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Home School - Have you? Would you?


Mommyof3 wrote: Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on homeschooling...I considered it, but then DH says that they need the experiences of school (proms, etc.). (My DH and I were both teachers when we met, he is now in a different profession.) I agree with that to a certain extent. I'm not talking about it from a strictly religious standpoint but a safety standpoint as well. All of the trust you have to put into the school system for taking care and protecting your children the way that you would while they were gone gets a little much for me sometimes. Usually when things happen at other schools (Virginia Tech for example or the whole crystal meth pop rocks thing). Just wondering what everyone's opinions are. We are sticking with sending our kids to school...but I was just curious.

moped replied: I think there are a few that homeschool here - from a safety standpoint yes I think it is great, but for me not so great. I wasn't a good enough student myself to teach anyone...... tongue.gif

I think school is good!

grapfruit replied: I think it totally depends on the child, parents and situation. I know a family that had adopted their daughter as an infant. She had a lot of medical problems (menigitis) and almost died when she was a few months old. They think the trama of that carried into her teen years, she had some severe anxiety problems. They were open enrolling her to a smaller school where she and her friends had went since kindergarten. But in HS she started having problems w/the anxiety. She missed a lot of her 8th or 9th grade year and the school wouldn't accept her back. She had doctor notes for all absences by the way. Instead of putting her into a school where she knew nobody. They decided to home school her, and she THRIVED. It helped her anxiety and her test scores went up. It was exactally what she needed. And she was still able to go to Homecoming and other dances. They still home school her and she's doing great. So I think it's just situation dependant...

gr33n3y3z replied: I think kids need to experance the good and the bad with school its all about growing up
grant you things are getting worse I understand that but even worse can happen outside of school.

edited: bc I didnt answer the question lol

so its No and No

jcc64 replied: I believe academics are a small part of what kids need from an education. To me, social skills, a variety of peer interactions (not all of them handpicked by the parents), the ability to adapt to all kinds of situations that are not always pleasant but necessary nonetheless, and above all, access to another viewpoint besides the one coming from the parents, are all things that cannot be re-created in a homeschool environment. For those reasons, homeschooling is not right for my family.
About the safety issue, the world is a dangerous place, yes. But it's also a wonderful, exciting, stimulating place, and we can't sequester our kids away forever. Eventually, we're going to have to send them out there, and I believe it's better to do it gradually, and under our watchful eye, than to wait until they're all grown up and haven't a clue how to manage themselves.
Btw, no disrespect meant towards any homeschoolers out there. This is just my opinion, fwiw.

Boo&BugsMom replied: It depends on the child and their family. Not everyone is equipped to handle it, just like not everyone is equipped to handle going to a school. I have often thought about homeschooling my boys, but I am not convinced it is what is best for Tanner. If he were to have issues in school, then it would be something I would do in a heartbeat if that is what was best for him. There are SO many benefits to homeschooling, but there are also benefits to going to school to. I would never worry about the socialization because there are so many ways to get them involved with groups and such. At our church and in our community we have a lot of homeschooling groups...it's more or less a little homeschooing community that pretty much makes it feel like a "school". They have get togethers, clubs, dances, sports, etc. You don't need to go to school to get a school experience these days! wink.gif The support of other homeschooling families is overwhelming! The aspect I would focus on when making that decision would be how a child learns best (is that the best option for them in order for them to learn at their best?) and is the parent able to homeschool effectively. That is what is key, IMO.

ETA: Education is SO important and if my child would learn best and succeed FAR more being at home, then why not???

DansMom replied: I wouldn't because of the demands it would place on me, but I think it's a reasonable choice for those who are up to it. I went to a small alternative school that was just a step up from home schools. It was a safe and nurturing environment to be sure. The one time someone brought pot to school, they were reported by a classmate---zero tolerance, and nobody could get lost in the crowd and take advantage of anonymity. Downside: no sports teams, no band, no proms. I couldn't care less about the prom aspect (it wouldn't have been my sort of thing anyway), but do feel I missed out on the sports experience and band. But as someone else mentioned, some communities provide opportunities to home schooled kids to be part of sports teams and HS bands, which is great.

jem0622 replied: My DH was an elementary ed major (although he was 12 credits shy of finishing). To a point, he has done some of the pre-k homeschooling, and assists Nathan (7) with his homework.

In the summer, we homeschool to keep their brains on. We use a series called Rainbow Bridge, and it contains a well rounded serving of activities to reiterate what they have learned for the school year. Our teacher's love us for doing this! And, we reinforce the good of completing the workbook with a treat at the end of summer.

My boss' wife homeschools. It works very well for them, and she can up and go to see family and such for trips and still keep her boys learning.

Boo&BugsMom replied: Oh, I forgot to add that even though I do not official homeschool (K-12 that is), I have more or less homeschooled Tanner for pre-K. He went in for his K screening a month ago and even though he is one of the youngest he will be starting at the top of his class in the fall. happy.gif He is already at a 1st grade level in some subjects. smile.gif I believe, for him, it was because I have been able to teach him one on one and challenge him when needed, which can be sometimes very difficult for teachers to do in a school setting with 25+ kids.

Mommy2BAK replied: My aunt homeschools her 3 kids and I think that is GREAT, given you have opportunities to do so. BUT~ I wouldn't chose to take that path with my children because I feel that school can be a wonderful place for children... because not only are they learning academics, but so many other "life tools" and I also believe that it is very important establish a good group of friends. Whereas my cousins dont have that.

Mommy2BAK replied: by the way, I didn't mean that if you homeschool your children won't have friends, I was just saying that my cousins are homeschooled and they live out on a farm in Oklahoma and I don't think they even know other children other than family. sad.gif

DillsMommy replied: It's seems very tempting with all the bad stuff you hear on the news about school shootings and even bus accidents. But i think kids need the social interaction with other children. Home schooling can be great, but it's not for everyone. I wasn't the best student so I don't think teaching my kids would be a good idea, I could maybe get them through kindergarten and thats about it. rolling_smile.gif

stella6979 replied: I would never homeschool, only because I do agree with the majority here that children need that social interaction. I want my kids to experience all the trials and tribulations that go along with being in school as well as all the great stuff that comes along with it.
The world is a scary place but I refuse to live in fear because of it.

Boo&BugsMom replied: I'm surprised there are so many people talking about socialization. School isn't the only place you get socialization, and even then it's not always positive socialization. 95% of the day kids aren't even socializing, they are sitting at desks doing seat work. huh.gif I get where you all are coming from, I'm just surprised that is all.

stella6979 replied:
Well for me, I wasn't really referring to the interaction in the classrooms as they should all be listening and learning. wink.gif I was more referring to the amount of clubs and sporting activities they offer in school. Obviously there are programs outside of school they could join, but for me, I just like the idea of my kids having friends they can see everyday.

jcc64 replied: I am well aware that not all or even most of socializing in school is positive. That doesn't mean it isn't a valid learning opportunity. When my kids talk about what went on in school, it's almost always about what went on during lunch or recess, good or bad. Obviously, to them, that's the important part. And as I said, while there are other ways to interact with a community, such as church groups or homeschooling co-ops, these are generally homogenous, like minded groups- whereas schools are conglommerations of all kinds of folks, and they may not be people whose paths you would otherwise choose to cross. To me, diversity is necessary for all kinds of reasons.

boyohboyohboy replied: My husband wanted me to home school our children. I do not feel that I did well enough in school to do that for them though. I also feel like you now a days i am so concerned about the safety aspect of school. but I guess things can happen even at the mall or sports events we attend.
i agree that school provides such a small percentage of the socialization of our kids. I think they do more of that in church, and the play groups, and the park, and almost every where we go, the kids talk to people. and they have close friendships with the kids from these groups also.
for us its just not right...but I envy the people who do make it work.
I also know some kids that do attend the regular schools extra caricular activities like sports, that do home school also. so thats not a barrier.

I think as a teacher it might just work for you!

Crystalina replied: I thought about it but the school we put Izabella in is great. It only goes to 2nd grade. smile.gif

A friend of mine homeschools and her kids do everything that other kids in public school do. They are involved in sports and music and whatever else the school offers. They just do not show up everyday for class. They miss out on absolutely nothing.

Boo&BugsMom replied: A lot of people don't know this, but if you are paying taxes for the district you live in, they legally have to let your child in their sports and extra curricular activities at the schools. Our district actually has it's own homeschool football team and other things of the like. smile.gif

ETA: our district next year might be having a MAJOR budget cut. A lot of schools are cutting a lot of things out of their budget now a days. SO...if that goes through, my children will not get to participate in ANY sports, music, extra curricular activities...NOTHING except for sitting in his classroom and doing his work, and no I am not exaggerating. Where is the socialization then? sleep.gif At that point, when it comes down to extra curricular and socialization, my children would be much better off being homeschooled because then at that point there are more opportunities for them being homeschooled. Let's hope it doesn't go through, but from what I've heard it is so far.

DillsMommy replied:
dito.gif

Mommyof3 replied: We seriously looked into homeschooling, but decided to keep them going to regular school. With us both being teachers we have two different ideas on the subject. My DH was a Middle/High School teacher for years and I taught Kindergarten and Fourth Grade. We had a lot of conversations where I was on the homeschool side of the fence and he was on the sending them to school side. I just figured if I'm at home and I want to do it, then there should be no issue. He kept bringing up the social skill side of things, which I do understand, but at the same time I also think that there are other ways to keep them active and social through church and sporting activities. As a teacher and a mother, I like the idea of teaching my children in the way that they learn best and also having the opportunity to take trips and not have to schedule them around school.
Also, we just moved to Mississippi so....the education system here has a lot to prove to me! happy.gif

~Roo'sMama~ replied: We are planning on homeschooling our kids. I was homeschooled and I loved it. I do sometimes wish I had the whole school experience with other kids in my class and dances and prom and the social part of it, but other than that I don't believe I missed out. wink.gif If I could send my kids to public school about 50 years ago, then I think I would for the sake of getting the whole experience. But the way it is today IMO it's just not worth it. I don't agree with a lot that they teach in public schools and I want to be able to teach my kids what I believe is right.

ETA: when our kids are older they'll be given a choice as to whether they want to keep homeschooling or go to public school. wink.gif

my2girls replied: I have homeschooled my girls from day one!! It has been 7 years of "offical" homeschooling , the rest was before kindergartens offical start age.
I wouldn't change a thing!
My children take craft classes at Michaels on Saturday's ( around non-homeschooling families), they are enrolled in ongoing library classes ( 9 week long theatre group, Mad Science classes , 12 week Art appreciation classes( ALL around homeschooling and non-homeschooling families) ,Junior Ranger programs through the National Park Service , karate classes , swimming lessons , cooking classes the list goes on and on!
If you have ever been to a homeschooling group meeting you would know that it is VERY DIVERSE!! All races , all religions ( we have muslim , mormons , wiccan, pagan , atheists!) ,all of different opinions ( political and of the best way to homeschool their children) , different economic levels, and most importantly all AGES!!
My children ( and many homeschoolers) are around all ages of people not just 25+ other 9 year olds in a classroom for 7+ hours a day 5 days in a row!!
The big kids help the little kids , the little kids and teens love begin around senior citizens!
Don't you " hand pick" your children's friends as well?? If you do not like a kid that your child is hanging out with , don't you say " you can not hang out with them anymore" ? We do that too! Its called good influences only for our children!
My children go to a Mormon church every once in a while because their best friends are Mormon ( did I mention my dh and I are ATHEISTS!!??) ,they have had a friend that is Muslim so we have learned about that religion to better understand her and her family ( we may not have agreed with their religion but we liked them as a person).
We do not shelter our children from the world. If anything homeschoolers open up MORE of the world to their children!
I will be the first to admit that homeschooling is not for everyone and that some homeschooling families do it out of fears of the world or are only around like minded people 24/7 , but PLEASE do not lump all homeschoolers together and get over the solicalization issue! It is a NON-ISSUE this day and age because of all of the different classes, sports programs , church , 4H , library classes , YMCA classes (and more) that are open to ALL children. The only socialization problem I have is that we take alot of classes/programs and my children have alot of friends !! If you choose to call that a problem/ issue I'm sorry but I think its great!! I (my family) are not an anomaly , many , many homeschooling families are just like us!
I say if you enjoy being around your kids alot , enjoy learning new and old things yourself and enjoy seeing your children truly learning , then homeschooling is for you!

C&K*s Mommie replied: I am bad when it comes to teaching others what I know, or how to do something. I have my own ways of learning and to teach that to another is near impossible. Although I still try. The extent so far with our oldest (4yo) is reinforcing what she learned at school, I was successful with reinforcements. Basic addition is what our oldest and I are working on now over the summer, and that is the extent of homeschooling for right now. To start from the bottom up and teach everything, I could not do properly. If you are willing to commit, I'd say go for it!

gr33n3y3z replied:
I think that is great that you have so many programs to send your child/children to
but you must remember many dont have those programs available to them.

Calimama replied: Nope, I love school and I want to give Bella that experience.

Cece00 replied: I, personally, would never formally homeschool my children.

I do teach my children, as I am sure most parents do. I work with my kids on a lot of academic stuff, I take them a lot of places, we do hands on learning. My children are very smart, my oldest was actually tested as gifted. So, yes, I do that for them, but I still think they need to actually GO to a SCHOOL and learn as well. I think they will do much better in life. But, we live in a very good school district, we have good private schools around here as well (in fact, we ended up on the waiting list for one...) and I dont think I have the discipline to homeschool full time, esp to 4 children.

luvmykids replied: In my area, homeschooling has grown incredibly and because of that homeschooled kids don't even miss out on prom....they have everything under the sun for the homeschoolers around here, from sports to graduation ceremonies. Because of that, I don't think they miss anything at all they would get in school. They even have "swaps", where a parent who is fluent in a language will teach a class and a parent who is a math genius will teach a calculus class. I think if a child who is homeschooled here is missing out on anything it is solely by choice.

However, I wouldn't homeschool because I'm not cut out for it and in our case my kids would benefit very little due to my lack of organization and discipline. For those who can do it, I think it's a great situation but it's not for us biggrin.gif

btw, I have five cousins who were homeschooled and all five received academic scholarships to pretty great colleges thumb.gif

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: There is a family on our corner who homeschools three children. They all seem like very well-rounded sweet kids that truly are very social and outgoing. They come to the door selling cookies and they are always very polite and mature (for preteens). I've never spoken to the mother, but wow, I'm truly amazed by people who can dedicate their time and efforts to do this for their children. I'm like Jen, I wasn't that great at academics to begin with, so I wouldn't trust myself as a teacher. Plus I can barely get through my day as it is, I don't know where people have the time. But I like the idea and applaud anyone who does it.

Jeanne pretty much summed up my opinions. I went to public school and I will send my kids to public school too. DH went to a Waldorf school, so we sorta diagree on this subject. I'm hoping we can meet somewhere in the middle, but Wil is registered for public preschool next fall... wink.gif

3_call_me_mama replied:
my thoughts exactly.
We do homeschool and my kids have just as many if not more interactions/opportunities for socilization as schooled kids. We get together with other homeschooling families, take many field trips, etc. Our church has a HUGE network of homeschooling families in it so we are never bored. ALso there is a local thing called friday school, where each family "teaches" an art/craft/ activity etc for a month. Your child can attend and learn from other people and get to learn things that you may not be strong in teaching. (All sorts of differernt things are taught). It works best for us because we know our childrne better than anyone else and can create their curriculum to their needs. We vacation when we want, and our vacations can count as schooling depending on what we are doing.
I'm not knocking public/structured schools in any way but honestly the whoel socialization thing bugs me. Seriously, I taught public school for a few years, and I constantly hear "be quiet" "sit down" "stop talking" "finish your work" "your hear to learn not socialize" both as a teacher and when I was a student. So what is this socializing that is happening? The 20 minute recess and the 20 minute lunch? there isn't much time for chatting when you have 20 minutes to scarf down your food. Phys Ed may be another opportunity but depending on the activity socialization is limited. So a well run homeschool can be just as (if not more for some) effective as a regular school. (By well run I mean a parent that puts the time and energy into their child's education that it deserves- )
So that's my thought... and as a taxpayer your child still has access to all school activities and functions as the kids that attend have (at least here in VT). Or they have friends that go to school and invite them along as a guest.
So to answer the question yes we do and would smile.gif0

lovemy2 replied:
Way to Go Jennie thumb.gif

As for the rest of the post - never have and never would homeschool - I believe that as much as it scares me to send my child into that big world on that big yellow bus - she needs to be there to help her grow and develop into a woman who will be a productive member of society no matter what she chooses to do....

Hmmm...pretty profound huh? tongue.gif

A&A'smommy replied: I believe its different for everyone.. you have to be willing to keep them involved in things if you do and don't and you have to know whats right for your children.

I was home schooled.. I everyone I have met that didn't know me at that point in my life didn't know that I was home schooled.. I wasn't sheltered, I was involved in other activities.. I went to dances at the schools, I was a busy girl.

On the other hand I have met kids who do other things, but kind of have a strange something about them, I assume its from being sheltered.

basically you just have to be very careful, as far as socialization and also their academics, and make sure you have a structured "school" environment for them.


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