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’.
Tagged with: considering homeschooling, dps, elementary schools, failing school system, pta
Tara R.
Wednesday, 25 June, 2008 at 16:32If 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
Kim
Wednesday, 25 June, 2008 at 17:18After 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
Allie Bear
Wednesday, 25 June, 2008 at 17:27Education 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.
Sue
Wednesday, 25 June, 2008 at 17:39Big 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
Secret Agent Mama
Wednesday, 25 June, 2008 at 19:53SAM 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)
Alison
Wednesday, 25 June, 2008 at 21:53I’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 ;)
Leslie Dillinger
Thursday, 26 June, 2008 at 4:44Yeah, 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
MamaWise
Thursday, 26 June, 2008 at 5:44I’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
mamacrow
Thursday, 26 June, 2008 at 8:53oh, 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!
anne nahm
Thursday, 26 June, 2008 at 15:16I 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.
anne nahm’s last blog post..X-Ray Alert: My Face in Bones at the End of this Post
Gettysburg Mom
Thursday, 26 June, 2008 at 15:54I 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!
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Melanie@NotebookLearning.com
Thursday, 26 June, 2008 at 17:22Hi – 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 local areas. Stay on the lists for a while and get a feel for the rules and regulations for your area, what kinds of helps, co-ops, classes and extracurricular activities are available where you’re at, and you can get a better idea if that’s something you think you can pull off.
Best of luck – it’s a big decision, but I’m firmly convinced that anyone can make it work!
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amy
Thursday, 26 June, 2008 at 20:31I went to an elementary school in a low-income area. I was a bussed in white girl. But they had an amazing magnet program specializing in gymnastics and that’s where I wanted to be. And then when I hit middle school, I did the same thing. For high school, I was already zoned to the ghetto. But I learned so much about people of all walks of life, all races and I am really fortunate for that. Now we live in the burbs and my girls attend the schools that are referred to as “the private schools” of our district. They still receive an amazing education, although I wish teachers focused more on teaching than standardized test scores. But my girls do not get the exposure to diversity that I did. And that’s sad.
Girl, if you home school, more power to you. It’s definitely not for me. I have to get these dang kids out of the house away from me! I’m counting down the days til Lil Bit starts kindergarten and I truly can sit on my ass, watch soaps and eat bon bons!!
amy’s last blog post..Extreme Parenting
Ruth
Wednesday, 2 July, 2008 at 16:35Should you homeschool? Did you like being grounded as a kid because I hated missing fun times with my women friends? Did you have a little celebration the first morning your child went to school and you had the house to yourself? Are you going to give 100% to this project until you crash and burn from exhaustion? Will you get upset if no one from the school system shows up until June and makes it clear he doesn’t give a rat’s ass what you’re doing? Do you care that your child will have the delusion he would have been Einstein if you hadn’t homeschooled him? After doing the teacher stuff will you have enough energy and enthusiasm to do the mom stuff you currently love?
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