Why do you home school?

[Sleepy]

I would rather have my kids play a team sport with their friends rather than going to the Olympics (though that would be interesting but I'm not sure about educational) I want them to help an elderly neighbor or the family in our town that lost their house to fire rather than travel to a third world county on a mission. They've been to a shelter to serve meals and know that not everyone has it so good.

I would rather they participate in their own backyard then be an observer. There's plenty of time later for them to travel and see things. I want them to have a strong sense of self and community.

I think it is possible to have the best of both worlds. My son is homeschooled AND he travels. It IS part of his education. My son may not be in a team sport, but he is in the oldest ballet school in Italy. He has learned to speak Italian from the other students and they have learned to speak some English from him. We have invited his friends and families to our home to extend intercultural relations. They have reciprocated (don't politicians and other important people do the same with their jobs?). My son helps elderly folks all the time. Going to a third world country on a mission could be very educational. You can learn about culture and history. Going to a third world country can certainly open a child's eyes to the fact not everyone has it so good. You don't have to serve meals in a soup kitchen to feed the homeless. My son has a very strong sense of community because we get out and enjoy it.

My son is pretty well rounded. He does travel and see things. He sees alot of what he learns in his school books. He just finished reading The Odyssey and there are several pictures of artifacts attached to the pages of the story. Many of these very artifacts are here in Naples and many others are within Italy. We are within spitting distance of Mt. Vesuvius. What a wonderful tool for science. He can walk to the top of the volcano. He knows what sulphur smells like. He can see how altitude can change climate. It is one thing to explain it, but to have a child stand at the bottom of a volcano where it is warm and at the top of the volcano there is snow. Seeing is understanding. He has been to Pompei. It's not just a section in the history book. He has actually been there and seen the ruins and the looks on the faces of those who perished. It was more than a picture. There is a certain level of understanding and learning one gets when they can do more than just see pictures in a book or read about a subject.

I'm not saying homeschooling and/or traveling is better than being in a traditional school setting, but it is important to know that homeschooling and traveling can offer those things you feel they are missing out on.

 

[JennyMominRI]

ck a metal fork into the toaster. What if that nurse was unschooled and never learned to....(fill in the blank) because it didn't interest her.

Someone who never learned math and science would never have the qualifications to get into into nursing school, let alone to pass the classes to earn a nursing degree.
If an unschooled child wished to become a nurse, that child would have to learn the required subjects, or they would not become a nurse.

FTR, I'm not advocating ANY child not learning math or science, simply discussing the idea that such a child could ever become a nurse.

 

[Nikel]

That was a side comment on unschooling. I get the homeschooling thing mostly but not unschooling. If I could learn only what I was interested in learning, I would have never learned math and most of the sciences. I sometimes thing what would happen down the road if I forget to impart some crucial piece of knowledge to my kids, like never stick a metal fork into the toaster. What if that nurse was unschooled and never learned to....(fill in the blank) because it didn't interest her.

Like I said, even I, as an unschooler, am fully supportive of continued formal, testing, and regulation in certain fields.

I completely doubt, if provided in a fun and hand-on real world manner, that you would have failed to learn the math and science skills for everyday life. Math, for example, is everywhere. There are sooooo many opportunities to learn it - cooking, sewing, building, shopping, etc. Unless one is inclined to pursue a career that requires a lot of math, most of what is taught is not used past graduation. (FWIW, I was a math major for 2 years.)

 

[Karel]

During the school yrs (when school is in session)
So let's say on average counting commute time the school day is 8 hours. They sleep for 8 hours. There is 2/3 of the day gone right there. 20min per grade level of homework a night + 30 reading time. So the average 6 grader would have 2.5 hrs of homework not counting studying. Round that up to 3 hrs to account for studying. That leave 5 hours a day for socializing, extra curricular activities, eating dinner, bathing, free time etc.

Homework is not that heavy here. Plus the school is less than ten minutes away. They are out about 2:40 and home at 3.(That's middle school and high school) Most of the time homework takes an hour, depending on speed/skill of homework doer. Obviously, projects take more time, especially when homework doer waits till day before its due.... Studying for test and quizzes takes time too, but those things are not every night.

Elementary kids get out later but start later, so it's probably an even wash with the higher grades.

Plus there are weekends and days off to pursue one's individual interests, take family outings, get together with friends and goof off.

Friday night everyone stays up later, so that's four days a week that they spend 7 hours learning in school and 7 hours a day at home (or off working on things of their choice, like clubs or sports) , not including the sleeping thing. And that's with a nine o'clock bedtime, which is becoming increasingly rare these days.

As I said earlier, my older son has enough time to take a college class at night two nights a week. There's plenty of time for 'kid directed learning'.

 

[sha_lyn]

I completely doubt, if provided in a fun and hand-on real world manner, that you would have failed to learn the math and science skills for everyday life. Math, for example, is everywhere. There are sooooo many opportunities to learn it - cooking, sewing, building, shopping, etc. Unless one is inclined to pursue a career that requires a lot of math, most of what is taught is not used past graduation. (FWIW, I was a math major for 2 years.)

Yesterday DD and I were about to start baking muffins. I decided we only needed 1/2 the recipe. DD starts trying to figure what 1/2 of each of the ingredients would be. In her head she took 1 1/2 cups and divided it by thinking 1/2 of 1 cup is 1/2cup. 1/2 of 1/2 cups is 1/4 cups. Converted 1/2 to 2/4 then added the other 1/4. I used the opportunity to show her the "formula" for dividing fractions. Her textbook doesn't cover dividing fractions until the 2nd half of the yr. However I followed her lead and showed her how to divide fractions ahead of schedule.

While we are more relaxed eclectic home schoolers, I "get" a lot of the unschooling philosophy. I'm just not comfortable making the "leap".
I think most people just don't get what unschooling is. It isn't educational neglect. It is seizing the moment vs waiting for something to come up in the lesson plan. It is using real life examples instead of learning from a textbook.

I have a friend who recently pulled her 15 DD from public school. The DD was bored and just didnn't get why she needed to know certain things especially math since she plans on raising and showing horses. Well as part of her homeschooling her mom is helping her start her own horse breeding business. She will see "in the real world" why she needs to know certain things.

 

[Princess_Michelle]

Some of that sounds great and travel is fun and a great way to learn things but most people don't have the luxury of time and money to drop everything and go. You must be independently weathly. How can your husband get so much time off?

Learning Chinese at a young age is great but how useful is that? What are you going to do when he says, I really don't want to go to Grandma's - I'd rather go to the football game with my friends.


I would rather have my kids play a team sport with their friends rather than going to the Olympics (though that would be interesting but I'm not sure about educational) I want them to help an elderly neighbor or the family in our town that lost their house to fire rather than travel to a third world county on a mission. They've been to a shelter to serve meals and know that not everyone has it so good.

I would rather they participate in their own backyard then be an observer. There's plenty of time later for them to travel and see things. I want them to have a strong sense of self and community.

Well, just by reading what you view as important, I can tell that we are two very different people, so, keep that in mind. Second, I would like to go about this the way I was speaking to Principessa Alba about discussing things. IE. I will tell you the truth about how I feel, please don't take it too personally, or get too angry. It's the way I feel, based on experiences and my understanding of the world....I cannot help it

1st paragraph...This is the exact type of mental thought that is a product of the social engineering that takes place in Public School. The thought that traveling means you have to have lots of money. No, we are not "wealthy". We do make more than your average family, but not wealthy. I stay home. I have all the time in the world. And I DO have the luxury to pick up and go whenever I feel like it. I'm very sorry that being a product of public school has led you to believe that your life should consist of working more than living, and you can't. My husband works for the government and gets a few weeks a year. He will not be going with us on ALL of our travels. He knows this, and he doesn't care. We are planning on taking 1 to 2 bigger vacations a year as a family, and a few smaller trips for learning purposes. Also, traveling does NOT have to be incredibly expensive. It is very easy for us to get free airline tickets with our CC rewards. Here in the states, you can go camping (more learning), stay with family, or get a cheap hotel. In Europe, hostels are a great way to save money, so are B&B's. In Asia, we would definitely get high end hotel rooms (if we didn't have State Dept. friends to stay with). So what, we'd just have to save up. We don't behave like "normal" Americans, living way above our means in wastefully large houses, driving way too expensive cars, and overindulging our kids so they can pretend to be rich and keep up with the Jones'. We don't lay awake at night worrying about the fact that we are trying to look a lot richer than we are, and that all it takes is one bad thing to happen to see our house of cards come tumbling down........We live in an apt., until we can afford to put down atleast 20% on a house, and for now we use one car, it's a Saturn. So, no, I'm not wealthy, but YES, I can just pick up and go.

Paragraph 2.......Are you KIDDING me? What use will Chinese be? It is only the most populous nation in the world, and they are gaining on us fast in terms of business. HELLO, why do you think we make so much money, w/o a college degree? YINWEI WOMEN SHUO ZHONGWEN. (Because we speak Chinese) When my kids have flown the coop, I'll be able to land a job, no problem. Even after being home for 20 years. As long as I keep my language skills up and stay clearable, it's in the bag. Did you know that American's are the dumbest people in the world in the subject of foreign languages??? Even kids in third world countries grow up speaking more than one language. And when DS says, I wanna go hang out with my friends, I'll say, "OK". Unless our trip is important, in which case I'll say, "Suck it up, and get in the car."

Paragraph 3........My DS will play team sports with his friends. He is already in soccer tots (at 3), and as soon as Lil' Sluggers begins, he'll do that too. And he takes swimming lessons. He has already shown interest in Hockey, Football and Golf. He can join whatever team sport he wants b/c he won't be stuck at home doing homework. AND, he'll go to the Olympics NOT EDUCATIONAL??? The oldest sports ceremony in the world, bringing all the world's cultures together in one venue.....and you don't think that's as educational as say, repetitive math worksheets????????? There's that public school education for ya. I like how you left out the part where I mentioned Inner City missions as well as trips to other countries. I meant Inner city DC and Baltimore, maybe Philly as well....oh, and I also mentioned Habitat for Humanity, which is in my own backyard I guarantee that my kids will be more involved in their "backyards" than any of their public school counterparts, for the mere fact that mine will have 3 times more time. But, they will also not be like the typical American who can't see past his backyard. And I am very sorry, I'm sure your kids are wonderful, but......just look at the news and the way our society is becoming...it doesn't look like too many public schools are doing a good job of building a strong sense of self and community........for the most part, they aren't even building character, heck, most of them can't even get kids to read at grade level...........

 

[graygables]

That was a side comment on unschooling. I get the homeschooling thing mostly but not unschooling. If I could learn only what I was interested in learning, I would have never learned math and most of the sciences. I sometimes thing what would happen down the road if I forget to impart some crucial piece of knowledge to my kids, like never stick a metal fork into the toaster. What if that nurse was unschooled and never learned to....(fill in the blank) because it didn't interest her.

Point being, that you would be AMAZED at what children are interested in learning when they are the ones being inquisitive rather than it being a collective led by an individual adult. I can't imagine that there are many children who would ASK to print a map of the US so they can fill in the 2 letter abbreviations and yet, that's what my 11yo did this week.

I was in a special program in my DoD PS many moons ago that was very much like unschooling. The teacher was there for the students who needed the help, the the rest of us were left to our own devices. I was done with most of my "schoolwork" by Thanksgiving. I was able to take a Red Cross course and serve as a substitute school nurse in the 6th grade. I was able to help coordinate various aspects of the school programs. In the 7th grade, I took German and Spanish classes, as well as chemistry and computer science (back when programs were still on punch cards! ) When we moved back to the States in the 8th grade, the school didn't know what to do with me. They decided to test me and still didn't know what to do with me. They put me in algebra. I'd not SEEN algebra yet as it was being presented and was lost. From that point on, the squelching of my creative thinking began. I got my first ever C and my parents made me take algebra again b/c of my "failure". Someone who was a math tutor a year before and in specialized classes suddenly HATED math and my brain turned off. I learned to play the game of the public school and by the time I was 16, needed only English to graduate, but would my school permit me to take it in Summer school? No. Why? B/c they couldn't allow a 16yo to graduate. My parents refused to let me take the GED, since that was a symbol of dropouts and failures (my 2nd DD got her GED at 17, so, no, I don't believe that) and I wasted a year of my life as an office aid waiting to graduate.

Had I been able to pursue algebra and the higher mathematics on my own and in the way that I learn the best, I'm sure I would have remained a math whiz. Children do not inherently rebel against learning certain things, most children are EXTREMELY curious and will eventually learn what they need to know. If an unschooled child feels a draw to a certain calling, then he generally knows that there are certain things that must be learned first.

 

[Karel]

Yesterday DD and I were about to start baking muffins. I decided we only needed 1/2 the recipe. DD starts trying to figure what 1/2 of each of the ingredients would be. In her head she took 1 1/2 cups and divided it by thinking 1/2 of 1 cup is 1/2cup. 1/2 of 1/2 cups is 1/4 cups. Converted 1/2 to 2/4 then added the other 1/4. I used the opportunity to show her the "formula" for dividing fractions. Her textbook doesn't cover dividing fractions until the 2nd half of the yr. However I followed her lead and showed her how to divide fractions ahead of schedule.While we are more relaxed eclectic home schoolers, I "get" a lot of the unschooling philosophy. I'm just not comfortable making the "leap".
I think most people just don't get what unschooling is. It isn't educational neglect. It is seizing the moment vs waiting for something to come up in the lesson plan. It is using real life examples instead of learning from a textbook.

I get all that because we do it too. I love to find those 'teachable moments' in life. But homeschoolers seem to think that kids in traditional schooling don't do those kinds of things but it does happen. We cook with our kids and take them educational places too. We use what they are learning in a text book and bring it in to real life. We just don't need them at our side 24 hours a day to do it.

 

[graygables]

I get all that because we do it too. I love to find those 'teachable moments' in life. But homeschoolers seem to think that kids in traditional schooling don't do those kinds of things but it does happen. We cook with our kids and take them educational places too. We use what they are learning in a text book and bring it in to real life. We just don't need them at our side 24 hours a day to do it.

But, my DDs aren't at my side 24hrs per day. They have dance and ice skating and art and other classes, they go to my MIL's to hang out/help her, they help my FIL in his gardens, they help DH with things he needs them to do. They have work to do and I have work to do. HSers know that PSers cook with their kids and take advantage of "teachable moments". We know PSers take their kids to educational places. We just prefer NOT to have to jump start our "teachable moments" from a text book and desk chair.

 

[Princess_Michelle]

I get all that because we do it too. I love to find those 'teachable moments' in life. But homeschoolers seem to think that kids in traditional schooling don't do those kinds of things but it does happen. We cook with our kids and take them educational places too. We use what they are learning in a text book and bring it in to real life. We just don't need them at our side 24 hours a day to do it.

I think that's great that you obviously live in one of the better regulated school districts and you take your kid to educational places. I'm also sorry that you "can't see past your own backyard" far enough to see that this is becoming the exception, not the rule, in terms of public school. Many people cannot teach their kids the things they want to b/c their kids ARE having to deal with too much homework and DON'T get enough time off.

The whole point of this thread was "WHY do you homeschool?" That's why I stated what I did about traveling, b/c that is one of the things that is important to me, and could not be done if my child was in private (I would never even consider public) school. Obviously, it's not important to you. I get it, my dad is the same way. The onlytrip he wants to go on with us is to Ireland, cause it's where his (our) ancestors are from. He has no desire to see other cultures. Goody for him, I don't take it as a personal attack on my desire to see the world.

Even though I will HS, my son WILL learn advanced math. That whole nurse analogy you used was pointless, as other people have pointed out, said person COULD NOT exist b/c they could have never passed the classes to get a degree.

About life being boring and mundane. You totally missed the point. Just b/c your job isn't exciting doesn't mean that your LIFE has to be boring and mundane. I was trying to point out that your life will only be as boring and mundane as you make it. I imagine that being a garbage man isn't that exciting, and that is OK, b/c that isn't LIFE, it's your JOB. You can make your LIFE fun just by being around people that make you happy and playing board games. If you hate your job so much that is affects your life in a depressive manner, then it's time to get a new job. Here is my life. I have the oppurtunity to take my child and show him the world. I'm not going to pass it up b/c society thinks he should be in school like everybody else. I'm taking it. I don't think it makes me (or him) better, I just think it will make us happy and give hima stellar education in the process. And you know what, there are jobs in this world that require some form of global understanding, or atleast prefer it. Even if I couldn't travel, I would still homeschool b/c I would still have plenty of resources to educate him here in my own area. And I don't need my child by my side 24 hours a day, and he won't be. But I know this, his family, who love him and have his best interests at heart, will have more influence over him than some complete strangers at a daycare or public school, and I THANK GOD for that.

 

[blue_eyes5212]

I have a homeschooling question. I've always said that I could never homeschool because I'm not an "EXPERT" in all subjects! (I don't have kids
yet, so it's not like it's an issue right now). Like all of us, I was stronger in some subjects than others. Science was always a struggle (even though I made a C or better). There is no way I would be able to teach a science lesson past the first grade!!! Or advanced math (calculus,trig,etc).
So for the HS's......how do you teach subjects that you were not great at in the first place???

Unschoolers......My question is this, "Do/Will your children go to college??" I ask because there are basic subjects that you need for a college degree (algebra, english). I can't imagine that if left to my own interest, I would have ever wanted to know about pronouns, adverbs, or algebraic equations!! So since I'm not familiar with unschooling, I would imagine that the unschooled child would get to their English 101 class in college and be asked what the adverb in a sentence is and them say "What's an adverb??" (or something like that, I'm sure you understand what I'm getting at)

I, also, mean no disrespect to anyone choosing either of these options! I'm genuinely curious!

 

[sha_lyn]

get all that because we do it too. I love to find those 'teachable moments' in life. But homeschoolers seem to think that kids in traditional schooling don't do those kinds of things but it does happen. We cook with our kids and take them educational places too. We use what they are learning in a text book and bring it in to real life. We just don't need them at our side 24 hours a day to do it.

I never said that parents with children in PS never do these things now did I?
Stop putting words in my mouth and in the mouths of all home-schoolers.
I was citing an example of how unschooling works ....GET IT. I was doing nothing more than that. Stop jumping to conclusions. That is why nothing ever comes out of these "debates". Many who are anti-homeschooling start jumping to conclusions about what they think we are saying and/or doing.


Where did you get the idea that our children are at our sides 24/7? Once again you've jumped to a conclusion based on a very inaccurate assumption.
I'm sure I'm about to be accused of being defensive. Well no need to accuse. You can bet $$ that I'm getting defensive. It is because I find such accusations and assumptions very offensive.

 

[Planogirl]

Remember that important word "opportunity". You have these opportunities but not everyone does and it's not necessarily because those people haven't tried. Life can deal funny hands sometimes and you can truly only make the best of what you have.

I still think it's great that you HS and that it's what you want. We don't want that type of lifestyle which is why we moved to a school district that works for us. I can admire a lifestyle without ever wanting to be involved in it.

 

[Nikel]

I have a homeschooling question. I've always said that I could never homeschool because I'm not an "EXPERT" in all subjects! (I don't have kids
yet, so it's not like it's an issue right now). Like all of us, I was stronger in some subjects than others. Science was always a struggle (even though I made a C or better). There is no way I would be able to teach a science lesson past the first grade!!! Or advanced math (calculus,trig,etc).
So for the HS's......how do you teach subjects that you were not great at in the first place???

Well, I may not be the best to answer. I didn't really struggle in any subjects. However, if there's a subject that I don't know, like a foreign language other than Spanish, that my children want/need to learn, I have two options. First, I can learn along with them. Second, I can hire a tutor or trade subjects with another unschooling family.

Unschoolers......My question is this, "Do/Will your children go to college??" I ask because there are basic subjects that you need for a college degree (algebra, english). I can't imagine that if left to my own interest, I would have ever wanted to know about pronouns, adverbs, or algebraic equations!! So since I'm not familiar with unschooling, I would imagine that the unschooled child would get to their English 101 class in college and be asked what the adverb in a sentence is and them say "What's an adverb??" (or something like that, I'm sure you understand what I'm getting at)

I have no idea if my children will go to college. It's entirely up to them and their career aspirations. If they decide that's what they want to do, they'll be willing to put the effort into learning the material they need. Here are a few articles I quickly found for you:
http://www.nhen.org/nhen/pov/teens/default.asp?id=23
http://www.post-gazette.com/regionstate/20000501homeschool5.asp
http://www.stanfordalumni.org/news/magazine/2000/novdec/articles/homeschooling.html

 

[LisaR]

I have a homeschooling question. I've always said that I could never homeschool because I'm not an "EXPERT" in all subjects! (I don't have kids
yet, so it's not like it's an issue right now). Like all of us, I was stronger in some subjects than others. Science was always a struggle (even though I made a C or better). There is no way I would be able to teach a science lesson past the first grade!!! Or advanced math (calculus,trig,etc).
So for the HS's......how do you teach subjects that you were not great at in the first place???

I graduated from both high school and college so the assumption is that I have learned most of this stuff at some point and time. I may be fuzzy on some of the details but I am always willing to learn something again.

And boy do I learn. I have learned so much right along side my children. I find it interesting and fascinating and I am so glad I can share that with my children.

There are also plenty of resources we have or can use. There are online classes, co-op classes, private tutors and learning with another family.

Remember, we do this everyday with our kids. While many parents struggle helping their kids with their math homework, it is generally because it has been years since they have done that work. I hated fractions in school and was horrible at them. I am the fraction queen now because I had to learn them so I could teach my kids.

I don't unschool so I can't answer that part of your question.

 

[Karel]

I took this out because it was written when I was angry and feeling insulted. No one seems to understand why I might feel offended, and I didn't mean to offend the majority of the homeschool people here. I was answering the comments of a single person and will just say, traveling's great. Wish I could do it more.

 

[MELSMICE]

I don't unschool so I can't answer that part of your question.

What is unschooling?

 

[JennyMominRI]

Hate to break the news to you, but he might be somewhat limited on his sports selection since he won't be able to do school sports. Unless there's a home school football league I don't know about? (which I'm sure someone will whip out...) My kids do what ever team sport they like, with in reason. They have plenty of time before they do their homework. That's called time management, an important skill that's a part of social engineering.

.

There are homeschooling sports teams and depending on the area kids can participate in school sports..

I'm not adressing the rest because it's really getting ugly in here.. I'm seeing it from both sides so I do see why people are getting angry..I just wih people(general,not you specifically) could just respect others choices...
There is not right answer to this question..Each family has to figure out what's best for them... I see way to many generalizations coming from both sides.

 

[Nikel]

Sorry, but I can't think of a time in my fairly long life that I thought to myself "gee, if only I knew Chinese...." But it'll be great 'cause your kids can go with your son to a Chinese restaurant and he'll be able to order for them in Chinese! They'll be impressed. If he's learns Japanese, he'll be able to read the Pokeman cards.

Wow, that's a bit rude and offensive there. It's fine to disagree without the sarcastic insults.

Hate to break the news to you, but he might be somewhat limited on his sports selection since he won't be able to do school sports. Unless there's a home school football league I don't know about? (which I'm sure someone will whip out...) My kids do what ever team sport they like, with in reason. They have plenty of time before they do their homework. That's called time management, an important skill that's a part of social engineering.

Hate to break it to you but homeschooling sports groups do exist. And then there's community sports, like AYSO, for example. Oh, and in many districts homeschooled children can still participate in the extra-curricular activities.

And you have to make a time commitment to a team, like showing up for games and practices, so that'll cut into your being able to pick up and go to Grandma's for the weekend to celebrate the new moon.

Just stop. I'd hate to get myself some points over this, and I'm beyond offended with your post. Don't agree with homeschooling, fine. I don't care. I do care when you start hurling insults.

 

[Karel]

I never said that parents with children in PS never do these things now did I?Stop putting words in my mouth and in the mouths of all home-schoolers.I was citing an example of how unschooling works ....GET IT. I was doing nothing more than that. Stop jumping to conclusions. That is why nothing ever comes out of these "debates". Many who are anti-homeschooling start jumping to conclusions about what they think we are saying and/or doing.Where did you get the idea that our children are at our sides 24/7? Once again you've jumped to a conclusion based on a very inaccurate assumption.I'm sure I'm about to be accused of being defensive. Well no need to accuse. You can bet $$ that I'm getting defensive. It is because I find such accusations and assumptions very offensive.

Sorry, don't want you to feel defensive. I take back the 24/7 thing because I know that most homeschooled kids have their own lives too, especially the older ones.

But I often do get the feeling that homeschoolers think that we let our kids go to school and the teachers teach them and then all learning comes to an end at 3 on Friday afternoon.