't believe either that homeschooling is the best. Wouldn't it depend on the child and the parent, again, how effective the learning is? I am sure that not all homeschooling are a success. Just like all public school students don't end up good for nothings. And public schools are not a jungle athena53 makes it out to be.... If it works for the family, good for them. If not, public schools are always there. I am in the middle somewhere. My kids will go to a public school. But I am going to very involved with their education and overall learning.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Jun 9, 2011 14:37:52 GMT -5
I was lucky that my kids went thru public schools and I taught in them before they mostly went to crap. No way now would I put my kids in the school that they once went to, it has changed that much. The classroom is full of kids with behavioral issues and other problems that private schools do not have to deal with. Plus, that almighty test that the whole curriculum is focused on. Private schools now are VERY expensive and the teachers are not that great but if you aren't willing or able to homeschool, then that is your only option. No way would I put my student in a school with ANY religious affiliation because religion and not academics is the focus. There are still areas with small pockets of affluence and taxes to support the schools and to live there is so spendy that you hope the parents give a rip about their kids education. I never thought I would advocate homeschooling but it looks like public schools are going to be filled with special needs, non-English speakers and behavior problems as well as though who just want free daycare. Not where I would want my child. In Florida, at least, you have to prove your homeschooled child is on track grade-wise. Not difficult to do anymore, I'm sorry to say.
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MN-Investor
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Post by MN-Investor on Jun 9, 2011 14:44:38 GMT -5
I can understand it on some levels such as bad school districts but I adamantly disagree with it on the grounds of religion. What a way to stunt your kid's academic growth when they reach the real world.
I may even homeschool my kids but they damn sure are going to go to Museums and go to Libraries and take in hobbies instead of sitting and reading The 'good book' and being the chore runner of the house. My nieces' education is definitely not stunted. Probably the biggest difference is that they have been taught that creationism is true, evolution is false, but there are plenty of kids attending public school who believe that too. As far as general academics, SIL has a master's degree in biology and my brother is a physician, and I've seen the books the girls use. My 15-year old niece's biology book is definitely a high school level book! Quite a few folks homeschool in my brother's town, and a parent will teach a subject he knows when called upon. My SIL has done animal dissections for biology. As far as cultural things, why would being religious exclude cultural events or personal hobbies? I regularly attend plays at the Minneapolis Children's Theater and children concerts at Minnesota Orchestra Hall with SIL and the girls. I've gone to the Minneapolis Museum of Art with them. All of the girls have taken horse riding lessons, one has taken ice skating lessons. They belong to American Heritage Girls (a Christian based form of girl scouts) which has lots of fun activities. The two older girls are on a girls basketball team of the local Christian high school. And they're always doing craft type of things. When one of the parents saw a man at a craft sale selling chain mail jewelry, she asked him to speak to a group of the homeschoolers and show them how to do it. Last time I saw my 15 year old niece she had some really cool bracelets. I've just checked some books out of the library so I can learn how to do it! So, there are many ways to be religious. I suppose some children are brought up to be quiet and pious, but that's not my nieces!
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Jun 9, 2011 14:49:00 GMT -5
Tim Tebow was homeschooled so they aren't all social misfits.
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swasat
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Post by swasat on Jun 9, 2011 14:54:45 GMT -5
They are not all Albert Einstein's either ;D Seriously, I have nothing against homeschooling. But I don't believe that its soooooo much better than public schools. In both scenarios, it all boils down to the quality of education provided, the kids and the involvement of the parents.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Jun 9, 2011 14:55:15 GMT -5
Tim Tebow was homeschooled so they aren't all social misfits. In fact, QUITE FEW of them are social misfits. Maybe that used to be true but these days, it's becoming more and more common, and if you do a bit of research there are plenty of homeschooling support groups. In many areas of the country, homeschooling happens in large enough numbers that they can form their own sports teams, put on their own plays, etc. They often have time to volunteer and really get involved in the community, or they can work and save money for school (while learning the importance of education). My senior year of college, I worked at McD's to pay the rent. I worked with a young lady who, at 17, was one of the managers. She started working there at 16. I'm not going to say you have to be a managerial genius to run shifts at McDonald's but it's definitely uncommon for a 17 year old to be put into that position. She was smart, competent, friendly, and great at running a staff. She was homeschooled, as were all of her siblings. They were even OMG religious. That came up in a conversation at one point, otherwise I wouldn't have known. They didn't make it particularly obvious. What WAS obvious was the emphasis on solid skills in practical life applications as well as math and science that went on in that home. I thought she was very lucky.
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strider
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Post by strider on Jun 9, 2011 14:57:57 GMT -5
They are not all Albert Einstein's either ;D Seriously, I have nothing against homeschooling. But I don't believe that its soooooo much better than public schools. In both scenarios, it all boils down to the quality of education provided, the kids and the involvement of the parents. Bingo And I may have been a little too unfair with religion but I am basing it off of this one family I know that only teaches real world values by the bible and bible alone. Math and Biology is voodoo magic for them literally. The Sun revolves around the Earth. So I'm basing it on a personal experience there. I do know some smart homeschooled kids as well.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Jun 9, 2011 15:00:28 GMT -5
I know a lot of homeschooled kids and I am always impressed by how mature, polite, and well-read they are.
A common misconception of homeschooling: PARENTS DO NOT HAVE TO TEACH THEIR KIDS EVERYTHING. A lot of people object to homeschooling on the grounds that "Well, you can't teach your children statistics because you couldn't even get through algebra."
That's when you bring in OUTSIDE RESOURCES. Plenty of homeschooling groups have tutors, or another parent in the group might be more knowledgeable and your child can sit in with them. (It's very common in homeschooling circles to "swap kids" for lessons in this or that, depending on which parent is the most knowledgeable about something).
If anything, homeschooled kids (with the proper social structure) have the benefit of individual attention from many different "teachers."
I'm not suggesting it's this way for everyone, but in many communities this kind of approach is taking root.
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Jun 9, 2011 15:07:40 GMT -5
And I may have been a little too unfair with religion but I am basing it off of this one family I know that only teaches real world values by the bible and bible alone. Math and Biology is voodoo magic for them literally. The Sun revolves around the Earth. So I'm basing it on a personal experience there. I do know some smart homeschooled kids as well.
Such families are no longer the majority. I'll never claim that all homeschooling parents are making the right call (and I also personally know one mother who is homeschooling her four children to protect them from evil influences in the world for as long as possible... she freely admits that she wants them completely engulfed in their religion bubble before they interact too much with anyone outside it - I wish I was exaggerating) but I know many more families that are doing it right and have no intention of sheltering their children.
Personally, I think PS is insulating and harmful in a different way. What about school is anything like the real world?!
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The Home 6
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Post by The Home 6 on Jun 9, 2011 15:11:35 GMT -5
DH wanted me to homeschool our children. *Disclaimer-neither one of them are old enough for school yet, though my older daughter could go to preK this fall if DH was agreeable. And he is NOT.* At the time we got married, I thought it would be okay. After thinking it over for several years, realizing how much I have on my plate (keeping the house spic and span, cooking all the time, running 2 family readiness groups, and DH telling me to go back to school) I told him that something has to go, and it's homeschooling.
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