Has anyone here homeschooled or been homeschooled?
I ask because I'm considering it for my 10 year old. I thought about it before she started kindergarten, but after pressure from certain family members, I gave up the idea.
I'm thinking about it again - seriously thinking - and wonder if anyone has had experience with it that you can share - good or bad.
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I have a good friend who is doing that right now for his daughter...not much if any younger than yours. It's a greatt thing if you ask me...in a number of ways. I would consider it myself for mine, but she's 13...and I'm not sure if she's too old now or not...
Thanks Matt. It's encouraging to hear it's working out for your friend. So far, that's the feedback I've been getting from various sources. Very little negativity.
I've been looking into it and there are so many options available. In fact, there's an accredited online school with approved curriculum for grades K - 12. It's more $$ than I wanted to spend, but it's less than a private school and I think the advantages are numerous.
As for your daughter, if she's interested in it, then she's not too old. I'm thinking of doing this until my daughter would be a sophomore in high school. I figure by then she'll be her own person. We have to let go at some point, yes? And I think those last three high school years are important for a child's sense of independence.
At least, that's how I feel now. See me at the end of this school year. :)
I've been looking into it and there are so many options available. In fact, there's an accredited online school with approved curriculum for grades K - 12. It's more $$ than I wanted to spend, but it's less than a private school and I think the advantages are numerous.
As for your daughter, if she's interested in it, then she's not too old. I'm thinking of doing this until my daughter would be a sophomore in high school. I figure by then she'll be her own person. We have to let go at some point, yes? And I think those last three high school years are important for a child's sense of independence.
At least, that's how I feel now. See me at the end of this school year. :)
I think that Mitch gets his daughter's studies for free....and I don't know much more than that really. She is doing very well. It's all based on computer programs I guess..all the regular stufff is involved.
As for letting go, I understand that. Mandi's grades are degrading. I feel it's because the teachers just don't have enough time to give to a student who needs a little extra help. She has a more mild case of ADD, and needs more than others. One reason why I think homeschooling would be very bennificial.
Kids are very easily influenced at these ages. By their peers and even through television and music. And by most accounts I find these influences to be detrimental in almost every situation.
As for music, Need You Tonight is up now, and available to listen to. I would love some comments on it-
Take care-
Matt
As for letting go, I understand that. Mandi's grades are degrading. I feel it's because the teachers just don't have enough time to give to a student who needs a little extra help. She has a more mild case of ADD, and needs more than others. One reason why I think homeschooling would be very bennificial.
Kids are very easily influenced at these ages. By their peers and even through television and music. And by most accounts I find these influences to be detrimental in almost every situation.
As for music, Need You Tonight is up now, and available to listen to. I would love some comments on it-
Take care-
Matt
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color=green> M@tt wrote: [/QUOTENAME]
As for music, Need You Tonight is up now, and available to listen to. I would love some comments on it-
[/QUOTE]
:)
I'm there....
As for music, Need You Tonight is up now, and available to listen to. I would love some comments on it-
[/QUOTE]
:)
I'm there....
I work in the school system so I have a biased opinion. Of course I believe children should be in school rather than home-schooled. However, it is very much an individual decision or a decision that you and your child's father should consider. We have one student in my school who suffers severly from detachment disorder. She is home-schooled the majority of the day but does come to school for an hour daily for speech therapy. We are trying to transition her more and more each year. So there are severe instances where I do agree if a medical condition warrants it. It is also important to note that the child is on our roster at school and is provided with curriculum by her teacher here at school, but her mother administers it to her.
As I said, my thoughts and feelings on this is that children belong in schools being taught by teachers who have been trained to do educate. Of course there are teachers who have no clue what they are doing and I happen to work with some of them unfortunately. There are always a few turds mixed in with the flowers. Luckily I am here at the school and I know which teachers are elite and that is who my daughter gets. I have luxuries that most parents do not have but I have chosen to be in the school system as a profession, so it is my reward for shitty pay (right Zeni?)
The best thing to do in my opinion is discuss the pros and cons with your child's father, communicate with your child's potential teacher or administrative staff at the school (guidance counselor), gather as much information as you can from the school (test scores, teacher/student ratio, etc.), and stay involved if you choose to put your child in a public or private school. I can't tell you how many parents we have here that do not give a shit about their child's education. We can't even contact them on the phone if there is an emergency. We are their babysitting service. A child can and will succeed in school if their parents are as committed as the educator is. Every child has the ability to learn at their own pace and potential and it is the school's responsibility to come up with individual strategies to ensure each child learns. Also, if your child sees that you value education, he/she will value it as well. My parents taught me that there was nothing more important for me to concentrate on other than my studies and this was enforced from the very beginning. It has to start early so bad habits are not started. My parents worried about my health, physical, and emotional needs so all I had to do was my schoolwork (minor house chores as well). Through this I learned about responsibility and accountability. It was up to me to make sure the work was done correctly and on time. If it wasn't done, it was my fault and I faced the consequences of that. I have my parents to thank for the success I have today. There was nothing more important in my house growing up than our health and education and this is how my children are being raised.
I'm sorry this is so long-winded but I am very passionate about children and learning. I'm not saying that if you choose to home-school your child that it is wrong and you'll go to hell. Some children thrive better in that setting. It's an individual decision but I just wanted to put my opinions in there to see if I could help a little.
:)
As I said, my thoughts and feelings on this is that children belong in schools being taught by teachers who have been trained to do educate. Of course there are teachers who have no clue what they are doing and I happen to work with some of them unfortunately. There are always a few turds mixed in with the flowers. Luckily I am here at the school and I know which teachers are elite and that is who my daughter gets. I have luxuries that most parents do not have but I have chosen to be in the school system as a profession, so it is my reward for shitty pay (right Zeni?)
The best thing to do in my opinion is discuss the pros and cons with your child's father, communicate with your child's potential teacher or administrative staff at the school (guidance counselor), gather as much information as you can from the school (test scores, teacher/student ratio, etc.), and stay involved if you choose to put your child in a public or private school. I can't tell you how many parents we have here that do not give a shit about their child's education. We can't even contact them on the phone if there is an emergency. We are their babysitting service. A child can and will succeed in school if their parents are as committed as the educator is. Every child has the ability to learn at their own pace and potential and it is the school's responsibility to come up with individual strategies to ensure each child learns. Also, if your child sees that you value education, he/she will value it as well. My parents taught me that there was nothing more important for me to concentrate on other than my studies and this was enforced from the very beginning. It has to start early so bad habits are not started. My parents worried about my health, physical, and emotional needs so all I had to do was my schoolwork (minor house chores as well). Through this I learned about responsibility and accountability. It was up to me to make sure the work was done correctly and on time. If it wasn't done, it was my fault and I faced the consequences of that. I have my parents to thank for the success I have today. There was nothing more important in my house growing up than our health and education and this is how my children are being raised.
I'm sorry this is so long-winded but I am very passionate about children and learning. I'm not saying that if you choose to home-school your child that it is wrong and you'll go to hell. Some children thrive better in that setting. It's an individual decision but I just wanted to put my opinions in there to see if I could help a little.
:)
MagicalFreddieMercury,
I used to work with a lady who homeschooled her daughter. It didn't work with her, but that's because she barely graduated high school herself. If you are educated enough to do it, home schooling can be really, really effective. There are lots of tools available to help you with it. I can tell you this for sure....as a Graduate Assistant for HST 101 at University, I have VERY VERY little faith in the public schools. My own experience with them wasn't the best (the "education" was extremely lacking!) and these kids don't know their heads from their butts, and yet they managed to graduate. If I ever get married and have kids, I'm going to home school them for sure.
I used to work with a lady who homeschooled her daughter. It didn't work with her, but that's because she barely graduated high school herself. If you are educated enough to do it, home schooling can be really, really effective. There are lots of tools available to help you with it. I can tell you this for sure....as a Graduate Assistant for HST 101 at University, I have VERY VERY little faith in the public schools. My own experience with them wasn't the best (the "education" was extremely lacking!) and these kids don't know their heads from their butts, and yet they managed to graduate. If I ever get married and have kids, I'm going to home school them for sure.
I hate that you didn't get the education you deserved Mags!! I do know where you are coming from. I happened to receive an excellent public school education but again, my parents were very involved and in contact with my teachers or my teachers knew they could contact my parents with the slightest concern. It simply is not that way these days. I feel I am very fortunate to be in the school district I am in and also work in it. I know who is the best and that is who my children will get. Like I said, I'm pretty biased because of my own personal experiences. I can see how the picture would be very different if I had had negative involvement though.
It really is up to the parents to decide what would be the best thing for their children.
It really is up to the parents to decide what would be the best thing for their children.
Besides, there are lots of after school activities to do to get the kids to become socialized, if you are worried about that aspect
Lisser and HistoryGirl,
Thanks so much for your opinions.
Lisser:
The thing with us is this - we ARE involved with her schooling. From pre-K until 5th grade we've been very active within the school and at home. However, despite that, my daughter failed to get the education she should have by now - and we're in one of the better school districts in NYC.
My main complaint with her elementary school was spelling. It was this school's policy to "forbid" spelling lessons and tests. Instead, the kids were supposed to learn to spell through reading. The teachers complained to the parents at every opportunity, and parents in turn complained to the principal and wrote letters to the superintendent. It didn't seem to matter. They were testing a method and our kids were the guinea pigs. Bottom line? My daughter and her classmates cannot spell.
This year - her first in middle school - she is paying for that. Every misspelled word costs points - whether it's a spelling assignment or not. I've spoken to her teacher about the lack of spelling in previous years and asked if she had any advice on how I could help my child. What did I get? A shrug and a 'too bad for her' attitude. See, she's supposed to know all this by now so until she catches on, she's going to lose points. My kid is being penalized for not knowing something (basic) that she never learned.
I have a lot of issues with this particular teacher. I’ve called and written notes, but so far, things are not improving. There are 32 kids in the class, they have standardized tests they have to cram for and so I understand the woman is stressed. All I care about is the effect this has on my daughter.
She’s overloaded with homework. And when I say overloaded, I mean 4-5 hours per night. Plus projects. She'll rise at 7am, be at school by 8, come home by 2:30, snack and do homework straight through except for a dinner break, then go straight to bed. No play. No rest. No exercise. Just pure exhaustion. And on the weekends? Dioramas, hand drawn projects for SS and Language Arts – I still don’t get the logic of that - plus other busywork.
I understand the importance of an education but think sacrificing a kid's youth and health is too much to ask.
I've looked into several homeschooling options. I know there are people who choose to 'unschool' their kids. That's not me. There's an accredited online school that maintains a child's academic record through grade 12. They have licensed teachers to asses, test and grade the child, but the learning is done at home via internet or actual text books (provided by this school).
I work from home. There's no reason I can't do this with her, time-wise. In fact, I think we'd have more time and stamina doing this from 8 - 2 than doing homework from 3 - bleary-eyed.
Of course, I will continue to research and your comments are taken seriously – and they do help, thank you. I just think there are more reasons than medical to justify homeschooling.
Wow. You thought your post was long. ;-)
Thanks so much for your opinions.
Lisser:
The thing with us is this - we ARE involved with her schooling. From pre-K until 5th grade we've been very active within the school and at home. However, despite that, my daughter failed to get the education she should have by now - and we're in one of the better school districts in NYC.
My main complaint with her elementary school was spelling. It was this school's policy to "forbid" spelling lessons and tests. Instead, the kids were supposed to learn to spell through reading. The teachers complained to the parents at every opportunity, and parents in turn complained to the principal and wrote letters to the superintendent. It didn't seem to matter. They were testing a method and our kids were the guinea pigs. Bottom line? My daughter and her classmates cannot spell.
This year - her first in middle school - she is paying for that. Every misspelled word costs points - whether it's a spelling assignment or not. I've spoken to her teacher about the lack of spelling in previous years and asked if she had any advice on how I could help my child. What did I get? A shrug and a 'too bad for her' attitude. See, she's supposed to know all this by now so until she catches on, she's going to lose points. My kid is being penalized for not knowing something (basic) that she never learned.
I have a lot of issues with this particular teacher. I’ve called and written notes, but so far, things are not improving. There are 32 kids in the class, they have standardized tests they have to cram for and so I understand the woman is stressed. All I care about is the effect this has on my daughter.
She’s overloaded with homework. And when I say overloaded, I mean 4-5 hours per night. Plus projects. She'll rise at 7am, be at school by 8, come home by 2:30, snack and do homework straight through except for a dinner break, then go straight to bed. No play. No rest. No exercise. Just pure exhaustion. And on the weekends? Dioramas, hand drawn projects for SS and Language Arts – I still don’t get the logic of that - plus other busywork.
I understand the importance of an education but think sacrificing a kid's youth and health is too much to ask.
I've looked into several homeschooling options. I know there are people who choose to 'unschool' their kids. That's not me. There's an accredited online school that maintains a child's academic record through grade 12. They have licensed teachers to asses, test and grade the child, but the learning is done at home via internet or actual text books (provided by this school).
I work from home. There's no reason I can't do this with her, time-wise. In fact, I think we'd have more time and stamina doing this from 8 - 2 than doing homework from 3 - bleary-eyed.
Of course, I will continue to research and your comments are taken seriously – and they do help, thank you. I just think there are more reasons than medical to justify homeschooling.
Wow. You thought your post was long. ;-)
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]CMU HistoryGirl wrote: [/QUOTENAME] If I ever get married and have kids, I'm going to home school them for sure. [/QUOTE]
:)
How funny. One post to the next and the opinion is so different.
I know homeschooling isn't for everyone - but I'm not sure the decision rests on how much of an education the parent has. I think it depends on desire. If you really want this for your child, and the child wants it as well, it can work.
About the socializing aspect - I've joined two groups in my area. I was surprised to see how many people homeschool right here in the city. They get together regularly for sports, for parties, trips to the museum and other educational and fun activities. And what one parent excels in – a foreign language, musical instrument, etc - benefits the group.
I guess my concern centers on bucking the system. I'm not used to doing that. I'm a follow-the-rules kind of person. But in this case - with my daughter being stressed and made to feel like her efforts don't count - I think bucking the system is the healthiest way to go. I think it will, hopefully, teach my daughter that there are options in life. Yeah, there are rules to follow and guidelines to consider, but when it comes down to the big decisions, she has to do what's right for her.
And that’s why I came here for opinions. To make sure I’m doing the right thing. I won’t know that until I hear all sides. What better place to get a wide range of opinions than here? :)
:)
How funny. One post to the next and the opinion is so different.
I know homeschooling isn't for everyone - but I'm not sure the decision rests on how much of an education the parent has. I think it depends on desire. If you really want this for your child, and the child wants it as well, it can work.
About the socializing aspect - I've joined two groups in my area. I was surprised to see how many people homeschool right here in the city. They get together regularly for sports, for parties, trips to the museum and other educational and fun activities. And what one parent excels in – a foreign language, musical instrument, etc - benefits the group.
I guess my concern centers on bucking the system. I'm not used to doing that. I'm a follow-the-rules kind of person. But in this case - with my daughter being stressed and made to feel like her efforts don't count - I think bucking the system is the healthiest way to go. I think it will, hopefully, teach my daughter that there are options in life. Yeah, there are rules to follow and guidelines to consider, but when it comes down to the big decisions, she has to do what's right for her.
And that’s why I came here for opinions. To make sure I’m doing the right thing. I won’t know that until I hear all sides. What better place to get a wide range of opinions than here? :)
It sounds like to me that you have researched and participated in enough dialogue to figure out whether or not homeschooling is for your child. I would be extremely frustrated if I were in your shoes. Since education and core content vary so much from county to county and even more so from State to State, I can't advise you on anything else to do besides what you already are. The fact is though that new reading, phonetic, math, and writing initiatives are constantly being developed and tried out on students. I remember when I was in the 1st grade, um I think back in 1981 and Phonics was just coming in to play. Parents had a fit over it. Then they did away with phonics for a short time, parents had a shit fit over that too. Our school is in the process of switching Math curriculums this year and many of our parents, including myself are having great difficulty helping the kids with their homework. My daughter is in the third grade and of course I can teach her how to get the right answer to the Math problem, but the methology in getting to that answer how now changed.
It really boils down to positive relationship between parents, teachers, and school administration to help the process go smooth. Parents have to support the teachers, teachers must support the parents, administration must trust and support teachers or it all falls to hell and the cohesiveness is not there. I realize that I am in an extremely ideal situation. I just wish you were too. It is so difficult to not have any control over your child's education when it is something that is so important in their lives.
I would be more than happy to talk to you more about this if you want to but since we are in different States, it would be hard for me to advise you. I don't think you need my advice anyway. I know you will make the right decision for your daughter. I wish you all the luck in the world bc I know exactly how you feel and how important this is to you.
:)
It really boils down to positive relationship between parents, teachers, and school administration to help the process go smooth. Parents have to support the teachers, teachers must support the parents, administration must trust and support teachers or it all falls to hell and the cohesiveness is not there. I realize that I am in an extremely ideal situation. I just wish you were too. It is so difficult to not have any control over your child's education when it is something that is so important in their lives.
I would be more than happy to talk to you more about this if you want to but since we are in different States, it would be hard for me to advise you. I don't think you need my advice anyway. I know you will make the right decision for your daughter. I wish you all the luck in the world bc I know exactly how you feel and how important this is to you.
:)
Lisser,
I appreciate everything you've said here. I'm not as secure with the decision as I might seem though. Or maybe I am and don't realize it. I thought if I heard feedback that was dead set against this, I could research further and be certain this was the right thing to do.
I'm very nervous about it, but I'm more nervous about the school she's in - and the stress she's under. And I know what you mean about helping with homework. Her second grade math had me stumped. Terminology and methodology was different from anything I'd learned. The answers were the same, but the 'show your work' aspect made things very difficult.
I don't know. I hope this is the right thing to do. If I come here sobbing in a few months, we'll all know it wasn't. :-/
Thanks for your opinions, advice and offer to talk. All are very much appreciated.
I appreciate everything you've said here. I'm not as secure with the decision as I might seem though. Or maybe I am and don't realize it. I thought if I heard feedback that was dead set against this, I could research further and be certain this was the right thing to do.
I'm very nervous about it, but I'm more nervous about the school she's in - and the stress she's under. And I know what you mean about helping with homework. Her second grade math had me stumped. Terminology and methodology was different from anything I'd learned. The answers were the same, but the 'show your work' aspect made things very difficult.
I don't know. I hope this is the right thing to do. If I come here sobbing in a few months, we'll all know it wasn't. :-/
Thanks for your opinions, advice and offer to talk. All are very much appreciated.
Of course, every school is different. I just happened to move into a school that was a bad example of it, and not because of money issues. It was actually a pretty rich district, and was considered a Michigan "Examplary" school. But two examples will show you what I mean by the fact that it's not always money. First, I took a world history course. On Friday of one week, we ended with the study of Henry VIII. Then, we came back on Monday to Post Industrial Revolution America. When I went to the teacher after class and asked why we did that, skipping hundred of years in history and moving suddenly to America when it was a world history course, the teacher replied, "World History isn't my area, so we are going to study US history from now on." I wasn't happy.
The next semester, I started French. The teacher had a baby that had some medical problems, so we had a sub for the entire year while her son was having surgeries. The sub they hired for the year COULDN'T SPEAK FRENCH! We spent the entire year watching Disney movies with the French dubbing turned on, and every once in a while we'd get to a page or two from the textbook. The only thing my public school did right was the music and drama department, which I owe them tremendously for.
I wish I could say it was just my school, but I've seen students of mine come out of the K-12 system who can't put a sentence together with two hands and a flashlight! And they still are being told absolute crap like "When Columbus sailed to America, everyone in the world thought the earth was flat" which is total crap. And these are students coming from districts all over the state.
Public schools can be very good, if they hire descent teachers, have money to give good supplies, and have an active PTA. But those schools are few and far between. If you are qualified, home schooling can be an excellent option, if for no other reason than you can work closely with your child and move at a pace that challenges them. I sat through half of my classes, even the AP ones, bored stiff because we had to go so slow. And if they have a subject that's hard for them, you can slow down until they get it. Plus, you can give them things that some school districts don't offer, like foreign language or music or something like that.
You'll make the right decision for you child, I know you will. The very fact that you are asking for advice shows how concerned you are about getting this right, and that you are looking at all sides. Don't overthink it too much though...the answer will come in time :-)
The next semester, I started French. The teacher had a baby that had some medical problems, so we had a sub for the entire year while her son was having surgeries. The sub they hired for the year COULDN'T SPEAK FRENCH! We spent the entire year watching Disney movies with the French dubbing turned on, and every once in a while we'd get to a page or two from the textbook. The only thing my public school did right was the music and drama department, which I owe them tremendously for.
I wish I could say it was just my school, but I've seen students of mine come out of the K-12 system who can't put a sentence together with two hands and a flashlight! And they still are being told absolute crap like "When Columbus sailed to America, everyone in the world thought the earth was flat" which is total crap. And these are students coming from districts all over the state.
Public schools can be very good, if they hire descent teachers, have money to give good supplies, and have an active PTA. But those schools are few and far between. If you are qualified, home schooling can be an excellent option, if for no other reason than you can work closely with your child and move at a pace that challenges them. I sat through half of my classes, even the AP ones, bored stiff because we had to go so slow. And if they have a subject that's hard for them, you can slow down until they get it. Plus, you can give them things that some school districts don't offer, like foreign language or music or something like that.
You'll make the right decision for you child, I know you will. The very fact that you are asking for advice shows how concerned you are about getting this right, and that you are looking at all sides. Don't overthink it too much though...the answer will come in time :-)
I was homeschooled from birth until I graduated from high school and if I had to choose my education over again, I would not do it any differently. I take an incredible amount of pride in the fact that I was homeschooled and would certainly encourage others to choose the same if they felt that it was the best decision for their child.
You will certainly need to consider the benefits and disadvantages of both settings. I think that there are benefits/disadvantages of homeschooling and public schooling, but I suppose you will have to assess which of the two will be more beneficial to your daughter's education.
I was blessed because my mother had her degree in education, so she was fully prepared to take on the task of homeschooling me and my three older siblings. My mother and father took us out of public school because they wanted complete control over what we learned, but the reasons for homeschooling usually vary.
I can't neglect to mention the negative stigmas that your daughter may or may not take on if she is homeschooled. I've come across many people that have been close-minded about homeschooling and have treated me as if I were strange simply because I was educated differently. It's sad, but also true that people perceive us in a negative and harsh way. I've learned to deal with it. Then again, who's to say that your daughter will be faced with this? All situations are different, of course. :-)
I imagine that you are doing everything to make sure that your daughter is going to receive the best education. If you have any questions in particular, just let me know. :-)
Edit: I realize my post is very biased, but homeschooling has been a huge part of my life and I'm proud of it. I should also tell you that I am in my Junior year of college and am pursuing my BA degree in Elementary Education (I already have my AA). So, although I strongly support homeschooling, I also strongly support public school on another level. I think as long as the child gets the best education, it shouldn't matter how the child receives it. I also plan to teach in public schools (and I may even homeschool my own kids when I have them).
You will certainly need to consider the benefits and disadvantages of both settings. I think that there are benefits/disadvantages of homeschooling and public schooling, but I suppose you will have to assess which of the two will be more beneficial to your daughter's education.
I was blessed because my mother had her degree in education, so she was fully prepared to take on the task of homeschooling me and my three older siblings. My mother and father took us out of public school because they wanted complete control over what we learned, but the reasons for homeschooling usually vary.
I can't neglect to mention the negative stigmas that your daughter may or may not take on if she is homeschooled. I've come across many people that have been close-minded about homeschooling and have treated me as if I were strange simply because I was educated differently. It's sad, but also true that people perceive us in a negative and harsh way. I've learned to deal with it. Then again, who's to say that your daughter will be faced with this? All situations are different, of course. :-)
I imagine that you are doing everything to make sure that your daughter is going to receive the best education. If you have any questions in particular, just let me know. :-)
Edit: I realize my post is very biased, but homeschooling has been a huge part of my life and I'm proud of it. I should also tell you that I am in my Junior year of college and am pursuing my BA degree in Elementary Education (I already have my AA). So, although I strongly support homeschooling, I also strongly support public school on another level. I think as long as the child gets the best education, it shouldn't matter how the child receives it. I also plan to teach in public schools (and I may even homeschool my own kids when I have them).