Why do you home school?

[Nikel]

What is unschooling?

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=20943633&postcount=87

 

[Karel]

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.

I respect her choice but I resent her condesending tone about my choices. I went to public school, my kids go to public school. I like it that way. I don't think it'll be the fall of civilization as we know it.

 

[JennyMominRI]

I respect her choice but I resent her condesending tone about my choices. I went to public school, my kids go to public school. I like it that way. I don't think it'll be the fall of civilization as we know it.

Like I said, I understood your being offended..I also undertood it from her..
I've been on both sides of the coin and I don't think either side is the downfall of civilization.

 

[tiggersmom2]

Well, if I'm a product of social engineering, you are most certainly an idealist living in a fantasy castle. Come down and try living in the real world. I have a family of five. Just . All five of us have commitments and interests that we pursue that cannot be just drop that easily - people are counting on us to do our jobs, whether they be paid or volunteer. Don't be sorry for me because we like our lives just fine. In fact, all the people I know live the same lives - in fact, it might startle you to know that many, many, many people get up everyday and go to work. Exciting concept, isn't it? I know it won't shock you that most of us went to Public School. I like to work; it gives me pleasure and purpose. My parents are excited because I'm using my COLLEGE DEGREE finally. Yes, shocking, I went to PUBLIC SCHOOL and got into COLLEGE. I like being a part of a large group who are working towards a better tomorrow. I also like having a roof over my head and being able to go out and eat whenever I want. Working gives me the means to do what I want to do and help other people. I have plenty of time for other things too. I volunteer for the largest women's organization in the world. Currently, we are helping build a Children's Hospital in NJ and collecting items for victims of domestic violence all of the state. My husband has been a volunteer firefighter for over 30 years. So, yeah, that silly old social engineering again. Too bad we're products of public schooling. WHAT were our parents thinking?





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.

I do wish I could remember some of my sign language though, so I can speak to my friend in town who is a deaf mute. I'd love to be able to talk to him at our coffee shop without resorting to rough hand signals. I really should spend time working on that, of course that would be the part of my life that I am NOT WORKING.


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. ...........

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.

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.






Have you been to the Olympics? My sister worked the Atlanta one and went to the Utah one. As far as venue, you realize that they are all in one country, but the different events might be miles away from each other. The popular sports are hard to get into and can be expensive. I'm not sure you can talk to the athletes - it seems to me that one cannot just walk and start speaking foreign languages and exchanging cultural jokes with them. I would love to go to opening or closing ceremonies someday and maybe see an event or two but I'm not passing that off as some glorious educational event. Obviously, it would be worth studying the history and get into the Greeks etc, but you can do that at home and have a better seat to watch on your couch.




Didn't know that I was responsible for commenting on everything - sorry I skipped it. My kids already do those things through our church and their school. As part of her elementary school enrichment program, my daughter made lunch and took it to a Ronald McDonald House. Lots and lots of PUBLIC SCHOOL kids do things like that. My son's County Institute of Technology built a house for Habit in a near by town. So that's not really earth shattering homeschooling activities.




Golly, I'm so sorry that you have to live with us typical Americans. It must be hard for you. Maybe you should move. To China. 'Cause I'm sure they have much more sense of self and character then my kids or their friends. Or your kid should grow up really quick so he can save us all, the products of social engineering.

Wow - this is one of the most offensive posts I have ever seen on the DIS.....it really doesn't speak highly of you.

 

[Karel]

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.
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.

I know homeschooling sports exists and there have been homeschooled kids on my kids' town teams. I don't think homeschooled kids can play on our MS and HS teams though. We don't have sports at our elementary school.

I like homeschoolers just fine and I understand it. Really I do get it. It's not for me but it's for you.

But I get really annoyed when someone tells me how sorry they are for me and my life choices. I especially loved the rolling eyes with the pat on the head for the poor public school lady. Really, really annoyed.

I didn't mean to insult homeschooling though.

 

[sha_lyn]

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 you are wrong. Just because you don't know about something doesn't mean it doesn't exist. There are plenty of opportunities for HS'ers to participate in team sports.
I will only address the situation in my area.
Here the schools don't have sports teams until high school. Even if a sport uses school facilities, it isn't a school team...IE when DS wrestled at the middle school level it wasn't a "school" team. When DS was in elementary school (he was in PS at the time) he played basketball through a program with parks and rec. They did organize the kids by school, but every yr he played he had home-school and/or private school kids on his team. Those children were placed according to the district they lived in.

Now to address high school level team sports.... here the easiest option is to play for on one of the home-school organizations teams. While there are a few organizations that are home-school specific there are several teams that participate in the "regular" organizations that are made up of private schools and the smaller high schools (I can't remember how the A's go. Is it the more A's the larger the school or the smaller the school).
There are also a few team sports that aren't school sports (at least around here) such as swimming and gymnastics. I guess those are team sports in the "trust" sense of the word, but then again I guess neither is wrestling and it is often a public school high school sport.

As for your last snarky little comment there... hate to break it to you but time management is a part of life, not social engeneering. Public schoolers and their parents aren't the only ones who have to manage their time.
I won't even address the rest of your post, as my comments would probably get me banned from the DIS for life.

 

[sha_lyn]

know homeschooling sports exists and there have been homeschooled kids on my kids' town teams. I don't think homeschooled kids can play on our MS and HS teams though. We don't have sports at our elementary school.

I like homeschoolers just fine and I understand it. Really I do get it. It's not for me but it's for you.

But I get really annoyed when someone tells me how sorry they are for me and my life choices. I especially loved the rolling eyes with the pat on the head for the poor public school lady. Really, really annoyed.

I didn't mean to insult homeschooling though.

From your many uneducated comments about homeschooling, it is obvious that you do not understand it, nor do you get it or like it.
As for not meaning to insult it... sorry but I don't buy that for one minute.

 

[Nikel]

I know homeschooling sports exists and there have been homeschooled kids on my kids' town teams. I don't think homeschooled kids can play on our MS and HS teams though. We don't have sports at our elementary school.

I like homeschoolers just fine and I understand it. Really I do get it. It's not for me but it's for you.

But I get really annoyed when someone tells me how sorry they are for me and my life choices. I especially loved the rolling eyes with the pat on the head for the poor public school lady. Really, really annoyed.

I didn't mean to insult homeschooling though.

I really still feel like you have a problem with me. I have absolutely no clue what I did to you. If you're referring to the rolling eyes in my sig, it has nothing to do with your posts, so chill. And if you interpreted what I said as a pat on the back, please don't. People that insult my parenting and religious choices get zero pats on the back from me. You've been repeatedly and increasingly rude in this thread, and I'm over it. I'm not sorry for you and your life choices in the least, unless you're unhappy with them. Then I'd suggest some changes. Otherwise, if you aren't up in my face, I'm really a live and let live kind of person.

 

[Princess_Michelle]

Wow, Karel, you sound like a very bitter person. First of all, this thread was started for homeschoolers to state why they homeschool, so I'm not sure what you're even doing on this thread, especially if you're so bitter about it. I do not live in lala land, I live near DC where knowing Chinese, OR Japanese, or Arabic, or ANY other foreign language for that matter is in VERY high demand. I know that people get up everyday and go to work. My DH does it everyday, so does my Dad. My mom gets up at 4 am cause she is a Nurse, so is my Nanny. My sister is a single mom, so she has to work too. I'm sorry that me having the luxury to stay home and visit family/travel offends you. Do you want me to apologize for having such oppurtunities?? Not that I would, but sheesh. Maybe if I had 4 kids, my opportunities would be more limited, but I don't, I have one, not gonna apologize for that either.

Why would I be shocked that you went to college? I went to public school and went to college as well. Right before I joined the Army, so yeah, I know what its like to work, thank you very much.

I have already checked with the private school that my son would go to if we decided to stop homeschooling and they would allow him to try our for/join any of the sports teams or fine arts groups. So, hate to brake it to you, but yes, he can join any and all of the sports stuff that he wants. I suppose that also offends you..... Sports seasons only last for so long, and it is very easy to schedule trips in between seasons.

Do you think that I have chosen homeschooling on a whim, without thoroughly researching my options??? Or is that just what you assume??

Did I say I felt sorry for you? (This is a serious question) If I did, sorry. I generally don't feel sorry for people who have made their own decisions in life and therefere are where they are b/c of their own merit. If you love your life, great. I think that should be everyone's goal in life...do what makes you happy. And that's what I plan on doing, again, sorry that it is so offensive to you.

I'm not sure what to even make of the rest of your ramblings??? New moon?? I'm a Christian, not a pagan, if that's what you were getting at?? I like staying home with my son, it gives me pleasure and purpose. I like having a roof over my head and going out to eat whenever I want as well...DH going to work gives us the means to do that. I like that I will be raising a child who will be working for a better tomorrow. I also like that when I get a job after my kids are gone, that I'll be working to ensure the National Security of my country. Are we in a pee contest here????

Actually, I lived in GA for many years, my parents still do. I actually lived in the Olympic Village (where the athletes lived while in town) during college. My Spanish teacher went down and volunteered her services as a translator. I'm sure you didn't know this, but there is a great need for volunteers who know foreign languages to help people get around (if they need the service). SHe was able to attend many of the events for free b/c she accompanied the people who needed her. Just one of the many instances where knowing Chinese would be cool. No, you can't talk to the athletes, but she had many stories to tell of the ordinary people she talked to and shared stories with....

I never made any of the comments that I made to brag, or to say I was better. I INITIALLY made them b/c I was answering the question at hand. I have only responded negatively towards you b/c for some reason you have some kind of bitterness toward me and my lifestyle. I don't think there is anything wrong with not wanting to be typical. The "typical" American carries like $10,000 worth of CC debt and can't name the first 5 Presidents of their OWN COUNTRY. America is 23rd or 24th (can't remember) in tHE WORLD when it comes to math, that's where being a typical American is getting us.

I never said that there was anything WRONG with the way you have chosen to live your life. I just said that I want to be different. I still can't figure out why you feel the need to post so much on a "Why do you homeschool?" thread, when you in fact DO NOT homeschool? I refuse to waste my time and get into the mud with you. You can reply all you want, but I'm sorry, I will be ignoring you.

 

[LisaR]

I like homeschoolers just fine and I understand it. Really I do get it. It's not for me but it's for you.

But I get really annoyed when someone tells me how sorry they are for me and my life choices. I especially loved the rolling eyes with the pat on the head for the poor public school lady. Really, really annoyed.

Please answer this question and please answer it honestly:

Why did you post on this thread? The title is "Why do YOU homeschool." YOU don't. If you wanted to read it for general information, fine. But why post when you are opposed to it? The title wasn't "are you in favor of homeschooling." If you didn't come here to start problems, why post at all when this doesn't pertain to you? Let me guess. You won't bother answering this question, will you?

 

[Karel]

Hate to break it to you but you are wrong. Just because you don't know about something doesn't mean it doesn't exist. There are plenty of opportunities for HS'ers to participate in team sports.
I will only address the situation in my area. Now to address high school level team sports.... here the easiest option is to play for on one of the home-school organizations teams. While there are a few organizations that are home-school specific there are several teams that participate in the "regular" organizations that are made up of private schools and the smaller high schools.As for your last snarky little comment there... hate to break it to you but time management is a part of life, not social engeneering. Public schoolers and their parents aren't the only ones who have to manage their time.I won't even address the rest of your post, as my comments would probably get me banned from the DIS for life.

There are no home school sports organizations here and there are no homeschoolers on our ms/hs teams. Maybe they can go to the private school teams but those teams are even more competitive then our HS. Everybody is welcome on our town teams but we have small town and town teams die out about 6th grade.

As for the time management comment, that was directed at the 'my kid will have more time to play sports because yours will have homework.'

 

[Karel]

I really still feel like you have a problem with me. I have absolutely no clue what I did to you. If you're referring to the rolling eyes in my sig, it has nothing to do with your posts, so chill. And if you interpreted what I said as a pat on the back, please don't. People that insult my parenting and religious choices get zero pats on the back from me. You've been repeatedly and increasingly rude in this thread, and I'm over it. I'm not sorry for you and your life choices in the least, unless you're unhappy with them. Then I'd suggest some changes. Otherwise, if you aren't up in my face, I'm really a live and let live kind of person.

I have no problem with you and everything I said has no relation to what you said. I was offended by Princess Michelle's comments. I have gone back and edited out my one post. It was a direct response to her comments and no one else's.

Contrary to popular belief at this moment, I do enjoy talking about the different aspects of education. I have totally changed my views of homeschooling in the past 15 years. I actually have several friends who home school.

I let my anger get the best of me and I regret it.

 

[sha_lyn]

There are no home school sports organizations here and there are no homeschoolers on our ms/hs teams. Maybe they can go to the private school teams but those teams are even more competitive then our HS. Everybody is welcome on our town teams but we have small town and town teams die out about 6th grade.

So are the following figments of my imagination? I'm including sports organizations (or organizations that include sports are part of what they offer) in all of NJ
http://clepprep.tripod.com/njhomeschoolsports/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCSAA_New_Jersey/
http://www.gcchsa.org/ssi_splash.shtml
http://www.njhsa.net

Found all of those in about 90 seconds of searching.

 

[lori1043]

WOW-- this is a game no one will win. We can all debate and argue and be mean, but there is NO right way or wrong way. There could be debates about the pros and cons of HS and PS and Private School too-it is all a wash.
THANKFULLY, our founding fathers fought for us to have freedom to make our own choices. YAY!! I am THANKFUL for them!!! AND YAY!!! FOR US!!!

Lori

 

[Nikel]

I have no problem with you and everything I said has no relation to what you said. I was offended by Princess Michelle's comments. I have gone back and edited out my one post. It was a direct response to her comments and no one else's.

Contrary to popular belief at this moment, I do enjoy talking about the different aspects of education. I have totally changed my views of homeschooling in the past 15 years. I actually have several friends who home school.

I let my anger get the best of me and I regret it.

Thank you for that.

 

[Karel]

Please answer this question and please answer it honestly:

Why did you post on this thread? The title is "Why do YOU homeschool." YOU don't. If you wanted to read it for general information, fine. But why post when you are opposed to it? The title wasn't "are you in favor of homeschooling." If you didn't come here to start problems, why post at all when this doesn't pertain to you? Let me guess. You won't bother answering this question, will you?

I read all the homeschooling threads because I find it fascinating. I started reading it because I live in a small town with a great school but we have several families that homeschool, one family I've know for 14 years. I could never understand why. Before I moved here, I didn't know anyone who homeschooled. Zip. I've completely changed my views about it and if I had to, I would homeschool. But because I support the belief that public school CAN work, it would be a long way down the list of things I would try before I got to it.

Why do I post? Well, most of the time it's to get more information or to clarify something. Sometimes, like sp. ed. posts, to give the public side. I was interested in Princess Michelle's post as first because I didn't know how anyone could do that much traveling. When my kids were smaller, we had no money and now we have a lot on our schedules. I was also surprised by her views and use of such words as 'typical Americans', boring and mundane lives, and normal.

I guess I'm a typical American who works and sends their kids to public school. Lots and lots of people do this. I was very offended and thought she was being condesending with the whole social engineering thing. As I said, this is my life, I enjoy it, there's nothing for her to pity me for.

I don't think I ever said I was opposed to homeschooling. As an employee of the town's Public Library, I suggested to the Director that we start assembling a home schooling collection for our patrons.

 

[tiggersmom2]

I do not homeschool my oldest son, he is almost 14 and is happily ensconced it a private school. I DO homeschool my 5 year old. He missed the cut off for kindergarten by a few days and pre-school was just.....useless.

He can read already and do subtraction, addition, count by 1's, 2's, 4's, 5's and 10's and he can tell you every planet in the solar system and their moons...the list goes on and on. Pre-K was just....a waste of our time. My child will benefit more from my instruction and guidance than from the glorified "babysitters" at our Pre-K.

 

[Karel]

So are the following figments of my imagination? I'm including sports organizations (or organizations that include sports are part of what they offer) in all of NJ
http://clepprep.tripod.com/njhomeschoolsports/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCSAA_New_Jersey/
http://www.gcchsa.org/ssi_splash.shtml
http://www.njhsa.net

Found all of those in about 90 seconds of searching.

The top two appear to be the same site, unless I keep clicking on the same bar each time. There are 5 teams in this area that cover basketball, track, baseball and softball. All the other teams are at least a half hour away. There are 21 counties in NJ, and it looked like maybe six were represented, but I really didn't count. I couldn't tell how active they were. There were no links for the teams. There was no soccer, football, or ultimate frisbee.

The third link is a message board for homeschool sports in NJ with no messages.

The other two sites were homeschool associations and I didn't see any links for sports. There is going to be Homeschool day at Liberty Science Center on Sept. 26, if anyone lives up that way.

 

[sha_lyn]

No the first 2 aren't the same group.

Many message groups set to hide messages from non members.

As for the 2 association, both list sports as part of their activities in the "adds" on homeschool resource sites.

As for 1/2 hour away, so they are in your area then. Just because you wouldn't consider driving 30 doesn't mean that others feel the same. I had to drive about that far for DD to play basketball and volleyball with one of our local associations. In the HS community I guess we are just used to having to drive sometimes since we are all spread out.

 

[meandtheguys2]

Actually, I do have some questions about homeschooling. And they're directly linked to the concept of separation of school from home or work from home. How do you separate teacher/mommy from mommy/mommy? Is there a difference? Should there be one? Also, do you have a separate area that signifies "learning in progress" as opposed to a family room which may be used for other purposes? Are they intertwined? Does it work if they are? And lastly, how do you separate learning time from playing time? Is it a conjoined theory of learning/playing or does one naturally separate from the other?

I can't answer for anyone else, but we do our basic lessons in the early a.m. This is probably as close as I get to "teacher/mom." These include math, spelling, grammar, latin/greek, writing, lit and french. With the exception of lit, we pretty much just plow through these. It generally takes about 3 hours. We work in the kitchen even though, I technically have a schoolroom. Our kitchen is the center of our home, and I am able to "attempt" to stay on top of cooking and laundry up there!

Afternoons are filled with the other stuff. History, science, art, music, meals, volunteering, etc. So, the afternoons may combine play and work. There is usually time to stick to one project for several hours at least a couple of times a week. Last Friday, my oldest spent his spare time writing a song for his recital. Middle is studying birds and we were making bird feeders, suet cakes, etc., for the rest of the fall, and DS8 was making his solar plant growing box (it is too early to remember the real name for it!) So, that was kind of a work/play afternoon.

I guess, that most of the time, I am just "mom." Mom's are teaching their kids from birth on up, so it isn't much different from when they were little, and teaching their abc's. The subjects just become more interesting.

OP, ftr, i didn't say YOU were odd and judgemental, merely your statement. I guess I am not accustomed to telling other people what their choices should be, and would be offended if any of my friends did so to me. An open mind is a good thing. Just because most peple do something one way or another doesn't make it right or best for everyone, and sometimes it isn't best for anyone (smoking, for example.) I think it is truly sad when people can't see past their own world. I am grateful that my friends, whether they HS, PS or Private are not the type of people to judge others based on such shallow grounds.