Although Miss James and I are on two separate ends of the spectrum, I completely agree with her perspective on homeschooling. I can not speak on the validity of homeschooling bc I was not personally homeschooled, yet I do not doubt the positive things says about homeschooling. I received a public education, a very good one at that. I do see the benefits of homeschooling though and I see why it is ideal in some situations. The only issues I have with parents homeschooling are the parents that withdraw their children so they do not have to conform to attendance statutes and have no intentions of teaching their children anything. Most parents thankfully, do not fall into this category. But these are the parents that are responsible for the stigma Miss James is speaking of. The parents that choose to take on the responsibility of teaching their children have my utmost respect. I could not do it. I don't feel like I am qualified or have the patience! That is just not my niche. I do what I do during my work hours and my child's teacher teaches my daughter during her work hours. I am comfortable with this bc again, I am great friends with her teacher. Infact, we eat lunch together at least five days a week together. How many parents can say that? We do not discuss my daughter though unless she feels like we need to. I have complete trust in her to teach my daughter and she is thriving in her class. I could not be happier. I am there as a support to her and what she is teaching in her class and I realize that I am in a unique situation which I am grateful for.
Good luck with your decision, which ever you choose. Your daughter is very lucky to have parents that are involved in her education and want what is best for her. That is very rare in this day and age, trust me.
:)
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to be honest...I have never liked the idea of homeschooling...its harder for a child to make friends if they don't go to school...unless they're heavily involved in sports or other activities
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]kingarthur wrote: [/QUOTENAME]to be honest...I have never liked the idea of homeschooling...its harder for a child to make friends if they don't go to school...unless they're heavily involved in sports or other activities [/QUOTE]
Actually, this isn't as much of an issue as you might think. Though, if you're out in the country, I suppose it could be.
Here, in the city, neighborhood kids are around all the time. And with Homeschooling associations, there are numerous group activities - including sports.
An interesting aspect of homeschooling activities is the age range of the children involved.
Instead of being kept with a specific age group all the time, all ages are together for various activities. It allows the younger children to learn from and observe the older ones, and gives the older children a sense of responsibility and compassion for the little ones. At least, that's how it seems to me. Of course, I could be glorifying it because I want to do this, but...
Actually, this isn't as much of an issue as you might think. Though, if you're out in the country, I suppose it could be.
Here, in the city, neighborhood kids are around all the time. And with Homeschooling associations, there are numerous group activities - including sports.
An interesting aspect of homeschooling activities is the age range of the children involved.
Instead of being kept with a specific age group all the time, all ages are together for various activities. It allows the younger children to learn from and observe the older ones, and gives the older children a sense of responsibility and compassion for the little ones. At least, that's how it seems to me. Of course, I could be glorifying it because I want to do this, but...
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]kingarthur wrote: [/QUOTENAME]to be honest...I have never liked the idea of homeschooling...its harder for a child to make friends if they don't go to school...unless they're heavily involved in sports or other activities[/QUOTE]
- That's actually the exact same for children that go to public school. Have you never met someone who went to public school that found it difficult to make friends? I've known plenty. I know lots of people that have homeschooled and they didn't find it difficult at all to make friends. There are numerous opportunities to meet people outside of the academic world. It also has to be understood that children's behaviors and personalities play a part in how they socialize and how easily they can make friends, etc.
I grew up on a farm and was homeschooled and I was still able to socialize just as easily as others.
Also, I agree with you, magicalfreddiemercury, when you say that children that are homeschooled are able to learn from older children, etc. That is very true.
- That's actually the exact same for children that go to public school. Have you never met someone who went to public school that found it difficult to make friends? I've known plenty. I know lots of people that have homeschooled and they didn't find it difficult at all to make friends. There are numerous opportunities to meet people outside of the academic world. It also has to be understood that children's behaviors and personalities play a part in how they socialize and how easily they can make friends, etc.
I grew up on a farm and was homeschooled and I was still able to socialize just as easily as others.
Also, I agree with you, magicalfreddiemercury, when you say that children that are homeschooled are able to learn from older children, etc. That is very true.
When I was 6-7-ish I was homeschooled... it was neat because I liked having my Mom and sister as my "teachers." I could do my work and take a break whenever Rugrats came on... then Mommy would make me a really nice lunch. Good memories.
I didn't read through this whole thread, but as someone who received a decent education from a public school, I might be able to add a few points in favor of public schooling, to be a Devil's advocate.
Public school teachers are pretty much experts at what they do, in the particular field they teach. They teach the same thing again and again, every year. This is not very important in the lower grades, but when it comes to a high school level, the only real way to get an in-depth education is through a school.
Of course, similarly, this in-depth education is more important for smarter students rather than the...not so smart ones. The schools will generally allocate their best and brightest teachers to higher level students, and in turn, these teachers are challenged by these students, resulting in even more expertise. Lower level students will generally get an average teacher, and will not benefit from public schooling as much. However, they will not be harmed by it as their ability to learn is not that great in the first place.
Also, the most important aspect of public schooling - to me, at least - is the competition. There is no competition in home schooling. Home schooling is driven primarily (if not solely) by rewards and aversion of punishment. Public schooling adds the amazing drive of competition. Being competitively pushed by your peers to excel is perhaps the greatest thing you can give your child. They will learn how to win, and they will learn how to lose (something that parents are STUPIDLY, STUPIDLY trying to remove from our school systems).
Which brings me to all the social benefits. They will learn how to be live in a social environment. They will learn how to make friends, and, more importantly, they may learn how to make enemies. They will learn how to interact in a friendly manner, and, more importantly, they will learn how to be abused by other individuals and social pressures.
Finally, many schools have on staff people whose job is to make sure your child gets the proper information they need to get into a great college. But the thing is, the teachers will know just as much, if not more, and will all help to guide your child to success.
Now here's the caveat:
-I went to a decent public school in a suburban area that, while it wasn't amazing or very well off, was sufficient. If you have a shitty public school in the area (I believe I heard something about a city school - a lot of them seem like crap to me), then you will be better off with a private school, and you may also be better off with home schooling.
-I was among the elite students of my highly competitive class. I would bet my bottom dollar that I received better treatment in the school than most other students. I learned from the best teachers in the school who taught honors and advanced classes. And I guarantee that for every one of these good teachers, there's a shithead who just started teaching who will be assigned to a lesser class.
-I live in a fairly rural area, so without going to school, I would not have had a sufficient social life. But since (I think) you said something about a city, I'm sure there are many more social opportunities there than here.
Public school teachers are pretty much experts at what they do, in the particular field they teach. They teach the same thing again and again, every year. This is not very important in the lower grades, but when it comes to a high school level, the only real way to get an in-depth education is through a school.
Of course, similarly, this in-depth education is more important for smarter students rather than the...not so smart ones. The schools will generally allocate their best and brightest teachers to higher level students, and in turn, these teachers are challenged by these students, resulting in even more expertise. Lower level students will generally get an average teacher, and will not benefit from public schooling as much. However, they will not be harmed by it as their ability to learn is not that great in the first place.
Also, the most important aspect of public schooling - to me, at least - is the competition. There is no competition in home schooling. Home schooling is driven primarily (if not solely) by rewards and aversion of punishment. Public schooling adds the amazing drive of competition. Being competitively pushed by your peers to excel is perhaps the greatest thing you can give your child. They will learn how to win, and they will learn how to lose (something that parents are STUPIDLY, STUPIDLY trying to remove from our school systems).
Which brings me to all the social benefits. They will learn how to be live in a social environment. They will learn how to make friends, and, more importantly, they may learn how to make enemies. They will learn how to interact in a friendly manner, and, more importantly, they will learn how to be abused by other individuals and social pressures.
Finally, many schools have on staff people whose job is to make sure your child gets the proper information they need to get into a great college. But the thing is, the teachers will know just as much, if not more, and will all help to guide your child to success.
Now here's the caveat:
-I went to a decent public school in a suburban area that, while it wasn't amazing or very well off, was sufficient. If you have a shitty public school in the area (I believe I heard something about a city school - a lot of them seem like crap to me), then you will be better off with a private school, and you may also be better off with home schooling.
-I was among the elite students of my highly competitive class. I would bet my bottom dollar that I received better treatment in the school than most other students. I learned from the best teachers in the school who taught honors and advanced classes. And I guarantee that for every one of these good teachers, there's a shithead who just started teaching who will be assigned to a lesser class.
-I live in a fairly rural area, so without going to school, I would not have had a sufficient social life. But since (I think) you said something about a city, I'm sure there are many more social opportunities there than here.
I'd love to be homeschooled, mum would never learn me anything goodly...then again, I wouldn't be able to intimidate all those poor stupid idiots who have no idea of what English is.
(ENGLISH IS FUCKING SIMPLE, WHY DO THEY THINK IT'S HARD!?!?!((I'm talkingabout the other year seveners at my school)))
(ENGLISH IS FUCKING SIMPLE, WHY DO THEY THINK IT'S HARD!?!?!((I'm talkingabout the other year seveners at my school)))
I was homeschooled for my first 3 years of high school. I would ONLY recommend it if your kid is seriosuly focusing on something other than school subjects or for personal reasons, as was the case with me. The reason I did it was because I had to practice lots and lots of hours on my violin, however, I regret doing it because I was totally isolated from everything. The work was SO easy that I became super lazy and upon returning to school for my senior year, I was like "whoa" things are harder here. It doesn't prepare someone for college well enough so you might want to consider that in the future. But since your daughter is 10, I think it would be a good move considering the fact that schools are so horrible nowadays (I'm speaking for Los Angeles though, I don't know how schools are where you live). Good luck with your decision! ;D
When I lived in Brazil, I wasn't homeschooled but I studied in a private school whose workbooks and materials came from a homeschooling organization. When I moved to the US, I was afraid everyone here was going to be several levels ahead of me, and I was very intimidated, to say the least.. And my dad kept telling me to study hard so when I started school, I wouldn't be behind or anything of the sort.
Turns, out, I wasn't several levels behind, I was several levels ahead. I had been learning things that made the work there a cinch! I was bit surprised that people there didn't know things I thought so simple... So to sum everything up, I had all A's in my seventh grade year, everyone asked for my help, and I owe it all to the homeschool program! :)
But now, in 8th grade, the things I'm learning are a lot more difficult ( in science, to say the least... ). They actually give me work that they don't explain in the classroom, and I need to look everything up. :S A lot of their teaching methods aren't efficient, either. But I do think it's easier on the socializing bit.
Turns, out, I wasn't several levels behind, I was several levels ahead. I had been learning things that made the work there a cinch! I was bit surprised that people there didn't know things I thought so simple... So to sum everything up, I had all A's in my seventh grade year, everyone asked for my help, and I owe it all to the homeschool program! :)
But now, in 8th grade, the things I'm learning are a lot more difficult ( in science, to say the least... ). They actually give me work that they don't explain in the classroom, and I need to look everything up. :S A lot of their teaching methods aren't efficient, either. But I do think it's easier on the socializing bit.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<b><font color=666600>Music Man wrote: [/QUOTENAME]I didn't read through this whole thread, but as someone who received a decent education from a public school, I might be able to add a few points in favor of public schooling, to be a Devil's advocate.
Public school teachers are pretty much experts at what they do, in the particular field they teach. They teach the same thing again and again, every year. This is not very important in the lower grades, but when it comes to a high school level, the only real way to get an in-depth education is through a school.
[/QUOTE]
I agree with everything Musicman said except for the part about not being important in the lower grades. I think many people underestimate how crucial it is to get the basic building blocks to students starting at a very early age. Once a child is behind, statistics say that they will always be behind, and the probability of them dropping out when they turn 16 is enormous. Retaining children is also misunderstood. We do not retain children because they are "behind." Several factors are brought into the process of deciding if retention is appropriate. I'll use a student in my school as an example. Firstly, there is a huge, huge difference in children from the 2nd to the 3rd grade maturity-wise. We enrolled a student from another school in another county. His father told us that it was decided he would be retained in 2nd grade again bc he "was so far behind and just didn't get it" says the dad. So we took his word for it and put him in a 2nd grade class at the beginning of this school year. He was about six inches taller than the rest of the 2nd graders but he did not act like them. Kids notice physical differences in other kids before anything else. He began to act out because he was frustrated. Even though he did test lower than a 2nd grade level in reading, he was in the average range for his age in math. We met with his dad and told him that we recommend moving him back to where he should be, in the 3rd grade. Dad didn't understand why we wanted to move him forward when he was behind in reading. We explained the social reprecussions of him being with students who were not on his maturity level and how this can and has affected his ability to learn. We also pointed out how he was getting in so much trouble because he was trying to act like a 2nd grader but mentally he was not. We were having all sorts of behavior problems with him in class and on the bus. Dad was concerned we were just trying to "push him through the system" like he said he was. Again, we discussed our reasoning and asked him for a chance to transition him. Dad permitted us and he is succeeding in 3rd grade. We are testing him for Special Education where he will be in a smaller sized classroom for up to 90 minutes per day. During state assessments he'll be provided with a reader and perhaps a scribe if he needs it. We are developing a plan, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for Ryan so he can learn and succeed. Even though a child is "behind" it doesn't mean they should be retained. Retention is not always the answer and we avoid it at all costs in my school. If we have to retain a child, it means we have failed to teach them. We don't like to fail.
So off my soap box. I'm just a spaz when it comes to education...and long-winded. If you have kids, get involved and stay involved with their education from the minute they walk through the door to kindergarten and even before. Kindergarten is not just coloring and fingerpainting. It is fine motor skills, gross motor skills, discovering how to learn and so much more!! Never underestimate what your child can learn in their very young years. They are sponges!!!
Public school teachers are pretty much experts at what they do, in the particular field they teach. They teach the same thing again and again, every year. This is not very important in the lower grades, but when it comes to a high school level, the only real way to get an in-depth education is through a school.
[/QUOTE]
I agree with everything Musicman said except for the part about not being important in the lower grades. I think many people underestimate how crucial it is to get the basic building blocks to students starting at a very early age. Once a child is behind, statistics say that they will always be behind, and the probability of them dropping out when they turn 16 is enormous. Retaining children is also misunderstood. We do not retain children because they are "behind." Several factors are brought into the process of deciding if retention is appropriate. I'll use a student in my school as an example. Firstly, there is a huge, huge difference in children from the 2nd to the 3rd grade maturity-wise. We enrolled a student from another school in another county. His father told us that it was decided he would be retained in 2nd grade again bc he "was so far behind and just didn't get it" says the dad. So we took his word for it and put him in a 2nd grade class at the beginning of this school year. He was about six inches taller than the rest of the 2nd graders but he did not act like them. Kids notice physical differences in other kids before anything else. He began to act out because he was frustrated. Even though he did test lower than a 2nd grade level in reading, he was in the average range for his age in math. We met with his dad and told him that we recommend moving him back to where he should be, in the 3rd grade. Dad didn't understand why we wanted to move him forward when he was behind in reading. We explained the social reprecussions of him being with students who were not on his maturity level and how this can and has affected his ability to learn. We also pointed out how he was getting in so much trouble because he was trying to act like a 2nd grader but mentally he was not. We were having all sorts of behavior problems with him in class and on the bus. Dad was concerned we were just trying to "push him through the system" like he said he was. Again, we discussed our reasoning and asked him for a chance to transition him. Dad permitted us and he is succeeding in 3rd grade. We are testing him for Special Education where he will be in a smaller sized classroom for up to 90 minutes per day. During state assessments he'll be provided with a reader and perhaps a scribe if he needs it. We are developing a plan, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for Ryan so he can learn and succeed. Even though a child is "behind" it doesn't mean they should be retained. Retention is not always the answer and we avoid it at all costs in my school. If we have to retain a child, it means we have failed to teach them. We don't like to fail.
So off my soap box. I'm just a spaz when it comes to education...and long-winded. If you have kids, get involved and stay involved with their education from the minute they walk through the door to kindergarten and even before. Kindergarten is not just coloring and fingerpainting. It is fine motor skills, gross motor skills, discovering how to learn and so much more!! Never underestimate what your child can learn in their very young years. They are sponges!!!
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color=purple>Miss James wrote: [/QUOTENAME] 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....
...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). [/QUOTE]
Miss James,
I don't know how I missed this post, but it was just what I needed.
I hope by you teaching in public schools you'll bring something new to the children. They certainly need it. Right now, it seems all of the teachers - at least here in NYC - are teaching for the standardized tests. They spend their 40-min. class time reviewing test-taking techniques rather than the subject itself. Then, for homework, they have what they should have had in class.
That's where I come in. I don't have a degree in education but often feel I need one just to help my daughter with her homework. We spend hours together after school on projects and work she couldn't possibly do on her own. Mind you, I don't DO her work. I help her organize her time so that she can manage it all in one night (which isn't easy), and I'm there to help explain things when she's stumped - which is often since much of the work is not covered in class.
There are 32 kids in her class, so the teacher couldn't possibly cater to each need, I understand that, but it doesn't help. And so that's where I come in.
I do worry about the friends she has now. She was crying the other night. All along she's been excited about this, then she discussed it with one of her close friends. She's upset now, thinking she won't get to see her school friends. Weekends are out, because they're all overwhelmed with work, so the only time they get to play or chat is between classes and during lunch.
I'm giving us until the holiday break to decide. I want to think it through thoroughly, research all of our options, the pros and cons and then finally make a decision. Hopefully, it'll be the right one.
...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). [/QUOTE]
Miss James,
I don't know how I missed this post, but it was just what I needed.
I hope by you teaching in public schools you'll bring something new to the children. They certainly need it. Right now, it seems all of the teachers - at least here in NYC - are teaching for the standardized tests. They spend their 40-min. class time reviewing test-taking techniques rather than the subject itself. Then, for homework, they have what they should have had in class.
That's where I come in. I don't have a degree in education but often feel I need one just to help my daughter with her homework. We spend hours together after school on projects and work she couldn't possibly do on her own. Mind you, I don't DO her work. I help her organize her time so that she can manage it all in one night (which isn't easy), and I'm there to help explain things when she's stumped - which is often since much of the work is not covered in class.
There are 32 kids in her class, so the teacher couldn't possibly cater to each need, I understand that, but it doesn't help. And so that's where I come in.
I do worry about the friends she has now. She was crying the other night. All along she's been excited about this, then she discussed it with one of her close friends. She's upset now, thinking she won't get to see her school friends. Weekends are out, because they're all overwhelmed with work, so the only time they get to play or chat is between classes and during lunch.
I'm giving us until the holiday break to decide. I want to think it through thoroughly, research all of our options, the pros and cons and then finally make a decision. Hopefully, it'll be the right one.
Okay, Music Man, you're pissing me off... I didn't want any logic in the negative argument.
:)
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<b><font color=666600>Music Man wrote: [/QUOTENAME]They will learn how to make friends, and, more importantly, they may learn how to make enemies. They will learn how to interact in a friendly manner, and, more importantly, they will learn how to be abused by other individuals and social pressures. [/QUOTE]
My daughter is the proverbial social butterfly. There is no problem there. And with the homeschooling associations, there are plenty of social functions. However, 'learning how to make enemies' and being 'abused by others' is part of life and something you certainly learn in school. It's a life lesson I'd hate for her to be without.
There is a problem there, however. The 'enemies' here are no joke. They're not just bullying, they're carrying (weapons, drugs, you name it). Some are involved in gangs and proud of it.
Beyond that, there is a terrific learning opportunity for her with her peers because of the ethnic diversity within our community. In fact, she invited six girls to her birthday party and there were five different nationalities among them.
So, your point is taken. Thank you... I think. :-/
However, there is something you see as an advantage that I see in another way -
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<b><font color=666600>Music Man wrote: [/QUOTENAME] Public school teachers are pretty much experts at what they do, in the particular field they teach. They teach the same thing again and again, every year. [/QUOTE]
And they're bored with it. And so they bore the kids. There's nothing new and so the kids aren't sucked up into the excitement of learning. Instead, they can't wait for the droning to end.
As for expertise, a specific teacher my daughter has is an expert in one area - demeaning children. No matter how much work she throws at them, no matter how much work they do, she takes off points (for nonsense) and punishes them with more homework. There is no way to 'succeed' in her class.
An example -
For months we were caring for a very sick beloved pet. Finally, last week, we had no choice but to put him down. My daughter was devastated.
I kept her home that day and the next. The second day she was home, she did homework - from the day before and that day. She spent from noon until 6pm doing it. She also did an assignment that wasn't due until the following Monday. The teacher said if they handed it in early, they would receive 5 points.
Grieving, she did the work. I sent a note explaining her absence and that she worked anyway so she wouldn't fall behind. My daughter handed in her extra credit assignment and it was handed back with a red X through it. She didn't have enough sentences.
Sorry, but this 10 year old put the effort into an assignment she heard about 2nd hand. She did so while dealing with the shock of her first experience with grief, all in the hopes of getting an extra 5 lousy points. Instead, she gets an X for the effort. "Why bother." That's what this teacher is an expert in teaching.
I want my daughter to do her best, to put effort into everything she does and to feel proud. This teacher is doing the opposite and, quite honestly, despite the book-smarts this woman might have, she sucks when it comes to educating others. Sadly, there are many more like her within the public school system.
:)
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<b><font color=666600>Music Man wrote: [/QUOTENAME]They will learn how to make friends, and, more importantly, they may learn how to make enemies. They will learn how to interact in a friendly manner, and, more importantly, they will learn how to be abused by other individuals and social pressures. [/QUOTE]
My daughter is the proverbial social butterfly. There is no problem there. And with the homeschooling associations, there are plenty of social functions. However, 'learning how to make enemies' and being 'abused by others' is part of life and something you certainly learn in school. It's a life lesson I'd hate for her to be without.
There is a problem there, however. The 'enemies' here are no joke. They're not just bullying, they're carrying (weapons, drugs, you name it). Some are involved in gangs and proud of it.
Beyond that, there is a terrific learning opportunity for her with her peers because of the ethnic diversity within our community. In fact, she invited six girls to her birthday party and there were five different nationalities among them.
So, your point is taken. Thank you... I think. :-/
However, there is something you see as an advantage that I see in another way -
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<b><font color=666600>Music Man wrote: [/QUOTENAME] Public school teachers are pretty much experts at what they do, in the particular field they teach. They teach the same thing again and again, every year. [/QUOTE]
And they're bored with it. And so they bore the kids. There's nothing new and so the kids aren't sucked up into the excitement of learning. Instead, they can't wait for the droning to end.
As for expertise, a specific teacher my daughter has is an expert in one area - demeaning children. No matter how much work she throws at them, no matter how much work they do, she takes off points (for nonsense) and punishes them with more homework. There is no way to 'succeed' in her class.
An example -
For months we were caring for a very sick beloved pet. Finally, last week, we had no choice but to put him down. My daughter was devastated.
I kept her home that day and the next. The second day she was home, she did homework - from the day before and that day. She spent from noon until 6pm doing it. She also did an assignment that wasn't due until the following Monday. The teacher said if they handed it in early, they would receive 5 points.
Grieving, she did the work. I sent a note explaining her absence and that she worked anyway so she wouldn't fall behind. My daughter handed in her extra credit assignment and it was handed back with a red X through it. She didn't have enough sentences.
Sorry, but this 10 year old put the effort into an assignment she heard about 2nd hand. She did so while dealing with the shock of her first experience with grief, all in the hopes of getting an extra 5 lousy points. Instead, she gets an X for the effort. "Why bother." That's what this teacher is an expert in teaching.
I want my daughter to do her best, to put effort into everything she does and to feel proud. This teacher is doing the opposite and, quite honestly, despite the book-smarts this woman might have, she sucks when it comes to educating others. Sadly, there are many more like her within the public school system.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color=00CCFF>Mademoiselle Bulsara wrote: [/QUOTENAME]I was homeschooled for my first 3 years of high school. I would ONLY recommend it if your kid is seriosuly focusing on something other than school subjects or for personal reasons, as was the case with me. The reason I did it was because I had to practice lots and lots of hours on my violin, however, I regret doing it because I was totally isolated from everything. The work was SO easy that I became super lazy and upon returning to school for my senior year, I was like "whoa" things are harder here. It doesn't prepare someone for college well enough so you might want to consider that in the future. But since your daughter is 10, I think it would be a good move considering the fact that schools are so horrible nowadays (I'm speaking for Los Angeles though, I don't know how schools are where you live). Good luck with your decision! ;D [/QUOTE]
Thanks Mademoiselle Bulsara.
And schools here are not that great either. Private schools are for the elite, and so my options are limited.
I should say, though, my thoughts on homeschooling are this - to do so now through her ninth grade year. I think the last three years of high school IN high school are important for a variety of reasons.
I think she'd been her own person by then, less likely to be influenced by others after having been taught to trust herself all these years. And I think the independence a high school atmosphere breeds is healthy at that age. Hopefully, we will have instilled a sense of pride and comfort in her by then so she'll have a better balance of independence and trust in us than she would otherwise.
Thanks Mademoiselle Bulsara.
And schools here are not that great either. Private schools are for the elite, and so my options are limited.
I should say, though, my thoughts on homeschooling are this - to do so now through her ninth grade year. I think the last three years of high school IN high school are important for a variety of reasons.
I think she'd been her own person by then, less likely to be influenced by others after having been taught to trust herself all these years. And I think the independence a high school atmosphere breeds is healthy at that age. Hopefully, we will have instilled a sense of pride and comfort in her by then so she'll have a better balance of independence and trust in us than she would otherwise.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color=660066>Fredlilah<h6> wrote: [/QUOTENAME] Turns, out, I wasn't several levels behind, I was several levels ahead. I had been learning things that made the work there a cinch! I was bit surprised that people there didn't know things I thought so simple... So to sum everything up, I had all A's in my seventh grade year, everyone asked for my help, and I owe it all to the homeschool program! :)[/QUOTE]
I've heard this often but wasn't sure how true it was. It does make sense, though, doesn't it? I mean a one-on-one education can be so much more varied and dimensional than teaching a class of 30+ kids. And with us being in NYC, resources for learning are endless.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color=660066>Fredlilah<h6> wrote: [/QUOTENAME]
They actually give me work that they don't explain in the classroom, and I need to look everything up. :S A lot of their teaching methods aren't efficient, either. But I do think it's easier on the socializing bit. [/QUOTE]
This is a major issue for me. My daughter's book-bag is 14lbs. She has to carry it class to class everyday, all day, up and down stairs (no lockers for 6th graders). And yet, when she gets home and looks blankly at her homework, I have to guess she's never taken out a book from that book-bag.
The homework is new work and so I have to help. What do kids do when their parents work outside the home? My daughter is lucky I'm here. I work from home so I can help when she's confused. There are too many kids out there who are trying to learn on their own.
That's not how it's supposed to be.
I've heard this often but wasn't sure how true it was. It does make sense, though, doesn't it? I mean a one-on-one education can be so much more varied and dimensional than teaching a class of 30+ kids. And with us being in NYC, resources for learning are endless.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color=660066>Fredlilah<h6> wrote: [/QUOTENAME]
They actually give me work that they don't explain in the classroom, and I need to look everything up. :S A lot of their teaching methods aren't efficient, either. But I do think it's easier on the socializing bit. [/QUOTE]
This is a major issue for me. My daughter's book-bag is 14lbs. She has to carry it class to class everyday, all day, up and down stairs (no lockers for 6th graders). And yet, when she gets home and looks blankly at her homework, I have to guess she's never taken out a book from that book-bag.
The homework is new work and so I have to help. What do kids do when their parents work outside the home? My daughter is lucky I'm here. I work from home so I can help when she's confused. There are too many kids out there who are trying to learn on their own.
That's not how it's supposed to be.
^ I completely agree. That's not the way it's supposed to be at all. For example, I have to carry four binders, one history book, and one novel to school everyday. They give us lockers so we won't have to carry too much weight, but I don't have *time* to access my locker. Thank goodness my sister takes my same lunch hour, because then I can ask her to carry one of my things.
And yout daughter getting points off for sentences is absolutely ridiculous! It was crystal clear that she had made a tremendous effort, and that's what should count in the long run. It really makes me angry that teachers can take ignorance to this level. Sadly, there's a *lot* of ignorance in these schools.
And yout daughter getting points off for sentences is absolutely ridiculous! It was crystal clear that she had made a tremendous effort, and that's what should count in the long run. It really makes me angry that teachers can take ignorance to this level. Sadly, there's a *lot* of ignorance in these schools.