Home Schooling

[Meenah]

I have no personal experience with it, but the people who I have known that did it (only two) ended up with many personal /social problems , and would not do it again. Good luck with your decision.
Luanne

[mommax3]

I have known many people who do this.....some well, some not so well. In the military a lot of people choose to homeschool because it saves their kids from having to change schools, make new friends, etc., so often.

I have thought about doing it at different points and for different reasons already, in elementary school, but it would be as a last resort for me personally. Right now my two oldest are in private school and the small classes make it well worth the money for me. During this year's closing ceremonies, one of the trustees of the school mentioned that the best education dollars he had spent were for sending his (5) kids to the school during 6th , 7th, and 8th grades. He said that he and his wife really appreciated that their kids were in a safe, small, family-like atmosphere at a school they had gone to for years during a time when their bodies were changing......he felt that it really protected their self-esteem and allowed them more room to focus on academics. I have been thinking about that ever since, because I have thought about transitioning my boys back to public school when we move in a year......I want them to be involved in band and in athletics, and those things are not always as available in private schools. However, I taught middle school, and those years can be so hard on kids......so I am kind of re-evaluating my stance.

Sorry.....not much about homeschooling from me, although I KNOW there is a lot on the internet, and also, most homeschoolers get involved with some kind of a co-op so that the kids (and the parents!) have more of a social outlet and the opportunity to learn some things that their parent can't teach them.

Sally

I've homeschooled....

and, I've head it said that if you are going to home school, the middle school years are the years to do it.

I would be happy to answer any qeustions you may have. I wouldn't trade my HSing years for the world!

Angela

[Sheherezade]

I have a close friend who took her daughter out of high school in 9th grade to HS. The school (public) was apparently not offering much for her academically and she was getting exposed to culture her mother found uncomfortable. (Nothing extreme.) End result : She did great. She took classes at community college and had a local HS group. She was accepted to Brown, Cornell, and Yale this year. I don't know where she decided to attend. She seems very well adjusted socially, happy and mature. She is a clear success story for HSing. Of course, I've heard bad stories too. I think it depends on the kid, the reasons leading to HSing and the HS environment you create. I do think it is a realistic option for many that should be taken seriously. Good luck with your decision.

Angie

[DCJenn]

My cousin was homechooled due to severe allergies. I think they home schooled her until high school, as she started to outgrow the most severe of her allergies. She's now graduating from the University of Maine with a degree in psychology- which she will follow up with a Masters/PhD program. She's a really neat young lady, I have to say.

They did involve her with girl scouts and athletic activities as much as her allergies would allow.

Jenn

[Flynn]

As a former high school educator before I became a SAHM I can say I have taught kids who had fantastic home schooling experiences, and some that were complete and utter failures.

In situations where the child has severe health risks, the school they would attend was unsafe, or the family is dealing with a child who is severely depressed or anti-social, I have seen home schooling work extremely well.

I would strongly discourage anyone to home school to just "try it out." Academics can be supplemented in so many different ways besides home schooling if you feel your child is not being challenged intellectually. Also, and I do realize I am biased here, being taught by a parent who is not a certified teacher is less than ideal on so many levels. Finally, socialization issues with peers can get very complicated and muddy with home schooled kids. They wouldn't have access to so many optional activities a school offers.

I agree with the previous comments that it completely depends on the child, but it also depends on the parent as well. A poorly executed home schooling plan, either socially or intellectually, can imeasurably damage a child/young adult.

I personally feel it is a huge decision to home school and should not be taken lightly in any way, shape or form.

[Rapunzel]

Flynn cannot be more incorrect in her assumptions.

If you want to try out homeschooling then DO.

Having a mother-in-law and a sister who are public school teachers I've had ample opportunity to discuss with them the pros and cons of having a "teaching certificate" and its validity. Both of them agree that it is needed in the school environment where there is a large number of children to organize and deal with. The courses for a teaching certificate provide those who will be dealing with large numbers of children of the exact same age in the highly unique social situation found only in organized schools (both public and private). For homeschooling it is entirely unneccessary through the common sense of the differences in the situations as well as being proven repeatedly through various states' court rulings as well as through the growing mountain of evidence to the contrary (such as the outstanding test scores that homeschooled students tend to have). One of my best friends is a former public school teacher who homeschools her children. Guess what? Her teaching certificate hasn't helped her at all. Rather, her love of education and dedication to her children have been what has made her homeschool a resounding success.

Additionally all of the major colleges (including Ivy League) are actively recruiting homeschooled students. Why? Because they perform outstandingly well in college settings.

Socialization problems are one of those wonderful myths that the NEA (whose membership is quite threatened by homeschooling and perhaps offended that parents "without teaching certificates" do such a fabulous job at teaching) perpetuates. Of course you will find a wide spectrum of personalities among the children who are homeschooled. You will find an equally wide spectrum of personalities among the children who attend public schools. There is no evidence that homeschooled children function poorly in society. There is evidence, however, that the average homeschooled child functions exceptionally well within society after they have left home.

Additionally, an ever-growing number of school districts across the country welcome homeschooled students with open arms for extracurricular activities. There are some homeschool groups and organizations across the nation (particularly in places such as Texas) whose membership has reached such high numbers that they have their own debate tournaments, basketball tournaments, etc.

Flynn buys into the mindset that parents can do irreperable damage to their children by simply teaching them at home. This is a bogus, unprovable, scare tactic used by those who have an irrational bias against homeschooling. Luckily, those with that bias are rapidly losing ground in society due to the obvious examples that prove their paranoia incorrect.

The only point that I agree with Flynn on is this: Homeschooling is a big decision. For that reason it is even more important that you "try it out" and do all of the research you can on the subject. Any parent that is dedicated to the education, growth, and development of their own children can successfully educate their children at home and help them develop into wonderful members of society. I've seen so many families in so many varied situations do a wonderful job with homeschooling. It does take dedication and, for that reason, it is a major decision.

Here are some good places to start researching the subject:

http://www.nhen.org/

http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/

You will find a plethora of information on the subject including how to get started, legal paperwork that *might* be required (generally very litte, if any), the types of homeschooling programs in use, loads of curriculum materials, etc.

Here is an outstanding article on the National Home Education Network's website regarding beginning to educate your children at home:

Introduction to Homeschooling

by Pam Sorooshian

What is homeschooling? Is it legal? Who does it? Why do they do it? Should I try it? Am I really qualified to teach my children? How will I know what to teach? Where would we get curriculum materials? Is it expensive? What about socialization? What about the prom? What about college? What about my relationship with my child? What about my critical family and friends?

Homeschoolers are as varied as the rest of the U.S. population. They come from all ethnic groups, socioeconomic levels, diverse religions, and they range from one end to the other on the political spectrum. They live in the country, the city, and suburbia. Some are single-parents and some have extended or blended families. Some homeschooling parents are, themselves, professional educators. However, a teaching credential is certainly not necessary for successful homeschooling.

All homeschooling families share a strong sense of responsibility for their children's education. Some homeschooling children have been taken out of school because their needs were not being met. Some have never attended school at all. There are many, many different reasons people choose home education. Many have the desire to nurture their family's values. Others are aiming for superior academic performance. Many simply prefer the homeschooling lifestyle of strong family relationships, a rich texture of life-long learning, and family and community-centered activities.

Each family is different. Each child within the family is different, and what's more, children change as they grow so that the homeschooling experience is fluid, changing over time. It is difficult to describe what homeschooling is like, since, other than not sending their children to school, homeschoolers may have little in common. For example, some use prepackaged formal curriculum, some do unit studies (all learning centered around a common theme), some are "unschoolers" (child-led interest-initiated learning), and some use a combination of different methods.

Starting to homeschool can be scary. It is, for all of us, quite an adventure. It is common for children (and parents) to need some relaxed down time when starting to homeschool, especially if the children have been in school for very long. Homeschoolers refer to this as "deschooling time." It is a time for the parent to observe and learn about their own child's learning styles and their own "teaching" styles. And it is a time for the child to transition to the new rhythm of life as a homeschooler.

Typically, new homeschoolers feel the need for scheduling and formal structure. However, most homeschooling families tend, to a greater or lesser extent, to let go of rigid "school-at-home" methods as they become more confident and relaxed.

The best advice ever given to me, when I, myself, was a new homeschooling parent was: "expect the unexpected." The experienced homeschoolers who gave me that advice were so right. There is no way to accurately predict the twists and turns we'll experience as we begin this homeschooling adventure. Don't let it disturb you when things do not go "according to plan." It is inevitable. Flexibility is one of a homeschooling parent's most useful attributes.

Finally, Jean Reed, author of The Home School Source Book, offers this advice: "You and your imagination are your own best resource. Hug your kids. Make it fun for all of you. Keep you sense of humor. Be willing to learn along with your kids. Don't worry about "doing it the right way." Everyone is different so be flexible. Do it the right way for yourself and your kids. Have faith in yourself and your kids."


Jennifer

[Rapunzel]

"Socialization"

Here are some other articles that discusses the myth of "socialization" created by those who have to find something negative to say about the beneficial experience of home education:

http://www.faqfarm.com/Parenting/Homeschooling/525

Is socialization a problem for homeschoolers?
This Homeschooling question was last updated on August 20, 2003, at 09:24 am. Popularity in Homeschooling FAQ: 81.


Question by anonymous asked on August 20, 2003, at 00:00 am.
Is socialization a problem for homeschoolers?




Answer by Chris contributed on August 20, 2003, at 00:00am. Last updated on September 23, 2003, at 1:37pm.
Alan Moses provided these comments on homeschool socialization on the Home Education Mailing List:


I attended the Northern California Home School Association conference this past weekend in Sacramento, and David Colfax commented that the media has pretty much stopped asking him the "socialization" question, since it's becoming obvious that homeschoolers are the best socialized kids in the country. This matches my perception of our kids and their friends -- in small groups, on camping trips, and in large groups like the conference, it is a pleasure to see kids of mixed ages and interests interacting with consideration for each other and a minimum of hassles. One friend of mine takes a pre-emptive approach to "the socialization question" (which seems to be the first or second thing we all get asked by non-home-schoolers) and the "workbooks at the kitchen table" image some non-home-schoolers seem to have. She begins talking about homeschooling by saying, "Two of the things I like best about homeschooling are all the positive social contacts the kids have, and that they get to spend so much time learning in the community.
The following findings were reported in the study "COMPARISON OF SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT BETWEEN HOME AND TRADITIONALLY SCHOOLED STUDENTS" by Shyers, L. Edward, Ph.D., University of Florida, in 1992:

Traditional schools provide for regular classroom contact with children of the same age, and it is assumed that this regular contact with other children aids appropriate social adjustment. By their very nature, homeschools do not provide for regular formal classroom contact with children other than siblings. Because of this obvious difference, parents, educators, legislators and courts have questioned whether children schooled at home are as socially well-adjusted as their agemates in traditional programs. Investigation of this possible difference was the focus of this study.

The results of this study imply that children between the ages of 8 and 10 (sample universe for the study) have similar beliefs about themselves regardless of how they are schooled. All age groups in both research populations had self-concept scores higher than the average national average as measured by the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale.

The results of this study further indicate that children from both schooling environments participating in this study achieved scores on the Children's Assertive Behavior Scale revealing slightly passive understanding of social situations.

According to the results of this study, children between the ages of 8 and 10 who had been educated entirely in a homeschool had significantly fewer problem behaviors, as measured by the Direct Observation form of the _Child Behavior Checklist_, than children of the same age from traditional schools. Children of this age in this study, who had been educated entirely in traditional schools, revealed problem behaviors above the normal range for national populations of the same age.

It can be concluded from the results of this study that appropriate social skills can develop apart from the formal contact with children other than siblings. This supports the belief held by homeschool proponents.

[The answer above is based on a homeschooling FAQ originally edited in 1994 by Dave Mankins for the Home Education Mailing List.]






Dispelling The Myths About Homeschooling
By Christine Webb

MYTH: Homeschooled children are lacking in opportunities for social interaction.

Reality: In the homeschool community this question is usually met with looks of disbelief and a quiet chuckle. There are literally hundreds of opportunities in most states for homeschooled children to get together for activities. Roller skating, theater groups, study groups, archery lessons, swimming, park days, recitals, ski outings --- the list goes on and on. And, although all families do not enjoy access to this wide variety, most do have the opportunity to play sports, to join community groups like scouts or 4-H and to participate in religious communities.

Children have the opportunity to develop friendships with children of widely varying ages. They learn social skills from their families, and, in a supportive community, from those who are more experienced at getting along in the world.


MYTH: Homeschooled children lack "real world" experience.

Reality: Our children are quick to point out that they live very much in the "real world." Life is not "on hold" during the day for homeschooling families. These children learn at an early age how to succeed in the world at large because they participate in it with their families. They, for instance, shop, bank, and visit nursing homes. Older children volunteer in the community, hold part-time jobs, take classes, and participate in mentoring projects with adults.

This life experience adds up to well-rounded and capable young people who can successfully make the transition to living on their own or to moving on to college.


MYTH: Homeschoolers all homeschool in the same way.

Reality: Just as in public and private schools, you will find a wide array of education philosophies in the homeschooling community. The real strength of homeschooling is that each family can choose and implement that which works best for its children and its situation. They are not limited to a "one-size-fits-all" curriculum, time frame, or education philosophy. Children can be given the gift of time to learn at a pace that meets individual needs and the resources to learn through their strengths.

The low child/parent ratio allows these children large amounts of individual attention, contributing to the homeschooling community's extremely high literacy rate.


MYTH: Parents are not qualified to teach difficult subjects.

Reality: Although many students successfully opt to self-teach or to learn together with an interested parent, the options for children extend well beyond the family. Some families choose to get together to form study groups around a particular subject and to hire a tutor. Some students opt for community college classes. Others barter help with one subject for help in another. Classes over the Internet or the television are increasingly available options for many families, as are videos and computer software.

Learning options are excellent and varied so there is something to meet the needs of every family.


MYTH: All homeschoolers belong to a single religious and political group.

Reality: People who believe this myth generally think that homeschoolers are "Christians with a conservative political agenda." In fact, homeschoolers come from all walks of religious and political life. For some, homeschooling is all about faith -- they feel compelled to do this from deeply held religious beliefs. For those homeschoolers, (a wide variety of Christian denominations, Jews, Bahais, Muslims, Buddhists, and a host of other religious preferences), homeschooling is an opportunity to more fully immerse their children in the spiritual life of their family and their religious community. But for many, religion is not a deciding factor in why they homeschool. It may be a matter of simply continuing a lifestyle
that is family-centered. On the other hand, many seek out homeschooling after a negative experience with a public or private school. Increasingly, families are choosing homeschooling because they believe it is an excellent education option for their children.

The reasons for homeschooling are as varied as the families. For thousands of families, homeschooling is a lifestyle choice, an education choice or a health choice.


MYTH: Parents homeschool in order to cover up neglect.

Reality: A parent who keeps a child home in order to abuse or neglect that child is not homeschooling and no homeschooling law could protect that child or apprehend an abusive parent. Parents who homeschool spend incredible amounts of time with their children. People who do not want their children around do not homeschool -- they send their children to school. It is easier and cheaper.

Education laws are not effective deterrents to abuse and should not be crafted for that purpose.


MYTH: Homeschoolers do not support the public schools.

Reality: This is such a sad thought and so thoroughly untrue. Homeschooling parents, remember, are primarily the result of public school education. Most are college-educated. Their childrens' playmates most likely attend public school. Although a decision to homeschool is certainly a decision to keep the child out of the public/private school system, it is not necessarily a decision to withdraw support from the public school system. Homeschool parents own homes and pay taxes that provide financial support for the schools. Some even volunteer in the schools or provide daycare for school-age children.

A choice to homeschool is not a vote against public or private schools.


MYTH: Homeschoolers without a GED or diploma have difficulty entering college.

Reality: Hundreds of colleges across the country are enrolling homeschoolers without either a GED or a diploma: state colleges, Ivy League colleges, private colleges and community colleges. Colleges are interested in capable, motivated learners and responsible people. They find both in homeschooled students.


Credit:
Christine Webb is a homeschooling parent and the past-president of the Oregon Home Education Network. She and her husband homeschool their three children near Portland, Oregon. You can contact her via e-mail at Retromom@aol.com.

********************************
Homeschooling Writers' Clearinghouse

A collection of timely and informative articles, essays, and opinion pieces available for free distribution via email and print methods. When reprinting this piece please include this notice:

Copyright 1998 by Christine Webb and the National Home Education Network.
Available for free distribution if this notice is included. For information contact webmaster@nhen.org or visit: http://www.nhen.org
********************************

[Rapunzel]

In conclusion, if you want to learn about homeschooling, find a group of homeschoolers in your area:

http://www.homeschoolmedia.net/register/index.phtml

Just as you would go to a basketball player to learn about basketball the best place to find accurate information regarding home education is from homeschoolers themselves.

Jennifer

[Flynn]

And the hits just keep on coming......

I think in the future, we all should just write Jennifer directly because she knows everything about everything so we all could just save time NOT developing our own thoughts on topics and just borrow hers because according to her, she's right! Now why didn't I think of that?

I'm sorry Jennifer, I thought this was a place where we could discuss ideas without making everything into a personal attack? As a former educator I have ideas about home schooling from a perspective you don't have. Likewise, I don't have your perspective or others for that matter, so reading other people's thoughts is both interesting and enjoyable. The world must be a pretty scary place for someone like you who finds ideas that differ from your own so threatening.

The funny thing is somehow I just knew you would come out of hiding if I commented on this topic. If nothing else, you are predictable.

Welcome back and RELAX. It's not your job to hit everyone over the head with your ideas in an effort to "enlighten" them.

Well said, Flynn. Rapunzel, I was actually hoping that you would comment on this one because you are the only one around here who is actually homeschooling and thus have much to offer as far as your experience. Please try to remember, though, that there are other opinions out there that are equally valid. I don't think that Flynn's comments were either assumptions OR incorrect, and you can't ASSUME that they are unless you have lived her life. I have seen some horror stories of homeschooling, which I believe are the exception rather than the rule (and probably why they were back in public school where I saw them.....their parents were not equipped to educate them at home) and I have also seen some wonderful homeschool success stories. Both exist and saying that does not make me prejudiced against homeschooling in any way, shape, or form.

Everyone here speaks from their experience and obviously all of our experiences differ......so will our responses. I respect that and I wish everyone else would as well.

Sally

[Meenah]

I agree with Sally. This is a great website with unbelievable resources when you consider how many people are here with differing experiences/backgrounds. I like hearing the responses from everyone here. How lucky we are to have such a diverse group to turn to for advice & opinions. No one person is "correct", and I hope we can all be adult enough to respect and learn from one another.
Luanne

I have no comment on whether or not homeschooled children are better or worse off than public schooled children or private schooled children for that matter. Everyone is different and you will find screwed up people in all walks of life.

While I don't think I have neither the credentials nor patience to be a homeschooler, I have, however, bought the book "The Well-Trained Mind," a book that many homeschoolers use. I have also gotten "What Your Fourth Grader Needs To Know" for, obviously my soon-to-be 4th grade daughter. I'm not one to compete or "one-up" my fellow moms by appearing to be the "together mom" or one who wants my kid to better to than your kid, but I recognize that public school has its challenges and I wanted to give my daughter a leg-up this summer by preparing her for next year. Instead of wastiing her brain away on cartoons and video games the next 3 months, I have chosen to partially homeschool my kids by being an active participant in their education.

So, lunatic, if you are considering this route, perhaps you can get your feet wet, so to speak, by seeing what you can do over the summer and how your children and you respond to this kind of participation.

I hope you have success either way you decide. And your kids will do fine, I suspect, by having a parent who cares about their education.

[Flynn]

TiredandPoor --

BRAVO!!! I commend your dedication to being involved and recognizing that every method or institution of learning has its limitations. Your child can only benefit from your knowledge and modeling that education IS important!

When my DH is done with his fellowship in two years, where we move will depend in large part on what the schools are like, is there both public and private options, and the community feel of the area...ie do the people who live there, support their schools? I am a bit daunted by the plight of some public schools (and private too) these days and will probably do exactly what you are doing --- supplement the curriculum at home where I feel it is "thin."

There are so many political issues today in education and the students and dedicated staff suffer. Instead of being bitter and frustrated, you are being pro-active to help and participate in the process of learning for your child.

Again, bravo!!!

[PrincessFiona]

Lunatic...

We do homeschooling over the summer too....I get in 2 hours a day and sometimes even three...five days a week. For us, it is about teaching the german and supplementing the math. I personally don't think that I could do full-time homeschooling for a variety of reasons...but one of the important reasons is that my children absolutely love going to school. They have a lot of friends there, have to learn to cope with different rules, different personalities and different beliefs. I've also volunteered in the schools and I have found that they have such a good curriculum in general...I don't think I could replicate it and do it well consistently like they do. Last year, my second grader dissected a frog's eye..this year my son spent a year on a "voyage" of the oceans where he learned an unbelievable amount about marine science. I think the prep for that alone would kill me...let alone having to teach three diff. levels to three diff (and then 4 diff. children.).

As for curriculum...I have done a lot of it myself...and have gone through a variety of online sites to do it. There are areas where the kids need to be supplemented (Amanda struggles in math and andrew loves Maps...). I found that many of the workbooks/books cost a lot of money and then don't give me exactly what I want. I've had to really go at it on my own with the german because there are no good books....I have some that I ordered from germany but they are too advanced...my kids just aren't there yet.

I think you should definitiely give it a go this summer and see how you like it/how it works out for you.

Some good website are:

http://66.113.195.73/ (you can make handwriting handouts)

http://www.mrsjones.org/teachers/worksh ... ml#writing (find any kind of printable you want)

http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/

http://www.enchantedlearning.com

http://www.mathfactcafe.com/home/

There are many, many more...but this is a great start.

Also, I'm not sure where your children are at academically...but Stanford has a great program for children that is particularly good with math. They have an admissions test if you don't have some kind of basic testing already (ie. iowa test of basic skills, etc).I think their programs are great..Their web address is:

http://www-epgy.stanford.edu/