Homeschooling

Per request from another lounge thread...

Any homeschoolers out there - what are your reasons for homeschooling?  I have heard of religious reasons, but none very specific, and some educational reasons, for children who do not do well in a mainstream setting.  What are YOUR reasons?

 

Edited to clarify wording.

I was homeschooled from maybe 3rd grade to 7th grade. It was because I went to a private school before and the school closed it's door so my mom continued whith the same program but at home with me and my sibling. So that's one reason.....

Thank you.  Was the private school a religious school, or just better than the public school where you were?

I don't home school, but I just did a research paper on it for a college class.

The biggest reason for homeschooling is religious freedoms. Many parents want the freedom to incorporate their religion into the curriculum.

Another reason is because parents are unhappy with the public school system. Some parents feel their children are not getting the direct attention they need to excel in a large classroom setting. Others are worried about school violence and bullying.

Some of the other reasons I came across were family unity. Parents decided to homeschool their children so they could have a closer family bond. Others did it because their children needed teaching that was specific to their learning style.

One of the more interesting things I read was that more families are homeschooling during the recession. First because it was more affordable for some. Others did it because their public school was facing major budget cuts tht they felt would impact their children's learning.

I was homeschooled growing up. MY parents did it because they wanted me to have a christian based education, and private schools were too expensive. They were not happy with the public schools educational system either.

Thank you.  I have known people who did it because of religious reasons, but I was never very clear on why they didn't just add instruction on in the evenings.  I suppose you could incorporate it and kill two birds with one stone.

I was appalled when my mother, several years ago, said she wished they had homeschooled me and my brother.  I was not quite sure on her reasoning, but my major thought was that my mom could not help me on my homework past the 5th grade, and my dad had the patience of a gnat.  Not to mention I have social anxiety as things stand - how much worse would it have been if I had been secluded that much?

And I, personally, do not have the structure or patience that it would take to successfully homeschool.  I have seen it done successfully, and now they have groups that get together, but I don't think it is right for my family.

I say this because I don't want anyone to get the idea I am against homeschooling.

I homeschool but was recently informed I should not say homeschool anymore because it is home education. 

I had my kids in public school.  That didn't work out because they learned about being disrespectful and rude but not much of what they should have been learning.  Even their teacher had poor spelling and grammar.  They weren't learning anything.  I overheard a teacher say, "Ryan you done it now...you ain't even supposed to be outta yer seat.  Flip your card, you."

The only other option was Catholic school.  My hubby was all for that and I was against.  They did ok there for the most part, but when I asked them questions they had no idea what I was talking about.  It seemed like they were learning how to memorize and then dump and move on. 

I started home educating after that.  We've tried different methods.  I can't expect some stranger to be responsible for my child's education and actually give a rat's **** about it.  If I don't do my job and educate them then I can only blame myself.

On top of all of this, my daughter is bipolar and OCD.  She doesn't want to be like other kids.  She is moody as hell and public schools in our area are not in the least bit concerned with helping us out on that.  I don't expect them to be.  I choose not to medicate her.  She is learning to accept herself as is and deal with things from day to day or minute to minute.  The world will not stop for her to have a meltdown and she needs to recognize one coming and know how to handle it...not rely on a pill, IMO.

Edited: forgot to finish a sentence and started a new one.

After I did the report I talked to my mom about it and she very hopefully asked "Are you thinking about homeschooling your kids?" My answer is a flat out no. I do think it works, and I am not against it. But I think it takes a very dedicated parent to make sure their child is learning everything they need to, and still have a great deal of interaction with other kids. Thankfully since I was in a private school til 5th grade, I established some friendships and connections to other kids. But, I know other people who were homeschooled that have zero social skills.

Wow, AK - it's too bad the schools are so bad in your area.  I worked in some urban schools in Oklahoma, and they seemed to be pretty decent, though the emphasis on all of the formal testing was irritating everybody.

I so admire you for stepping in when you saw the need.  I'm hoping I won't have these problems, but you would think that having worked in the schools I would be able to cope with it, one way or the other.  My oldest is in Kindergarten right now, and from what I hear our schools are pretty decent.

How old are your kids, if you don't mind me asking?

Original Post by bether_gee:

After I did the report I talked to my mom about it and she very hopefully asked "Are you thinking about homeschooling your kids?" My answer is a flat out no. I do think it works, and I am not against it. But I think it takes a very dedicated parent to make sure their child is learning everything they need to, and still have a great deal of interaction with other kids. Thankfully since I was in a private school til 5th grade, I established some friendships and connections to other kids. But, I know other people who were homeschooled that have zero social skills.

 Yes, I've seen some homeschooled kids like that.  And the ones that go to high school or college and are just lost, because they haven't learned the institutional coping skills.  Others seem to blend in just fine.

Me - I'm having a hard time just with potty training and chores.  I'd hate for my kids to rely on me alone for everything else as well.  It would definitely take a major makeover in our life - which perhaps we need anyway.  But that is a different topic.

My sister in law was thinking about homeschooling then my newphew turned two. Now, she is counting the days for him to be old enough to get out of the house and go to preschool. :p

Original Post by puh8suwrux:

Wow, AK - it's too bad the schools are so bad in your area.  I worked in some urban schools in Oklahoma, and they seemed to be pretty decent, though the emphasis on all of the formal testing was irritating everybody.

I so admire you for stepping in when you saw the need.  I'm hoping I won't have these problems, but you would think that having worked in the schools I would be able to cope with it, one way or the other.  My oldest is in Kindergarten right now, and from what I hear our schools are pretty decent.

How old are your kids, if you don't mind me asking?

Our area is rural and education has never been a top priority.  Common sense isn't really much of a priority either.

My kids are 8 and 10.  I want my kids to learn at their own pace.  We move fast when they are catching on and pause a bit when it takes longer.  IMHO, they learn so much more. 

My mom was concerned with them being "normal" and gave me a speech about socialization.  There are lots of ways for them to be social.  Mine volunteer at the animal shelter and private animal rescues.  They participate in sports, meet with other kids at the library and go to the park.  My sister is 14 and if her and her friends are "normal" then I don't want normal kids anyway.  Serena actually likes herself and Ryan won't say gross things around women/girls.

So what is required in your state for homeschooling your kids? I know here in IDAHO, they do not require you to teach your kids to read. I know A LOT of homeschooled kids from my home church and some of the kids are around 11 - 12 and they still dont know how to read. ITS SO SAD and it makes me angry at the parents. but the dads excuse is "When they want to learn to read, they will come to us and ask".

Edited to fix punctuation.

Original Post by priceless7:

So what is required in your state for homeschooling your kids. I know here in IDAHO, they do not require you to teach your kids to read. I know A LOT of homeschooled kids from my home church and some of the kids are around 11 - 12 and they still dont know how to read. ITS SO SAD and it makes me angry at the parents. but the dads excuse is "When they want to learn to read, they will come to us and ask"

In Indiana we are required to follow the same requirements as the school.  There is a website with helpful tips, requirements, etc.  I teach what the school does and add things like typing, online learning games, volunteer work, music lessons, etc.

Original Post by augustnkate:

Original Post by puh8suwrux:

Wow, AK - it's too bad the schools are so bad in your area.  I worked in some urban schools in Oklahoma, and they seemed to be pretty decent, though the emphasis on all of the formal testing was irritating everybody.

I so admire you for stepping in when you saw the need.  I'm hoping I won't have these problems, but you would think that having worked in the schools I would be able to cope with it, one way or the other.  My oldest is in Kindergarten right now, and from what I hear our schools are pretty decent.

How old are your kids, if you don't mind me asking?

Our area is rural and education has never been a top priority.  Common sense isn't really much of a priority either.

My kids are 8 and 10.  I want my kids to learn at their own pace.  We move fast when they are catching on and pause a bit when it takes longer.  IMHO, they learn so much more. 

My mom was concerned with them being "normal" and gave me a speech about socialization.  There are lots of ways for them to be social.  Mine volunteer at the animal shelter and private animal rescues.  They participate in sports, meet with other kids at the library and go to the park.  My sister is 14 and if her and her friends are "normal" then I don't want normal kids anyway.  Serena actually likes herself and Ryan won't say gross things around women/girls.

 You are an awesome mom!  I so hope I can be such a mother.  We have had some fun going on a dinosaur hunt this summer, where we drove to Colorado.  I try to incorporate a love of learning in daily life.  I feel that is my essential job at the moment.

I'm afraid that a lot of the homeschoolers I see are TRYING to isolate their children from the "EVIL" world.  Which means when they are thrust into it - they don't know how to work it.

Priceless, that is so sad.  I don't know the requirements for Oklahoma OR Missouri, where I currently live, but I can't imagine not having some sort of standard.  That just seems - well, wrong.  Unfair for the kids.

Original Post by puh8suwrux:

I'm afraid that a lot of the homeschoolers I see are TRYING to isolate their children from the "EVIL" world.  Which means when they are thrust into it - they don't know how to work it.

 this is what worries me!

but i do know homeschooling can be successful. a close friend of mine was homeschooled because she could read before she turned 4. instead of skipping her a few grades, her mother taught her, and then her two brothers, at home. she is now a doctor, and her brothers are both very successful as well.

i still wouldn't do it though, i plan to send my kids to public school.

My kid's have a pretty normal life.  I expect them to respect EVERY religion or non-religion.  I expect manners.  When my daughter is at the park and there is a 12-year-old making out with her boyfriend...I ask her if she's going to do that in two more years.  Then we laugh.  I take them to roller derby bouts when I go watch a friend skate.  When the see all the tattoo's I ask if they are going to have any.  Then I laugh.

They have cousins that are mixed ethnicity and haven't really been exposed to much racism.  When they hear it, we talk about it.  No big deal.  I have a foul mouth when I stub a toe but we talk about how inappropriate that was and laugh.  I don't want to shelter them.  I want to communicate.  We have learned quite a bit of ASL (American Sign Language).  We don't know of any deaf people, but we might one day.  If they see a deaf child at the playground, they know enough to sign their names and have a basic understanding.

Ok...enough.../rambling

It's apparent you are doing a wonderful job, AK.  Rub some of that on me!

Original Post by jules817:

Original Post by puh8suwrux:

I'm afraid that a lot of the homeschoolers I see are TRYING to isolate their children from the "EVIL" world.  Which means when they are thrust into it - they don't know how to work it.

 this is what worries me!

but i do know homeschooling can be successful. a close friend of mine was homeschooled because she could read before she turned 4. instead of skipping her a few grades, her mother taught her, and then her two brothers, at home. she is now a doctor, and her brothers are both very successful as well.

i still wouldn't do it though, i plan to send my kids to public school.

 I know MANY homeschoolers and that really isn't the case...they really do well in the "real world"  It is a common concern from those that don't do this, but in reality it isn't the case at all

I still decided to send mine to public...I lived in areas with great schools.  I did homeschool Jordan for 1/2 a year in first grade when we knew we were moving...we didn't want to put her in and take her out...so I homeschooled until we could enroll her in our new town.

Original Post by puh8suwrux:

It's apparent you are doing a wonderful job, AK.  Rub some of that on me!

*Mixes a pinch of patience, a cup of library, ashes of a recent science project gone bad, and some PB&J.  Puts it in a squirt gun and shoots at puh8suwrux.*

My first daughter started to read at a very young age and when it came time to send her to kindergarten I just didn't feel there was anything else they could offer her.  So we started a long career in home schooling.  She is in high school now and is starting to take some of her classes online.  She can get dual credit (high school and college) for some of her classes.  The plan is for her (and her siblings) to graduate from high school with an associate's degree. Big money saver there! 

Our state does not have any standards for home schooled children, and that is the way I like it. I wish that the Federal gov. would step out of quite a few areas of our lives (different rant I guess).  It is very sad that some people will choose to not send their children to school and won't educate them at home.  Child abuse- in my opinion.  On the other hand, there are still kids coming out of the public schools with little or no skills as well; so it isn't strictly a home schooling problem.  

Anyhow- I have the children enrolled in a public homeschooling program that gives much support, including an allotment for curriculum and sports fees, etc.  In return the children take state and federal tests and turn in work samples. 

As for socialization, I like what augustnkate said about not wanting "normal" kids anyway if some of the youth out there are any indication of "normal".  My kids are involved in 4-H, Scouts, home school co-ops, Church youth groups, basketball, soccer, swimming, Youth Court (on the right side of the law), and various other things here and there.  They see the world, they participate in trying to make it a better place, but they do not have to be part of the rougher walks of life on a daily basis.  Walking into the public schools here is like stepping in to xxx rated theater (in my imagination anyway- I've never been in one )!

In a round about way there, I listed several of the reasons that keep us homeschooling! 

I was homeschooled from 3rd grade through 12th grade. I'm now in my third year of nursing school.

From what I've seen from other homeschooling families that I've known, family dynamics and time management are the main factors in the success of the education. I knew one family with kids who rarely listened to their mother and did very little she said. So, almost no schoolwork got done, especially with TV, movies, video games, and internet distractions. As a result, those kids ended up almost illiterate. Their 12-year-old son read at an age 5 or 6 level, which was sad. I knew another family with 8 children (including a set of twins and triplets) that was so busy all the time just trying to survive, they had no time or energy for educating their children.

On the other hand, I've known other families who have made education a top priority (my family does as well), and the kids turned out very well. These families tended to have a set schedule, usually having school from 9-4 on weekdays, though it varied.

Overall, I think that homeschooling was a very positive experience for me and I will probably homeschool my own kids, if I have any. The only downsides were not having snow days and being asked if I hung around the house in my pajamas all day.

ETA: Our school district required a quarterly report of my grades in each subject. Before the school year began, they also required a home instruction plan to show what I was going to be covering that year. I also took a standardized test (usually the Iowa tests) at the end of each year.