Jun 24 2008
To School or Not To School, That is the Question
I am considering homeschooling my kids. Like, seriously considering it. Mas Younon just rolled over in his yet unused grave.
See, here’s my thing: I’m not the world’s biggest fan of the concept homeschooling. I’ve nothing against it, per se, I just really want the public education system to work. I think it’s important that kids learn how to sit at a desk in a room full of other people and work (that skill is 99.96% guaranteed to come in handy later.) I like that feeling of new school clothes, that smell of fresh paper, the field trips and the sack lunches. It’s childhood, yo.
I swore I’d never homeschool my kids. I don’t exactly like them enough to spend every day with them am NOT a trained professional. I don’t cut my own hair, and I don’t attempt to teach. But, honestly, after the events of this school year, I am changing my mind.
I know that I was really lucky to fall into the school I did in Denver. I choiced OUT of the rich, white, uppity school and choiced INTO the 75% free and reduced lunch, 30/30/30 racial split, 10% special ed, median income, low-to-average test scores school. This? Could have sucked. This? Did not suck in any way.
That school tried. The staff and parents worked together, and very hard, to create something amazing. Our school sits year after year on the chopping block in Denver Public Schools because attendance is low and the space is unused. Why? Because we refuse to give up the 3 special ed classrooms for more average students. We LIKE those students. We like all the diversity. It creates well-rounded humans. We avoid getting closed year after year because our poor, ghetto, half empty school crushes the competing schools test scores year after year. Our Bully Prevention System (PE Ace’s) has been featured on every local news channel in Denver. Our PTA raises something in the neighborhood of $50 thousand dollars annually to hand over to the principal so we can keep para-professionals in the classrooms, so every child gets art and music, so PE is an every day class, not just once or twice a week, so we can devote time to getting Lights On After School Grants to provide free or amazingly low cost after school activities like science, band, etc to EVERY CHILD who wants it.
We fought for that school. For the staff. For the community. We believed in something, and we made it happen. It’s happened, yo. This year, the school is at maximum enrollment. The snotty, rich, mostly white families are bringing their kids in, which sucks but makes raising $50K a little easier. And our community deserves that. The kids who don’t have, who can’t have, their parents still give time, which is JUST as valuable, and the parent who do have and can have give a little money, too. And that school is a home for people. All the people, not just one select group.
There has not been one incident of playground bullying in something like 10 years there. There are no violent incidents, there are no parents who don’t know what’s going on in the classrooms. That school breathes together. Problems are tackled head on, and even the most troubled students are helped to find some one thing that fills their void in the school day.
We got all this from a city public school who is in a budget deficit of $50 something thousand dollars a year. Who can’t afford the paper for teachers to make photocopies. Who was told 5 years ago that gym, art and music were being cut.
We. Showed. Them.
And then I move to an affluent suburb of a damn near socialist country. Everyone has health care. The schools have everything they need and more. And my damn kid gets beat up 4 times in one school year. My son who was 1st chair in the orchestra since grade 2 can’t play in the band until grade 7 here. He can’t even TRY OUT. There are no after school activities. I have never once received a letter from the teachers filling me in on what my sons are learning.
I have been choked to death for cash, however, which I have given and then sat in a room listening to parents debate whether to spend that cash on board games or new coolers.
The difference? No one is fighting for anything. I am surrounded by a bunch of people who assume this is owed to them, or who assume that their job is black and white. I’m not saying this is a Canadian thing, because reading your responses in the last post, I see that this is fairly universal. What does your PTA do for you? What extra mile has your school taken for your child? Apparently, most people answer none.
Dude, I’m sorry, but that is not okay in my book.
Am I a trained teacher? No. Did I even bother going to college? Um, no. But I am smart, and I know how to read, and I am capable of learning. I can teach these kids, I know I can. I am working on algebra right now with them, just for fun. Why? Because I don’t have 30 other kids hollering at me and I can take the time to see that 2of3 is already multiplying at 8, which means he can divide, too, which means he can DO ALGEBRA. It’s not rocket science, it’s just working with my child’s abilities and strengths.
And so, I am considering homeschooling them. I know that I am blessed beyond all compare to be able to stay home with them, for the very idea of this to be even possible, and so while I can, I may. But I feel like maybe I’m missing something, or overlooking something big here. The socialization? The learned ability to co-exist with others, to respect authority? The scheduling skills? I don’t know.
I would honestly really appreciate your input here.
PS: There’s still time to put your name in for a free school supply pack from EZ School Supplies. Just sayin’.
I know heaps of people who homeschool, and it works great for them. Their children are well-rounded, well-socialized, wonderful little people, and not in any kind of strange way, either. They’re like my kids, only maybe even more educated. On that note, I could only homeschool if forced into it by extreme conditions. I like having my children go to school for several hours a day and then come home. I’m not disciplined or organized enough to make sure that they are learning everything they need to learn. It’s such a personal choice…it works great for some people, it doesn’t work at all for others. Good luck with the decision.
Bunchy’s last blog post..Update:
I’m going to reply in the comments to this one, because I need the conversation. THIS is a lot of what I am afraid of. I am very very VERY disorganized. Would I knuckle down? Would my kids? Ugh, I don’t know. Thanks, Bunchy, for sharing what you know!
I certainly understand how a united struggle can make you feel better about an experience, and measure it against one that may seem a bit more mundane. I read an article recently about our economic climate (USA), and it stated that divorce rate actually decreases as birth rate increases during times of struggle and economic turmoil. Meaning that people feel the love and hook up when the going gets tough!
But, white bread or not, having an institution take care of your kids education is a way better situation in my book. I know several people that home school their kids and I can say this. it is a LOT. OF. WORK. I mean pure brutality. And its tough to send them back if you decide its not working out later.
Just my opinion. I’m sure there are many people that will disagree, and do a terrific job home schooling their kids. But I’m not one of them. There’s something to be said for a little separation from your kids…for both your benefit and theirs.
matt’s last blog post..Teaching Your Child Corporate Politics
Yes, Matt, I am in total agreement there. I really REALLY think that my kids having time away from me is crucial. I don’t want to be the ONE THING in their lives, you know? School is their time to be them, not to be “my sons” but to just be students and peers. I struggle with that. I’ve got a 10 year old right now bitching up a storm because school ends in two days. On the other hand, I have an 8 year old who cannot tell me one thing he learned all year other than how to play kickball. Oh, and duck a punch. Again, UGH.
You know, *if* I had the option, I would probably be in your shoes. Obviously, homeschooling will never happen here because I have to work, but if I didn’t the public edumacation system scares me so much that I would consider it after giving public schools a go if it were an option.
I always thought homeschooling was for weirdo’s, but times have changed. People are fed up with substandard schools and want to take their childrens educations into their own hands.
I have heard that most homeschooled children, given extra curricular activities, can still benefit from social interraction. Of course, they won’t get that classroom full of kids thing, but that wouldn’t be the only thing I would base my decision on.
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That’s kind of my thought. I have the time and the means to send them to activities, to get them into orchestras and such. And how much would the baby benifit from having a more scholastic home? Lots of questions. Yet, I feel that the standards in school are only brought down by teachers being forced to teach to tests, by budget cuts and other factors out of their hands. My school is the perfect example of how a community can benefit by families NOT giving up on the school, but fighting for it instead.
P.S. That’s not to say I’m all for it, but if my kid were being bullied consistently in a crappy school system, that would really make me think about it. I agree with the two posters above me as well.
Natalie’s last blog post..Setting the Course
I thought long and hard about homeschooling. I think it is an awesome thing to do, and I wanted to do it sooo badly. But I just don’t have the patience. Not at this phase of my life anyhow. Maybe in the future my mind won’t feel like it’s on some weird combination of Fast-Forward and Channel Skip and I’ll actually be able to concentrate on something for longer than 15 seconds. Then I can go for it.
I hope things work out, no matter which option you choose.
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I ALSO worry about that. My husband does NOT work a 9-5. He works a noon-10pm at least day. This means I am solo 6 days out of the week. School is my one break from them. Do I have that sort of patience? I honestly don’t know.
I was in the same boat as you last spring. My son had just finished his school year and couldn’t really tell me anything he had learned. Yes, he now knew how to read, but oh wait, I taught him that. So, I made the decision to home school him the next year. I hooked up with a public charter school that gave me the curriculum and all the materials (totally the easy way to do it), which included fun subjects like history, science, and language arts, and all I had to do was sit my little sponge down and fill his brain with knowledge. Who knew that would be so hard? By the end of six weeks (our first deadline) we hated each other. It was the longest, hardest six weeks of our lives and I made the gut-wrenching decision to send him back to the inferior education in public school (reading & math - that’s it). Because at least now I love my kid again and, though he proclaims otherwise at least weekly, I think he loves me again too. And I can always supplement at home. He had a hard time adjusting to school life again at first, but kids are resilient and he is doing ok now. There was some trouble with some of the kids on the playground, it’s true but, after he kicked that one boy in the nuts, most of the bullies leave him alone now.
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OMG. Thank you so much for writing this. It really helps to hear.
I used to be a public school teacher and always said I would never homeschool. Then I moved to Virginia. Oh. My. God. I would have had a hard time sending my kid to public school in the district I was subbing in. When I had an actual baby (he’s 2 now), I suddenly realized there were certain circumstances that would make me want to homeschool even though we’ve moved to a state with a much better system. If he was being bullied a lot I would totally pull him out and teach him myself. I would have lots of reservations, though, like you do. What’s right for the kids? I just don’t know. Ten years ago I would have said all the homeschooling families I knew were weirdos. They were usually very religious and the kids couldn’t watch TV or socialize with heathens. Homeschoolers of today don’t really fit that mold, from what I’ve seen.
Good luck with your decision.
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The stigma is lifting, isn’t it? I am glad for that. I, fortunately, think we have scared the shit out of the school. I imagine they’ll be watching my kid like a hawk. I just don’t know if it’s too little, too late.
I personally couldn’t do it. I love being with my kids but I also love and NEED time away from them. Maybe that sounds selfish but for the sake of my own sanity and family harmony….there will be no home schooling in my kids’ futures.
I only personally know of 3 families that attempted home schooling and all three families eventually ended up going back to public schools by their kids’ request. They didn’t like being home schooled…they wanted to be with their friends.
Actually, now that I think about it, I know a 4th family that home schooled and the daughter ended up commiting suicide at the age of 19. I probably shouldn’t be typing that….I’ll probably get hate mail from some homeschoolers association or something…and I’m sure that case had less to do with the homeschooling than with the religious fanaticism.
*Disclaimer* - I’m sure it works for many people and only you know if this is something that will work for yours.
Yeah, Tammy, I doubt anyone killed themselves over homeschooling, but I understand what you’re trying to say. I know for a fact that two of my favorite bloggers homeschool; I hope they chime in. They are success stories, for sure.
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Three things:
1) I fully plan to home-school Isobel, based on my experiences of the BC school system and what I’ve heard/seen from friends who are teachers. Even if it means I’m working a night-shift job - cuz I still gotta work - it’s the plan.
2) BC curriculum requires parents to hook up with a charter school, and even has the option of a guidance counsellor type of person to aide you both to be able to guide and foster learning, not drill.
3) Excellent socializing opportunities are available via classes, music lessons, etc. And when you register for home schooling, each school aged child is given $1,000 a year to provide for those activities. I was talking to one dad I know that home schools his 7-year old and she is the most social little girl I’ve met around here in her age group, and she gets to choose what to use the money for - memberships to the orchestra, museum and aquarium, for starters.
I fully suggest picking SAM’s brain. She’s full of knowledge and tips. But then again, we all knew that.
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I read that Alberta gives parents a stipend to offset the cost, comparative to what they’d spend per child, but I read that ONLY Alberta gives that. And since I am not a citizen, I don’t think we’d be eligible. You, however, are a citizen, so maybe you’re in luck. If it’s offered here. I, btw, think that it’s a BRILLIANT idea, helping parents financially to homeschool. I just hope it’s seriously regulated.
PS: I am praying to god SAM chimes in.
You know that my parents pulled JamesOtis out after 3rd grade and homeschooled him. I saw the ugly side of homeschooling - the cabin fever, the frustration, the fatigue. I also saw the good - the ability to tailor to his learning style, the richness of the curriculum, the lack of negative peer influences, the graduating a year early.
It’s a very personal decision though. I know that my son thrives on the social networking at school. It would take very extreme circumstances to make me teach him at home, but I would if I had to. SecretAgentMama and PW will tell you that they love homeschooling.
You? You would rock those kiddos’ world, organized or not. You don’t do things half-assed (even when you area novice - like little league) and teaching would be no exception. I think it’s a little soon to jump into the decision. Knowing you and your kids’ dispositions, I would recommend a solution that’s square in the middle. Those supplemental lessons that you give them just ’cause? Exactly what they need. Plus a little more. For 2of3, maybe some Tai Kwon Do. For 1of3 extra music lessons. 2of3, an amazing head start in literacy and art lessons.
These things a pricy (esp. the music lessons) but they are less expecsive than homeschooling, I assure you.
I did not know that. Tell JamesOtis that I apologize. I am willing to bet cash money I had something to do with your parents decision to not let one more child be corrupted by public schools. I would actually KILL to run this question by your mom. You know how much I respect her opinion in these matters.
I think you make a valid point, but have you ever tried to get one kid to baseball while the other kid has flute and the two year old wants a lollipop? It is making me gray. At least, homeschooling, I’d have the daylight hours to do these things that make my kids tick.
And I think it’s funny that Bart and 1of3, the brainy boys, are the social butterflys at school and 2of3 struggles so, don’t you?
I have nothing. Amy is too little for me to run the schools gauntlet yet and when I was at school, I was at a low income school, that got good funding, but we were all as broke as each other. There was no tolerance for bullying and nastiness and we learned alot.
So, no words of wisdom from me. Sorry and good luck.
Veronica’s last blog post..It’s Been A Bad Day, Please Don’t Take A Picture
You know what,V? WORD UP to your school. That’s exactly what it should be.
We live in Georgia, which has one of the WORST public school systems in the country. Private schools are better than public, but astronomical in cost. Most private schools here are religious affiliations and we’re … just NOT. It wouldn’t matter to me overmuch, but husband feels VERY strongly that God Is A Personal Decision. Lots of gangs and violence, and we are in the suburbs.
So, although our son is not even two yet, I am considering the homeschool route. I think the socialization aspect of school — public or private — is crucial. But I know there are some homeschooling “clubs” where there are multiple families who gather together and trade off on teaching with the kids … and so I am thinking. Always thinking. Do I trust my super bright, but super sensitive kid to the whims of public school placement based on geographical location? Or will he be missing out on something great because I’m afraid to give it a try?
Whatever you decide, I know will be the right thing for you and your family. But it’s not an easy decision to make, and I don’t envy you. Good luck!
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Moo, you desperately need to talk to Mishelle at http://www.secretagentmama.com. Georgia homeschooler, yo.
I’m not smart enough to homeschool - I feel like they wouldn’t be getting the best. But I completely understand your reasoning and there is SO MUCH support for homeschoolers. I’ll bet there are local organizations out there if you know where to look.
Maria’s last blog post..One Good Turn…
Oh, Maria, you are so very wrong. I know how smart you are. And there is curriculum handed to you, either way. You don’t HAVE to be smart, but that doesn’t change the fact that you ARE.
I taught elem/middle school for 4 years, and before and during my teaching career, I thought there was NO way I’d homeschool. Like some other commenters said, there was (and sometimes still is) a stigma, but if it means my very (yes, very) smart 4 year old actually learns, it may be worth it. I just don’t know if I have the patience, organization, and energy to be her full-time teacher. I have a year to figure it out before she starts K, so we’ll see how she does in PreK.
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Maybe our kids are just lucky, but we have always had really great teachers. My kids DO learn in school, that I won’t argue. I just think that with the right amount of time applied, I could teach them WAY more. I just don’t want anyone to think I am faulting the actual teaching STAFF. We’ve loved every teacher our kid has had, and they have all gone an extra mile at some point.
I think you would be great at it. I think I would have been great at it, early on, but after say, 4th grade? No way, Jose. Not because of the subject matter, but because I think there are way too many other things that shape and form children’s psyches. I’m not sure I want my influence to be the only one.
I would naturally pay more attention to math and the sciences, because that’s what I was told, growing up, was important. What if my son was an artist? A writer? A psychologist? Would I even know?
Hell, I’m not sure if teachers would know, for that matter. But the more people that can see his talents, the better chance those talents have of being discovered.
But darlin’, that’s just me. If it’s something you want to try for a year, there’s no reason you can’t put them back into school the next, is there? Who knows what can change in that time.
Ree’s last blog post..First No
This line:
…because I think there are way too many other things that shape and form children’s psyches. I’m not sure I want my influence to be the only one.
is my main concern, and exactly the words I was looking for. Of course, Ree. :) I have one really artistic, flighty kid and one kid who is incapable of estimation. And reads only non fiction. And encyclopedias. I would be FORCED to cover all the topics, though I can admit I’d like blowing up the kitchen for Chemistry class the best. But GAWD, the social learning. School was The Best Thing that ever happened to my introvert.
God bless you for even considering it. I think my head would implode if I tried it. If the math didn’t kill me then the inevitable battle of wills with my oldest would do me in.
PG’s last blog post..New Ball Cap (144/365)
If I could just do it for ONE kid, all my problems would vanish. Question is, how many more would appear?
One of your other commenters suggested it and I’m seconding the motion…martial arts lessons for you son. It may seem wrong, but a little encouragement to kick ass might go a loooong way for him. As far as the curriculum, you could supplement at home. Homeschooling seems so drastic, and time consuming, and stressful. I would suggest exploring every option before resorting to that…for your own sanity. However, if you get to the point where you feel it is your only alternative, then go for it. I have no doubt you would do it well. Hell, if you do choose to homeschool, I’m sending my kids to Canada to be part of your class!
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We are thinking MMA for him, but not for the reasons you think. He gets picked on because the poor thing has NO self confidence. He is full capable of defending himself, but he’s really stuck in that middle kid rut. Tai Kwon Do and MMA both really instill self-worth and confidence. For THAT, we’re enrolling him. Even Little League is helping (he’s on the All Star Select team post season. He BEAMS with pride.)
Could you do daily lessons over the summer (even just mornings) and see if you hated it/your kids/each other at the end? Trial by fire, so to speak…
I’m not sure how big a school your kids go to - my son goes to a verah small school with a very dedicated PTA - would it work if you went directly to the head of that? She might be looking for new blood to mix things up and change things. Also, does the PTA here know about your experiences back home? Maybe there are things they could use.
(Oh, and I’m not a citizen either (permanent resident) and I’ve never been turned down for anything. If someone gets huffy, put the request in your husband’s name - voila.)
daysgoby’s last blog post..new things every day
I’m riding on a temp work visa. This excludes us from lots of things. And oh yeah, the PTA here knows me, and where I came from, and really likes calling me, getting a bunch of ideas out of me, and doing nothing with them. The PTA here really has no flow in the day to day life of the students. They can’t help me with this, and I really don’t think they would anyway. We had a 2 hour meeting once to argue about buying boardgames. I am not kidding.
I homeschooled my four kids from kindergarten to high school. Best thing we ever did.
Recommended reading: “For the Children’s Sake” by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay, “The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education” by Grace Llewellyn, and anything by John Holt.
Musing’s last blog post..Self-deprecating minds want to know
Tell me more, please. What were the highlights? The lowlights? I’d rather hear your story than read a book of someone I don’t know, at least at this point!
I would have laughed in the face of anyone that suggested 5 years ago that I would have been homeschooling. In fact I probably would have endlessly tormented them for saying such nonsense, yet here I am. I am really lucky because there is a school here that is part time. My oldest (7) goes to school for core classes two days a week and then we do homeschool the other two-three days. I love it. It is a pain to have to be here and scheduled and productive, but overall it is an adventure without boundries. The amount of “schoolwork” we can complete in 2 hours takes children in school all day + homework. That frees us up to spend more time on field trips, playing or …OK, video games. Whatever! Won’t I be laughing all the way to the bank when his Rock Star ability makes him famous…
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See? THAT is ideal. I would love that. I agree about the time thing. SAM once told me she can get all her lessons done for 3 schooled kids in about 3 hours. My kids go to school for 7 and then have homework. That’s four hours lost that could be used doing chores so mom can blog. :)
I am loathe to comment on such a personal decision. I know many homeschoolers who have had wonderful results. We’ve been in a wonderful private school and now a wonderful public school, (not to say there haven’t been some experiences worth learning from in either place).
You are so passionate and articulate on the subject of education and programs that are truly beneficial to students. Why not aim to be an officer in this mindless PTA and rock their world with some new and meaningful ideas?
Susan’s last blog post..No Steroids in Use
Yeah, Susan….tried that. The PTA here totally, completely horrifies me. Oh, how they suck. There is too much missing there for me to begin to try to fix, without losing the last vestige of my sanity.
Hey Mr. Lady! I hope some of this discussion is helping you to find some answers. At least you have a month or two to make a decision, right? Or do you need months to prepare?
Some more people you might be interested in talking to:
1. Rachelle in Winnipeg, who homeschools her 4 kids (well, the youngest is a toddler, so I don’t know how much “schooling” he gets!) http://3knightsandaprincess.blogspot.com/
2. My dear friend Rachelle in Victoria, who is a teacher and can share her perspective from that side of the fence. http://ripplebliss.blogspot.com/
(BTW, these are the only two Rachelles I know… how weird to put them both in a comment! LOL)
Homeschooling isn’t so unusual around here, but then we attract colourful characters in the Yukon. ;) Also, I have a friend my age who was exclusively homeschooled, and I wouldn’t have known it if I hadn’t been told. He’s an RCMP officer and a dad and a musician. So not too much of a weirdo. :)
Good luck, hon!
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Fawn, thanks! I will check them out, for sure!
Why don’t you be my neighbor?
As Mr. Whateverhisnameis.
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Vile temptress….. :-)
says.
ohmommy’s last blog post..Faster then a speeding daschund.
For the record, I plan to homeschool L. For the record, I do not cut my own hair (although I CAN trim it…but don’t) ;) I think public schools are great - if you can find one that works for you. Around here, I can’t. Our local schools (in this county) are incredibly racist…and that’s incredibly NOT OKAY with me. They spit on a black man in the parking lot and everyone turned their head the other way. I’ll be damned if my daughter is raised and taught 75 % of her waking hours in a place like that. That - and, I simply know that I can do better than some of the teachers she may get placed with. I’m not a genius, but I used to do Calculus for FUN (it wasn’t even required for my major). I’m a dork. I know. I’m good with books and I love learning.
L is only 14 months old, and I know I want to homeschool her. I’ve had some people shake their heads when they find out that she won’t be going to a (local) public school as long as I can keep from it. They think of homeschooling as a family of 12, sitting around their big wooden table all counting chickens (or something) and not REALLY school stuff. For me, though, that’s not how it will be. For us, we will have curriculum - I will either buy it or use my resources at local schools to find out exactly what they are teaching. I will teach my kid(s) those thing and then add some. We’ll be doing a lOT of hands on activities and a LOT of field trips. Around here, there are also what they call “homeschool coops” where every week (one day), you meet up with other homeschool kids at a church or school or other community building and they sit in desks and have “classes.” We may do that, depending on what’s available when she becomes of age. Also, a lot of homeschoolers around here will open up their home when they teach bigger lessons….so, they may say “We can have 5 more kids…we’re teaching about dinosaurs and have such and such resources.”…so we might all get together.
I don’t worry about socialization because she can still play sports (even with the public schools), or in the church programs (should we want to take that route), or private teams through parks or clubs. And, then there are things like 4-H, Girl Scouts, and the such. We’ll let her pick a couple of clubs per season, and go from there.
As far as learning to respect others…and authority…and all that? I’m not sure all public schools do a great job of that. Ya know? If you are really worried about it though….there are always clubs and sports to get him involved with.
I think homeschooling is awesome. I wish my parents would’ve had the time and money to do so with me. I spent so much time wasted in a classroom, when I should’ve been learning more. But, the teachers had to teach the whole class…not just me. I even went to a small (tiny) private school for most of my years.
I’m not knocking public schools…I just love homeschooling (or at least, the way I plan to do it). I love that I will have the chance to teach my kid the things I believe matter most…and, that I can teach her above and beyond most schools’ curriculum.
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I will confess that I am honestly feeling a bit excited about the idea of getting my hands into my children’s education, and i agree that if I lived somewhere where racism was prominent, I would certainly not subject my kids to it. In fact, I think I’d be moving, and fast.
I couldn’t do it, but that’s partly because I work and partly because I need the emotional break. That said, if I lived in a terrible district, I would definitely see the appeal. I would probably look into something like Montessori, though, due to the logistical impossibility of being home with them all the time. But that’s just me. I think you are very brave to be considering this, and I am curious what you will do… by what point this summer do you have to decide if you want to do this starting this coming fall?
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Since we are on visas, we’s have to decide soon so we can renew their student visas or not. I would love to do Montessori, and in fact I think 2of3 is the poster child for it, but we’re a one income family; we just can’t make it work. I WISH we could private school or Montessori them, but it’s not feasible if we still want to eat. Though I do have about 30 extra pounds on me, so maybe….
Also, I am deathly afraid of Montessori Mothers. It comes across very La Leche League to me, and I’m not one to buy into any extreme. Just sayin’, I wouldn’t fit in, and I know that, and I know that your parents involvement can make or break your school experience.
I see a lot of homeschooling families in my job and I’ve seen it go really really well and really really horrible. One thing I’ve learned is that the ones that go well have *nothing* to do with the public school system. If you send your kid to the school for one class they have the right to make you follow certain curriculum guidelines apparently. Of course, this isn’t Canada.
My advice is to research is. Find out exactly what homeschooling options are there and how they are regulated. What exactly do you and your kids have to do? Then, if you’re still interested, find out how you will get the information you will be teaching them. Does Canada have good libraries that will have the materials you’ll need to support your own curriculum? (My feeling is that Canada has libraries very similiar to the US but I realize I don’t know that much about it.) Finally, look into groups in your area that support homeschoolers to see what they have to offer.
If you’ve got all of that on your plate and it only makes you more exceited to do it, hey, calling. But if it scares you, not so much?
Turtle’s last blog post..Book(re)marks… The Casson family by Hiliary McKay
Turtle, you make an excellent point. And I’ll give libraries here props; they are very good. You’d be impressed. You are totally right that I need to research the HELL out of it first. I also think that if I did it, I would completely pull out of the school system.
This has to be said:
Or, you could move back to Denver.
I nub noo.
molly_g’s last blog post..Changing the Byline
I am dead serious when I tell you that as The Donor walked in the door to hold his son after the incident last week, he had his phone is his hand, ready to call his boss and quit his job. For 5 minutes, we almost DID move back home.
P.S. One of my regular patrons is a homeschooling mom and she’s been great about answering my questions about it. Her kids are awesome too, so I think she’s doing a great job. Let me know if you would like me to pass on your email (or get hers?) if you have questions. I’m sure she would share a lot.
Turtle’s last blog post..Book(re)marks… The Casson family by Hiliary McKay
I might just do that. Thanks, Turtle.
Like you, I never thought I would consider homeschooling. I was a teacher for 7 years, yada, yada…
But after my struggling middle son (4th grade) asked me to consider it, I started looking into it (what the hell did we do before internet?) and lo and behold….we tried it.
I now homeschool all 3 of my kidlings (2 5th grade boys and a 4th grade girl). Some days are better than others. My two boys have IEP’S and Speech. It is not easy, but I honestly cannot see them going back to school.
We are 100% closer as a family, I know what their strengths are, and I can make sure they are learning according to those strengths, instead of feeling like failures because they can’t score 100% on any of the 15 tests per week they were being given in school.
We are using the K-12 Curriculum through the Az Virtual Academy, which is FREE, comes with a computer, and keeps me from stressing about making stuff up every day.
My kids play with the myriad of children in our cul-de-sac/neighborhood daily, do group work with each other during school time, and have never been closer. They confidently talk to adults, ask the zoo-workers appropriate questions at the zoo, and have no problem making friends at ANY playground in the area. No worries about socialization here.
Go for it - it may be the best ‘leap’ you’ve ever made!
Kelly Lanley’s last blog post..A whole lotta nothin’.
Thanks so much, Kelly. I hear a lot of horror stories, but the success ones are also SO shining. I am really glad it’s worked for you, and I may ask you some more questions later.
Hey Mr. Lady,
I wouldn’t blame you one bit for chosing to homeschool your kid. We chose to homeschool our first kids until grade 3 and we have never regretted it. Vancouver school system will provide you with all your curriculum and you only have to pay a small deposit which carries over to the following year. They pay the postage and provide you with envelopes to send in your kids lessons and they will do the grading. The school is on Fraser and East 41 ave. They organize group events for the kids sometimes too, you know bowling and crap like that. Good Luck!
Bradie
Bradie’s last blog post..Green and Clean Mom is having a contest!
Well, lookie here! THAT is really helpful info, Bradie. Thank you so much. I will FOR SURE check it out!
It takes someone with good organizational skills plus the ability to stick to it and not go off schedule. To me it would be so easy to blow off school and go to the pool! HEE! To each their own I cannot help you with this one. I have my views on homeschooling and just don’t think it is for many.
Kay’s last blog post..Bento Box Entry
I don’t think it’s for everyone, either, and I wonder honestly if it’s right for us. I just don’t know.
I am in the minority in my profession. I am a teacher who will have no problem homeschooling. How dare I? There are countless resources available. You are resourceful, you’ll find them and more . . .
Are there other parents that feel the same way? If so, you might consider a group situation. A few other parents share my philosophy (our school district is losing funds, cutting programs, letting go of highly qualified teachers and keeping ones that stopped caring long ago). We have a couple options:
1. Provide some supplemental activities (we are limited by way of extracurricular both at the school and community level) that the parents create. Special activities, speakers, lessons that help bridge the gaps in their public education. It might be trips to museums, art lessons, advanced math games, music appreciation. Nothing pseudo-intellectual, just things to help them stretch their neurons.
2. Actual homeschooling. BUT instead of one person taking it all on, we split the curricula. There are a couple engineers/mechanics that may take on the math. The mom who works as a nurse may take on the sciences. I would teach English and history. You get it . . . I wouldn’t teach every day, neither would the others.
I see what is happening with education and it pains me. With our No Child Left Behind, meaning test scores take precedence, it is hard to find the real-world value in what is left in the classroom. It is so frustrating.
Before jumping in with both feet, maybe sit with the kiddos and start a discussion, a practice lesson of sorts. Get their ideas and feedback about school in general, what they are learning, what they like to learn, AND finally, if they might like mom being their primary teacher.
Good luck and keep us updated.
LaskiGal’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Hitting the Road
Also a lot of great input. Thanks, LG. I really know what you mean about NCLB, and thank GOD we don’t have to deal with that bullshit up here. That is the BIG plus to Canada and schooling.
Let me tell you my experience - my future half-SIL is homeschooled. Her family is fortunate enough to have the money to shuttle themselves between houses in Las Vegas, NV and a small town in Utah. They don’t trust her to do anything by herself in Las Vegas, and in Utah, no one wants to talk to my fiance’s family because they are not mormon. As a result, to put it bluntly, dear Leslie (i’ll call her) is basically socially retarded. The majority of her experience with people outside of her family are her neighbors, none of which are under 50 years old, and the occasional 6 year old she might baby sit. Her niece, technically 4 years younger than her, has more social skills as a result of being raised in a public education system, and when the 2 are able to hang out to gather, the younger dominates the other in all areas of maturity and responsiblity. Really, you’d think the 16 y/old would the 12 y/old, and vice versa. The 12 y/old is still a very polite and smart, regardless of her “public education.” Leslie will turn 16 this year, and up until a couple months ago, had never spent more than one day away from her mother. She is supposed to go off to college next year, and god help her get through it, because I don’t know if she’d understand half of the things people out in the real world say and do, let alone be able to relate to them on any even basic level.
If you do choose to home school your kids, for the love of god, do it only for the educational value, and make sure you get them involved in as many social groups, sports, whatever, and assuming as much responsibility and independantness as possible. Yea, it might hurt knowing your little baby doesn’t need you, but they are going to some day and if you want to be a good parent you’ll make sure they’re prepared to face the real world successfully. You sound like you get the point of all that so far, and personally i think they stand a better chance growing up undersocialized than being raised feeling overpriveledged. tough call there, good luck with your decision.
Tersh, that is a really heartbreaking story, and I am sure it’s the exception, thank god for that. Nothing like that would ever happen in my world. I am the most social person you’d ever meet, and I am slways looking for new ways for my sons to grow in their independance. They have bus passes, play on sports teams, have a ton of friends, watch Family Guy every Sunday with their dad. They are in no way sheltered. But dude, I am really sad for your SIL. I hope for her future to be better. Thanks for sharing.
it strikes me that you would do a fine job with homeschooling.
me? i couldn’t do it. i don’t have the patience.
the planet of janet’s last blog post..School daze and new schedules and things that go bump in my orderly world
Honestly, Janet, if my girl looks and is anywhere near as smart and pretty as your Roo, I’ll be homeschooling her in the the cage I lock her in to keep the boys out. :)
Normally when I see a post about homeschooling I am all ‘lalalalalala I am not listening!’ cause that will be my life in 3 short years. And not by choice… but that is another story.
Yeah, I am no help. But if you decide to do it, I will be stalking you even closer. You will feel me.
Kelley’s last blog post..Where is my union rep?
Oh you KNOW you have to tell the story now, woman…
oooo, ought to add that there’s a great homeschooling group in our area, we have lots of relatives and friends, and lots of clubs/activities so we do all get breaks from each other :)
also, in my own private opinion, school is basically a child care option. It was set up as compulsory (in this country, the UK) in the 18 hundreds to stop children being worked to death (quite literally). We’re lucky enough to have a parent at home fulltime during the day (me at the mo, yay!) so I guess it’s a lifestyle choice - we want to ‘raise’ our children (for want of a better word, cos I hate that one) ourselves, not use day care or child care.
All children will seek to learn, and as a parent it’s up to you to see that they are encouraged, supported and facilitated in that, wether in a child care setting or at home.
I feel really sad that you think that, because it tells me that you also haven’t had the “right” school. Yes, it does help with child care, but when you have a school in your neighborhood that the entire community comes together for, when local businesses sponsor classrooms and hang those children’s pictures in their shops, when the ice cream guy knows my kids name, and half the schools kids names by heart, when your school grows an organic garden and the local restaurant features a meal using your produce, that is when I know that the public school system is there for something bigger than abc’s OR childcare. It’s for forming lasting bonds in a community. It’s for fostering neighborliness. I think we’ve let ourselves get too far away from that, and having been lucky enough to be at one of those kinds of schools, I know the impact it can bring to the whole community and how important it truly is.
hmmm, lost the first post! oh well :)
Nah, it’s my stupid moderation. Rather than having you type Shazbot into a bix every time you comment, you just have to have ONE moderated and approved comment. Because really, I don’t need a bigger penis or cheap drugs from Canada. I’m already IN Canada. :)
I have always been an advocate of the public school system. My school system was so great, most of the kids in my class ended up at Ivy League colleges. No racial tension, no violence, very little drugs.
I now live (again) in the same town I grew up in and I don’t even recognize the school system. It’s overcrowded, under-budgeted and the goal is on standardized test scores, not turning out well-rounded kids. I could NEVER homeschool b/c Hubby and I work full-time, but I am seriously considering private school. (previously thought to be a waste of money and elitist).
We all just want to do what’s best for our kids — you’ll make the right decision. And nothing’s set in stone. If you try it and it doesn’t work, they can always go back. Or, you could just homeschool your 8 year old and see how that goes. I know it will be an agonizing decision, but you’ll find what works best for your family. Good luck!
Robyn’s last blog post..Here Comes the Bride…
My husband came from a similar place, and he went to an Ivy League College. I came from a pretty poor community, but a “Household Name” family lived in my town and dumped so freaking much money into the schools, you wouldn’t even believe it. I had an EXCELLENT public school education, and would have graduated high school with a college degree in Mechanical Drafting. And then I moved to Denver to finish my senior year. What a difference, man.
Very interesting post, and very interesting comments!
If I was a SAHM, I would consider it seriously, but as some of the others have said… I would make sure that the kids got involved with some social sports or activities as that’s the only drawback that I can see… other than me perhaps going MAD with them being with me ALL day!
Jenty’s last blog post..Cool toys
There is a popular blogger who homeschools her kids: Dana at mamalogues.com and she talks about the homeschooling pros and cons somewhat often. Socialization? She has her boys in Boy Scouts and other activities that promote that. She belongs to a Homeschool group where the kids get together for field trips and clubs and graduations and things, so despite the fact that they don’t all go to the same room every day and learn from the same teacher, they are all still friends and have social situations a few times a week. She has more of a chance to focus on their strengths and break through their weaknesses. She has two sons and the younger one isn’t ready for school just yet, but the older one has a propensity for painting. He’s really talented and while he’s a kid, his painting invokes so much feeling that you’d think he paints with an adult’s perspective. He’s really good, and has actually won some local awards for his talents. She has the chance to nurture that. She also talks about the flexibility of the curriculum because on days with doctor’s appointments or sick days or days that she has other obligations, she can suspend their lessons and get back to them another day.
There are drawbacks, such as Missouri laws attempting to take away some of her flexibility by trying to pass legislation that would force homeschoolers to take standardized tests (which Dana is firmly against as a learning/measuring device), and the fact that homeschoolers don’t get some of the same chances they should get just because they don’t fit the standard definition of an accredited school. So yes, there are some difficulties. It’s a personal decision, but I would recommend you pop over to her site (mamalogues.com) and see if you can’t find some answers to questions. Hell, I know she’ll even be happy to answer emailed questions (mamalogues@yahoo.com). I know I sound like a big fan of hers (and I am) but she’s also a friend of mine and I think she might be able to give you some guidance from in the trenches. It’s worth looking into, for sure.
Andrea’s last blog post..One of Those Nights
I couldn’t do it as Harley and I are too alike and I really can’t see myself considering such a thing. It just wouldn’t work for me or Harley’s circumstances. That being said, I can see this working for you as your creative and I have no doubt that you know what your kids need.
My experience is limited in regard to home schooling. My sister-in-law has been doing it for years. She’s home schooled their four children for I believe the past six years and the first one just graduated from high school.
It’s worked very well for them, but I can’t even imagine the scheduling and commitment involved. My sister-in-law has a teacher degree. Her kids have been the only one’s that have gotten her expertise. Socially, they were very involved in their church and I don’t feel they suffered any socially. They seem much hipper to what’s going on than Harley is.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Diane’s last blog post..Hacked?
We home schooled our two oldest boys. At the high school level. They went through middle school ‘in the system’. What we found is that there are as many ways to home school as there are people willing to do it. And, for us - for our boys, it worked out quite well. There were ups and downs, but in the end it was worthwhile and the education was complete. And they learned what we felt was important for them to learn and in the manner we wanted them to learn those things. We traveled. And learned history and geography and government and economics from our travels. And our sons’ minds were broadened and and educated in one fell swoop. We did not impose a strict structure or schedule on the process of education. All of our daily activities became an opportunity for education. Going to the store, filling up with gas, watching the news on TV, having repairs done to the house, watching the neighbors fight with their kids - all of these things became fodder for the process of education. Both boys took GED tests - and were offered scholarships to our Junior College based on their GED scores. It can be done successfully. It takes time, effort, care and understanding - both for the kids and the process.
lceel’s last blog post..tired and sick
There is no way in hell you would ever get me to homeschool. None. Not even if all of the scholls here closed down and that was the only way they could get schooling; I might teach the baby how to read, but the others would be on their own. My dad made it with only an 8th grade education, and even Sam (9) is already there, so he’d be fine. And maybe I wouldn’t teach Baby to read after all; I have heard illiterate people can fake it really well these days. All joking aside, I did try it when my Hannah was in first grade, for reasons to lengthy to go into here, and while she did learn and made great strides, it was.not.fun. for either of us. I do know people personally who have done it and their kids have excelled; one woman in particular has 6 kids and all are amazing. They are also very active in church and sports and are some of the most polite and well behaved kids I know. I support anyone’s decision to homeschool, absolutely. But for me, well, I would rather go blind in one eye. I love my kids. I also love dropping Owen off at daycare every morning and getting the kids off to school and then coming to work where I get to be an adult. As hard as it is sometimes to juggle everything with no back-up, I wouldn’t have it in me to be a SAHM.
Kori’s last blog post..Musings on a Tuesday
I homeschooled my 5 children back in the day for 4 years. It was hard work to say the least but it is something I would do over again in a heart beat. I had a blast with my kids…I learned along with my kids. I feel that my kids got a chance to learn a lot of “common sense” or practical things such as using their math to balance the actual check book….the hows and whys of common household tasks. I don’t regret doing it. It was a big committment on our part as a family but it was worth it.
We stopped when they got to the age that they wanted to go to the public school. During our homeschooling years they were still involved in band and some took electives at the public school. We also participated in a large homeschooling group that met weekly. I think this group was more for us parents to support each other more than anything. Getting support from others is a big part of doing it successfully. Especially if you talk with seasoned homeschooling parents…they have so much wisdom about curriculumm and different resources.
My advice to you is to research this, talk to your kids, make sure your husband is on board with this because even if he isn’t part of the actual teaching you will need his support and encouragement, and go from there. Good luck in your decision. If you choose to give it a shot I don’t think you will regret it…you love your kiddo’s and want them to learn…two of the most important things your child needs!
Lori’s last blog post..Cry baby cry
Oh, I forgot to say this…my kids all turned out wonderfully. My youngest just graduated from high school…non of them are socially retarded to say the least. If anything, I was told constantly by their teachers in high school what respectful, friendly people they are. Not all homeschooled children are socially retarded but I do know some that are. It will be what you make of it!
Lori’s last blog post..Cry baby cry
I am so thankful that my kids’ school has parents who are intimately involved. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, has a hand in the success of the students. We all work together. It’s hard sometimes, but worthwhile. I would rather stick hot needles in my eyes than home school my kids. I do not have the patience. No way. No how.
Momo Fali’s last blog post..I’m Putting My Car On A Charm Bracelet
I just would never homeschool. I’d figure something else out. Just me, though.
I’d move to a different district, I’d go to work to pay for a suitable private school, I’d…..
I don’t even know why I’m so opposed to homeschooling. I think I want my kids to be part of “it” whatever “it” is……and I guess I’m not “it”.
Hmmm. Maybe I should reconsider……
christy’s last blog post..I’ve led a checkered life
Having spent the past ten years working in the public school system I figured I’d throw in my five cents (inflation ya know!). Go with your gut. Your kids only get one shot at learning and one or two bad years in a public school can take years afterward to either repair your child’s self-esteem or catch them up to where they should be academically or both. I am moving (for many reasons) to escape the school I have worked in and my kids attended. I had wonderful teachers who worked very hard to help my dyslexic daughter catch up. Jump to this year with a whole different set of upper level teachers and she thinks she’s stupid and has given up. My seven year old has loved school until this year. His teacher was worthless (in my opinion) and he now believes he’s stupid and we are having tons of behavior problems that, I believe, are stemming from classroom incidents and his loss of self-esteem.
The main reason we are moving to the suburb I have chosen is because of the school system there.
More and more I’m seeing the advantages to home-schooling. I don’t know about Canada, but in my state, schools must allow home-schooled children to participate in choir and band. There are many opportunities available for learning that home-schooled children can take advantage of that public-school children can not. Even in the small community I’m in right now there are home-schooled kids and they are smart, bright, friendly, well-adjusted children, probably more so than many of the kids I work with in the public schools.
If this is what your gut says to do, and hubby is on board too, then go for it! Public school will always be there, if need be.
celticbuffy’s last blog post..Thank You, Thank You!
I don’t have any experience with schools yet, but having a child physically hurt multiple times seems unfathomable to me. I can completely understand why you’re considering this option. (For various reasons, I’m considering it too.)
I’ve met a number of people who homeschool, and it seems like there are a lot of helpful resources for parents who aren’t doing it for religious reasons out there nowadays. There are online communities, blogs with creative ideas, curricula you can download, etc.
Good luck, whatever you decide!
Tracy’s last blog post..Rockabye
If I had to do it over, I would have definitely homeschooled my youngest. It’s one of those ‘if I knew then, what I know now,’ sorts of things. Try to find a local homeschooling support group - they are out there - you can get input on curriculum, paperwork, blended school programs, and what services at public schools are available to homeschoolers like sports, music and other extracurricular activities. If you can do this, I would go for it. Good luck!
Tara R.’s last blog post..Random Wednesday - diets
After reading your post and your ba-gillion comments I may not have much to add, but wanted to put my two cents in anyway. I am not a fan of getting kids into martial arts just for the fact that they are getting bullied at school.. that should be a decision that is made for wanting to understand the beauty that is martial arts and not used as a tactic to kiss ass. And I give you credit.. and lots of it.. for even considering homeschooling. I could never do it. As an adult I suffer from ADHD (not really- but I am a mess when trying to keep focused).
I wish you luck whatever road you chose. I see in my kids daycare how some parents just don’t get invovled. How the hell they live like that I will never understand.. So I sympathize with you if you are dealing with a bunch of lazy parents.
Kim’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday - Morning Creeping In
Education is so important and if you feel like your kids aren’t getting what they need and deserve and you think you can provide it for them then I say go for it. Our kids are the most important thing and although I agree that going to school provides much-needed social skills, they can learn those same skills outside of a classroom environment. In the end, it comes down to what is best for your kids, your the momma and I think you should go with your gut on this one.
Allie Bear’s last blog post..Douche wad, party of one.
Big props to you for even considering it. With my lack of self-discipline and disorganization, I don’t think I could. My house would look like a bomb went off. Always. That being said, if my child was being bullied, I would do whatever it takes. (probably try another school first). Good luck!
Sue’s last blog post..Marriage Math
SAM here! Sorry I’m so late.
I totally think you could do this home schooling thing. You are brilliantly smart, you know what you are talking about, you have the means to find information and learn different things for the sake of your children, and you have this thing about you that screams “I CAN DO WHAT I SET MY MIND TO AND DON’T FUCKING TELL ME I CAN’T”.
Socialization? Stupidest argument in the world. Not only are my kids socialized, they are socialized across a broad spectrum of ages. They can mix with babies/toddlers, playing justly; and they can sit down with elders and have philosophical conversations (or humorous ones, if called for).
Respect? My kids are respectful because they have learned this behaiour FROM ME! Through our daily lives they get interaction with people that requires them to be well mannered and respectful. They know that this is something that makes them good people, and they do it. They respect Michael and I as their elders, as their parents, as their teachers, and yet still feel a closeness to us that borders on friendship. KWIM?
Ability to Co-exist? Damn, I have four children (you have three), they BETTER know how to co-exist!!! Actually, we have *co-op and groups that we belong to for this. Also team sports and such. Next year we are jumping into music lessons, too.
Scheduling Skills? It just happens. Believe-you-me, I can be unorganized and messy. Our closet, at times, looks like a bomb went off, but overall keeping the materials straightened out and orderly is not a big deal. A lot of our stuff is organized on the computer, too, and I’m sure there are things you can find to help keep you maintained. Like, we have a shelf that has 4 tiers and each kid gets a shelf for their books. Each kid is responsible for keeping that shelf clean (but I do go behind them from time-to-time) and getting their materials needed for the day. We also have various bins. A craft bin. A book bin. A supplies bin. A catch all bin. You get the picture.
My crew also knows that if you start early, you finish early. Often times by lunch their work is completed (save Benny who fights me a lot, and is my biggest challenge, but who is also a scary-genius-who-would-be-labeled-ADD-or-autistic). After that they are free to read, play (they all still play imaginatively), play computer or Wii, go outside, or chill with friends or each other.
———————-
Seriously, Lady, it’s the best thing we’ve ever done for our children. I am proud to say that they exceeded the standards, overall, on their CRCT tests (GA’s standardized tests). I know they are insanely smart and I know that they will be successful adults.
Teach. Model. Pray. That’s my motto.
CALL ME!
*Co-op: Home School Co-operative
Mothers come together to teach various classes to the children, ranging from pre-school ages to high school. We’ve had many graduates go on to colleges, too. The moms all come together as one and it’s a strong group. We meet, weekly, through the year, on Tuesdays.
Secret Agent Mama’s last blog post..Project 365 (307/365)
I’m not patient enough to read all the comments (sorry!!!!), so if this is at all repetitive, I apologize. I’m just wondering how long you would do this. Is it to get them through elementary school (or this school in particular) so that they’d be on to the joys of middle school? Or are you in it for the long haul? How does that work for 3of3? Will she be homeschooled or start off in the school system?
Sorry, dude. I’m a process person. That’s what I think about.
And I agree with Molly. Move home ;)
Yeah, what Alison said. Man, this is a hard decision for you. I can totally see the benefits of homeschooling (my BFF Matt was homeschooled until middle school–he’s a crazy genius but it was extremely difficult for him to learn to socialize) but I can also see the benefits of public school. I lucked out. I’ve had an extremely well-crafted education, but I built it all myself using resources around me. And that’s all in hindsight. Your kids are still in the preliminary phases. So I don’t know. I think you’re going to have to customize the hell out of it for all three of them, that’s for sure. And what that means is something you’ll have to piece together on a daily basis. Man, this was a completely compelling read. I look forward to hearing how it turns out.
(And move back to Denver, dude. Or at least move to Portland!)
Kisses
I’d homeschool my kids in a heartbeat if “socialization” meant bullying and getting beat up at school.
MamaWise’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday - Constructing a Cake
oh, I totally get you on a good school (my kids are in one, I wasn’t) its just that, quite selfishly perhaps, I want to raise and educate my kids MYSELF! it’s SO much fun, and having done a LOT of soul searching and making sure I’m not just trying to live vacariously through them and ‘redo’ my school years, I truly believe it is the right option for us.
I think school - public or private - is a valid way to persue your child’s education, though it’s sad how difficult great schools like the one you discribe are quite hard to come by. In fact links in the community and neighbourlyness is something I feel that homeschooling will better provide in my case.
I meant to make it clear that I totally respect teachers (my mum was one in fact!) and people that choose to send the children to school (though it’s scary how often it seems to be an ‘eyes shut’ automatic default rather than a considered disicion)it’s just not the option for us. I obviously didn’t make that clear, so sorry about that, and sorry about hitting ya with loads of posts! I hear ya about not needing a bigger penis!
I don’t know from beans yet about personal experience with the education system. I have a few friends who did it for a time, and at least in California, there is a great network of homeschoolers, and even co-op home schooling in which you share the responsibilities with like-minded parents. My friends got information about this kind of co-op through the school system, who encourages homeschooling because apparently it is more cost-effective for the school as well.
I guess I will see how green around the gills I am about the actual school next year. But right now I figure, every type of mom has a place they ’shine’, whether it be natural child birth or homeschooling or whatnot. I’m pretty sure that my mom-gift is not in the mom-teaher-all-day-straddle arena.
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I only have one child in school. Last year, we were in a different school district- and he didn’t like it all. He once came home and told me he was the only kid on the bus who didn’t say ain’t. AARRRGGGHHH! I thought about homeschooling. I thought long and hard about it. I decided it wasn’t right for us. We moved last summer to the Gettysburg School District- and love it. In the end everyone can tell you what did and didn’t work for them and their family- but it’s ultimately up to you and what feels right for your family. Good luck!
Gettysburg Mom’s last blog post..Egg Yolks and Whole Milk, Oh My!!
Hi - I just stumbled across your blog, and the first post in sight caught my attention, as I homeschool. Being organized helps, but it’s not necessary - I’m the most unorganized person around, but we make it work. :) I have an almost-13 y.o. son and an almost-10 y.o. daughter, and they’ve always homeschooled.
If you want good information about what’s available around you, go to YahooGroups and do a search for “homeschool” and your state’s name. Try your city, or nearest city as well, as many people put together groups for