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02/01/2007 08:08:10 PM · #26 |
My kids are all in public school...but I've wondered how a family could afford it! Unless the husband (or wife) makes good money it seems like it would be impossible! I had considered it with my youngest...he 'hates' schhool....always has. Of course there's always that stigma in the back of my head too.....the home schooled kid that I grew up around were....well...odd. Not a couple...but all of them! And the ones that I knew were from 'very' religious households. (I lived in a very small rural area, approx 2200 people)
But I have to say....knowing what I know and seeing what I've seen...homeschooling sounds better every day...but again....I couldn't afford to quit my job!
Anyhow I'm enjoying reading the different things in this thread....it's an eye opener!
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02/01/2007 08:36:59 PM · #27 |
I have to say I don't think I would have been very happy had I been home schooled... I was one of those who wasn't particularly challenged in school I guess, and typically just floated along doing the bare minimum of work and getting pretty decent grades (well, what I considered decent enough, at least). Not that I dislike my parents or anything, but it was good to get away I think. My parents (particularly my Mom) were always pretty involved with my schools and education in general, and set pretty high standards (which I met with ease, but great resistance). Would my education have been better if I'd been homeschooled? In an academic sense, almost certainly, but I'm really not sure the end result would have been better (I'm reasonably happy with who I am), and I'm sure I would have enjoyed it less. I firmly believe there are a lot of important things I learned in the school environment that I would likely have missed out on otherwise. They may not exactly be the things that a parent wants a child to learn, but I think they are important all the same. School allowed me to learn from a wide variety of sources, and to operate on a greater level of independance from my parents. It may sound kinda bad, but it is a division of authority that allowed me to efficiently manage more of my life (ie it's a lot easier to do things your own way when the teacher who assigns your homework or gives you detention doesn't also cook your supper, have a say on your after school activities, etc). Now, I'm a bit of a "If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger" sort, and what worked for me surely isn't the answer for everyone. There is a definitely a time and a place for home schooling, but I think there are a lot of intangibles learned in a conventional school environment that are very easy to overlook, and often difficult to identify. I'm sure my hackey-sack skills and affinity for punk rock that I picked up on many a fine afternoon cutting class in high school aren't high on every parent's wish list either, but to me these were, and are, important bits of my life and the person I am today.
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02/01/2007 08:51:01 PM · #28 |
Originally posted by jduffett:
I have to say I don't think I would have been very happy had I been home schooled... I was one of those who wasn't particularly challenged in school I guess, and typically just floated along doing the bare minimum of work and getting pretty decent grades (well, what I considered decent enough, at least). Not that I dislike my parents or anything, but it was good to get away I think. My parents (particularly my Mom) were always pretty involved with my schools and education in general, and set pretty high standards (which I met with ease, but great resistance). Would my education have been better if I'd been homeschooled? In an academic sense, almost certainly, but I'm really not sure the end result would have been better (I'm reasonably happy with who I am), and I'm sure I would have enjoyed it less. I firmly believe there are a lot of important things I learned in the school environment that I would likely have missed out on otherwise. They may not exactly be the things that a parent wants a child to learn, but I think they are important all the same. School allowed me to learn from a wide variety of sources, and to operate on a greater level of independance from my parents. It may sound kinda bad, but it is a division of authority that allowed me to efficiently manage more of my life (ie it's a lot easier to do things your own way when the teacher who assigns your homework or gives you detention doesn't also cook your supper, have a say on your after school activities, etc). Now, I'm a bit of a "If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger" sort, and what worked for me surely isn't the answer for everyone. There is a definitely a time and a place for home schooling, but I think there are a lot of intangibles learned in a conventional school environment that are very easy to overlook, and often difficult to identify. I'm sure my hackey-sack skills and affinity for punk rock that I picked up on many a fine afternoon cutting class in high school aren't high on every parent's wish list either, but to me these were, and are, important bits of my life and the person I am today. |
I get where you're coming from but it sounds as if your school experience wasn't all that bad. especially where "what doesnt kill you make you stronger" comes in. Due to relentless bullying I litterally tried to kill myself more than once. I cut the crap out of myself hundreds of times, and was bullemic to please the masses, destroying and losing teeth, and causing more issues than I care to mention. not everything makes you stronger. Not to assume my kids will be bullied the same way. you just never know. and my kids barring some unforseeable change in our lives won't be poor like I was so that will help them. knowing my daughters personality she'd probably be the popular girl. but I don't really want her to BE the snotty bully either. all this being a moot point as she most likely will be in public school soon anyway. |
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02/01/2007 08:51:58 PM · #29 |
Originally posted by jaded_youth:
Originally posted by jduffett:
I have to say I don't think I would have been very happy had I been home schooled... I was one of those who wasn't particularly challenged in school I guess, and typically just floated along doing the bare minimum of work and getting pretty decent grades (well, what I considered decent enough, at least). Not that I dislike my parents or anything, but it was good to get away I think. My parents (particularly my Mom) were always pretty involved with my schools and education in general, and set pretty high standards (which I met with ease, but great resistance). Would my education have been better if I'd been homeschooled? In an academic sense, almost certainly, but I'm really not sure the end result would have been better (I'm reasonably happy with who I am), and I'm sure I would have enjoyed it less. I firmly believe there are a lot of important things I learned in the school environment that I would likely have missed out on otherwise. They may not exactly be the things that a parent wants a child to learn, but I think they are important all the same. School allowed me to learn from a wide variety of sources, and to operate on a greater level of independance from my parents. It may sound kinda bad, but it is a division of authority that allowed me to efficiently manage more of my life (ie it's a lot easier to do things your own way when the teacher who assigns your homework or gives you detention doesn't also cook your supper, have a say on your after school activities, etc). Now, I'm a bit of a "If it doesn't kill you it makes you stronger" sort, and what worked for me surely isn't the answer for everyone. There is a definitely a time and a place for home schooling, but I think there are a lot of intangibles learned in a conventional school environment that are very easy to overlook, and often difficult to identify. I'm sure my hackey-sack skills and affinity for punk rock that I picked up on many a fine afternoon cutting class in high school aren't high on every parent's wish list either, but to me these were, and are, important bits of my life and the person I am today. |
I get where you're coming from but it sounds as if your school experience wasn't all that bad. especially where "what doesnt kill you make you stronger" comes in. Due to relentless bullying I litterally tried to kill myself more than once. I cut the crap out of myself hundreds of times, and was bullemic to please the masses, destroying and losing teeth, and causing more issues than I care to mention. not everything makes you stronger. Not to assume my kids will be bullied the same way. you just never know. and my kids barring some unforseeable change in our lives won't be poor like I was so that will help them. knowing my daughters personality she'd probably be the popular girl. but I don't really want her to BE the snotty bully either. all this being a moot point as she most likely will be in public school soon anyway. |
A depressed home schooled kid with no friends might be tempted to kill themselves also.... They could also end up fat and lazy.
Sorry to point out bad things!
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02/01/2007 08:52:35 PM · #30 |
I have much respect for people who manage to home-school their kids successfully.
I was trained as Early Childhood Teacher in Australia (which includes teaching kindergarten, preschool and primary school), but I could not manage to home school my girls. They would drive me insane and the whole thing would be a total disaster.
I guess I'm a lousy mother and teacher, at least when it comes to teaching my own kids :-( |
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02/01/2007 08:54:37 PM · #31 |
| Dude..being homeschooled doesn't make you depressed. you still have friends and activities. and I was fat and lazy IN school. Doesnt make much of a difference. |
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02/01/2007 08:54:51 PM · #32 |
Originally posted by Beetle:
I have much respect for people who manage to home-school their kids successfully.
I was trained as Early Childhood Teacher in Australia (which includes teaching kindergarten, preschool and primary school), but I could not manage to home school my girls. They would drive me insane and the whole thing would be a total disaster.
I guess I'm a lousy mother and teacher, at least when it comes to teaching my own kids :-( |
Not everyones a teacher. You might be better at applying what you know then passing it on. This might make you a bad teacher but thats nothing to be ashamed of. That makes u a sucessful Do'er.
Don't beat yourself up on the parenting you still have years to go on that.
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02/01/2007 08:56:20 PM · #33 |
Originally posted by jaded_youth:
Dude..being homeschooled doesn't make you depressed. you still have friends and activities. and I was fat and lazy IN school. Doesnt make much of a difference. |
Heh depression has all kinds of causes. And it might not be the direct cause of not having friends. But someone with a social disorder might have a betetr chance in school or a hard way either way.
Kids active in church youth groups have a very active social life. I wish i was still in one. Maybe its time for me to particpate in leadership activities... nah i hate kids lol.
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02/01/2007 08:58:14 PM · #34 |
A point that has been touched on, and probably needs to be said again, is that homeschooling is a very personal, individual decision. Not only on a family by family basis, but a child by child basis, and a year by year basis. I did very well in the public school. My husband went to a private school.
There are so many varibles that it is impossible to say one way is the best way for everyone. For some parents, Beetle's concern (about teaching her girls and maintaining sanity, not whether or not she is a good mother, that is neither here nor there) is a very valid and legitimate one, in that it is not the role some parents want/can play. Not being able to "teach" your children does NOT in any form or fashion make you a bad parent. Conversely, being able to teach them doesn't guarantee you are a good one either. :) That issue was also one that I dealt with when we first started teaching Travis at home. One day, though, he made the association that I was a teacher like Mrs. Lanning, his cousin's teacher, and things have gone much smoother.
Likewise, Jaded's concern is echoed amongst many homeschoolers. I think the best thing is to know why you are doing what you are doing and believe in it.
I read of one homeschool family that had five children. One of them was homeschooled all day long. One went to a private school and one went to a public school. One did a combo of private and homeschool and the other did a combo of public and homeschool. The mother said it was indeed a logistical nightmare, but she felt confident that each child was getting what they needed the best, be it academics, socialization, athletics, etc.
Message edited by author 2007-02-01 21:01:00. |
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02/01/2007 09:10:10 PM · #35 |
Originally posted by jaded_youth:
I get where you're coming from but it sounds as if your school experience wasn't all that bad. especially where "what doesnt kill you make you stronger" comes in. Due to relentless bullying I litterally tried to kill myself more than once. I cut the crap out of myself hundreds of times, and was bullemic to please the masses, destroying and losing teeth, and causing more issues than I care to mention. not everything makes you stronger. Not to assume my kids will be bullied the same way. you just never know. and my kids barring some unforseeable change in our lives won't be poor like I was so that will help them. knowing my daughters personality she'd probably be the popular girl. but I don't really want her to BE the snotty bully either. all this being a moot point as she most likely will be in public school soon anyway. |
Fair enough, I don't think my school experience was bad at all. Everyone, and everyone's situation, is different. That said, I'm not certain that home schooling is a perfect answer to the bullying issue either. I was bullied some, so I also know where you are coming from, but I'm not really one to let it affect me, so my perspective may be a little different. Absolutely, there are situations where home schooling is the right thing, but I think it is a tricky thing to get right.
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02/01/2007 09:13:07 PM · #36 |
| I went to Columbine High School before home schooling and it was so freakin screwed up I would have been better off dropping out than staying in school there. So in my opinion the school choice has alot to do with it as well. There are some school districts that are just screwed up. Can't afford math books because we have to buy the football team a new stadium. That sort of thing really goes on. |
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02/01/2007 09:23:23 PM · #37 |
Originally posted by boomtap:
I went to Columbine High School before home schooling and it was so freakin screwed up I would have been better off dropping out than staying in school there. So in my opinion the school choice has alot to do with it as well. There are some school districts that are just screwed up. Can't afford math books because we have to buy the football team a new stadium. That sort of thing really goes on. |
Heh ive got a worse one then math books.
We have two problems 1 trespassers, 2 A leaky roof.
They picked spending the roof money on very expensive equipment and training, and photographers to make an ID badge system that the students had to wear.
2 Month's Later Parts of the roof start caving in on the kid's. The Students immediatly all stopped wearing the badges in protest.... they cant suspend everyone but we can close the school down. Teachers followed 2 weeks later in the ID Badge protest.
The prinicpal was fired and a year later so was the brand new superintendant of the county. The roof got fixed.
ID Badges for students saftey versus a roof thats falling in?
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02/01/2007 10:52:45 PM · #38 |
The year before last at my middle school they had to have school in a church because the roof leaked and got so moldy that it was condemed. lol
Message edited by author 2007-02-01 22:53:10. |
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02/01/2007 10:58:13 PM · #39 |
Originally posted by "scarbrd":
What is the main driver for wanting to home school? I know several people that home school. They all give the pat answers, quality of education, time with the kids, 1 on 1 instruction, etc. But almost all of these people, some very dear friends, are all fundalmentalist Christains. While not wanting to admit it, I think for most of them it is a Creation vs. Evolution thing. |
First off, I think it's a sad state of our educational system that such discussions are restricted.
As for me personally, why I want to home school? In 6th grade we were assigned a book to read. The teacher told me I should like it because it's a science fiction story, and he knows that I like science fiction. It was called "Fat Men from Outer Space". Now realize that by 3rd grade I had already started reading Robert Heinlein, and in the 4th grade I was reading Tolkien, Aasimov and many other greats.
In 7th grade I attended a special school that let me work at my own pace. I started with the 7th grade. By the end of one year my lowest grade level was 9th. All my other course were at 10th thru 12th with most toward the latter.
Where could I have been if I was allowed, and facilitated, to work at my own pace my entire education? I'm not a genius, but I was quite a bit above average (144 IQ). My wife is likewise smart, if not smarter than I am. The odds are that our child will be likewise. To put our child in public school would be to condemn them to boredom, and to fail them. I have struggled in life because my education seldom challenged me until too late. And then, I did not have the proper habits built up. I won't let my children experience the same.
As it is, I skipped 8th grade. And could have easily graduated my junior year had I chosen too. My senior year entailed a single English class, 2 electives, and 4 study halls.
Most schools are solely focused on the accumulation of facts, few schools teach kids to learn, let alone to enjoy learning.
Originally posted by "Spazmo99":
Dude, if we had a policy like that, public school would be a strong consideration. college is expensive. :) |
If my district had a policy like that, they would face a lawsuit when my kid was 16. If my kid tested well and above the average then I would want him granted tuition as well. Especially, since it usually costs $4,000+ per pupil in public schools and the fact that we pay taxes and do not benefit. |
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02/01/2007 11:11:46 PM · #40 |
Originally posted by rainmotorsports:
A depressed home schooled kid with no friends might be tempted to kill themselves also.... They could also end up fat and lazy.
Sorry to point out bad things! |
Considering how mean most kids are in public schools. And how unfair and injust public schools tend to be. Many times bullies run around unpunished because their parents are bullies too. And the schools to afraid to discipline them. Meanwhile, the kid getting bullied and suspended for fighting (even though they didn't do anything) gets spanked. The bully doesn't.
Which kid is in more jeopardy? Which kid is more depressed? Nah...I was much less depressed when I home schooled for a few weeks.
I finished all of my schoolwork usually by 1pm, sometimes by 11:30. And had more free time. Even though my studies were harder.
Why? Because I could move at my own pace and not wait for the other 20 children....
The crap that goes on at public schools is inexcusable. If you think a home schooled child is in more danger than a public school child than I wonder if you know what goes on in most public schools.
I personally had a teacher make fun of my speech impediment. How depressing do you think it is to have all the kids in the school making fun of you for months because the teacher did. Dealing with stupid cliques. Having textbooks or other objects thrown at you. Being threated, beat down, etc because of the color of your skin.
Really, was writing "I will not do such and such" 100,000 times in 5th and 6th grade any better.
I think not....NOPE...
Besides, teachers are luckier that I am going to home school. Because if a teacher every gave me the pop-off answers I had to deal with like "It always takes two to start a fight." and that's why your child is being suspended. He'd find a whole world of hurt coming to him...cause I am going to clock him. Then I'll stand before the judge. Play back his own words (I will not go into a parent/teacher conference with out a voice recorer.) And I will tell that judge I don't care what sentence he gives me. He can give me life in prison! So long as he gives that teacher the same. Because he is equally guilty, it takes two to start a fight.
That's the crud that I had to deal with in public school. No thank you....I was depressed by age 10. |
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02/01/2007 11:25:17 PM · #41 |
| I have been homeschooled my whole school life and am a senior this year and finishing highschool at our community college, under Minnesota's PSEO (post-secondary-education-option) program. I am very pleased with my homeschooling and it has prepared me very well for college! I currently have an A average. |
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02/01/2007 11:38:03 PM · #42 |
Originally posted by mnphotoblogger:
I have been homeschooled my whole school life and am a senior this year and finishing highschool at our community college, under Minnesota's PSEO (post-secondary-education-option) program. I am very pleased with my homeschooling and it has prepared me very well for college! I currently have an A average. |
That's awesome! Keep it up!
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02/01/2007 11:39:11 PM · #43 |
Originally posted by theSaj:
Originally posted by rainmotorsports:
A depressed home schooled kid with no friends might be tempted to kill themselves also.... They could also end up fat and lazy.
Sorry to point out bad things! |
Considering how mean most kids are in public schools. And how unfair and injust public schools tend to be. |
Okay I can understand you had a bad experience. Do you think that 51% of 3,000 kids you went to school with were mean. Did you even meet more then 900 of those say 3000.
I was picked on and teased for years, In 5th grade i took my first stand and knocked Thomas meridith out. 8th grade I took a second stand when a kid took my back back and knocked me over with it. I then used my locker door to repeaditly beat his head.
From First Grade to 11th Grade Ive been beat up for all kidns of reasons by both guys and girls. Now both times i defended myself i was looked at as the bully... yeah thmoas beeting me up for three years yeah im the bad kid. Heh his parents actually pulle dhim out of our school district after that.
I was picked on teased and beat up. Things pointed out, how i am in stupid classes, my unibrow, how i walk, that i never had a girl firend and all my friends are girls, the list doesnt end. I had to carry a laptop to school because i was unable to write with my own hand.
I was diagnoised with ADHD, OCD and Seperation anxiety. In the end it turns out I actually have Asperger's syndrom which has characateristics of all of those also and how i walk slightly funny.
I've been picked on and teased and other then becoming slightly excesive to defend myself. I've always been there for my friend, I loaned my car to my bestfriends boyfriend so that they could keep their apartment. Got it back 3 months later. I dont see myself as mean although i come off as a complete ass.
Outside of that i grew up in the semi harsh environent of school and im glad i did.
You know what those mean people while i don't think as many of them are mean like you think. Theyre still alive. You work with them, you sit down next to them. You deal with them their either your customers or you maybe theirs. You drive down the street with them, you even live next to them.
If you are unprepared to deal with those people by having grown up and dealt with them then you will be unable to deal with them as an adult. You will have had little experience with walking away, or standing up. You will have little experience in keeping yourself calm and trying to satisfy a complaining customer or neighbor.
Good and Bad experiences have destroyed people in all kind sof ways. But all sucessful people at some point in time have had bad experiences that taught them how to get through a situation. How to live through certain parts of life. Or when to take a detour go around avoid this or that.
Now if your mom or dad can teach you about these situations without you ever meeting them then i congratulkate them on being good teachers and you on being a good student. But theres no way someoens gonna take it all in like a robot and know how to respond.
On the flip side that teacher doesnt represent the 65 Billion people on this planet. that teacher needs to be fired... maybe even shot a couple of times. Let them to a tracheotomy so they talk different.
Message edited by author 2007-02-01 23:40:31. |
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02/02/2007 12:16:20 AM · #44 |
| I am a little disapointed that I only get 6's on DPC. Home School did not prepare me for the riggors of the ultimate photography website. |
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02/02/2007 12:18:35 AM · #45 |
Originally posted by boomtap:
I am a little disapointed that I only get 6's on DPC. Home School did not prepare me for the riggors of the ultimate photography website. |
No your mom just did a very bad job in Photography I II, and III. It's okay you can take the courses again in college. But the brownie cam got upgraded youll be using D200's!
My sad high of a 4.8 was taken with a camera phone well atleast it was 1.3 MP and had white balance control! |
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02/02/2007 12:25:57 AM · #46 |
Originally posted by rainmotorsports:
Okay I can understand you had a bad experience. Do you think that 51% of 3,000 kids you went to school with were mean. |
I can't speak for theSaj but shortly after I graduated my high school installed metal detectors and screened everyone like they do at the airports nowadays. Good thing too since many students were packing during my time there.
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02/02/2007 12:27:48 AM · #47 |
I honestly decided to become a teacher recently because I wanted to help the public school system rather than just complain about it. I took a 2/3 pay cut, and put myself back in college to get my license. I have to say that it is great to be able to actually be in the school where you can stop the bullying and keep an eye on things. It only takes a couple people that care at each school to make a diffrence and change the way things are handled. Most of the teachers care, but just become numb to it. Some don't want to mess with the discipline outside the class because they are bitter about low pay.
I like home schools, but I also like the idea of just getting a grip on the school system and making it the type of place that people would like to send their kids. |
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02/02/2007 12:30:41 AM · #48 |
Originally posted by yanko:
Originally posted by rainmotorsports:
Okay I can understand you had a bad experience. Do you think that 51% of 3,000 kids you went to school with were mean. |
I can't speak for theSaj but shortly after I graduated my high school installed metal detectors and screened everyone like they do at the airports nowadays. Good thing too since many students were packing during my time there. |
OKay but your werent packing? Was your bestfriend packing? Was your SO packing.... was atleast 9 of the 10 kids at your lunch table not packing. Just cause 2 out of 3,000 kids is packing doesnt make eevryone a stone cold killer lol. Or a wannabe punk who accidently blew his genitals off last year. |
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02/02/2007 12:32:25 AM · #49 |
Originally posted by boomtap:
I honestly decided to become a teacher recently because I wanted to help the public school system rather than just complain about it. I took a 2/3 pay cut, and put myself back in college to get my license. I have to say that it is great to be able to actually be in the school where you can stop the bullying and keep an eye on things. It only takes a couple people that care at each school to make a diffrence and change the way things are handled. Most of the teachers care, but just become numb to it. Some don't want to mess with the discipline outside the class because they are bitter about low pay.
I like home schools, but I also like the idea of just getting a grip on the school system and making it the type of place that people would like to send their kids. |
I hoenstly believe evry school is a bit different. But life seems to have a profile and youll meet the same kind of kids everywhere. This however doesnt make every high school kid or middle schol kid the same but your gonna fidn the same types no matter where you go.
If you can make a difference and live off the money i think you should go for it.
Home Schools have their control.... But put 45 Kids in a House and try to teach them. Your not gonna have alot of luck. |
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02/02/2007 12:48:45 AM · #50 |
Originally posted by rainmotorsports:
Originally posted by yanko:
Originally posted by rainmotorsports:
Okay I can understand you had a bad experience. Do you think that 51% of 3,000 kids you went to school with were mean. |
I can't speak for theSaj but shortly after I graduated my high school installed metal detectors and screened everyone like they do at the airports nowadays. Good thing too since many students were packing during my time there. |
OKay but your werent packing? Was your bestfriend packing? Was your SO packing.... was atleast 9 of the 10 kids at your lunch table not packing. Just cause 2 out of 3,000 kids is packing doesnt make eevryone a stone cold killer lol. Or a wannabe punk who accidently blew his genitals off last year. |
No more than any inner city neighborhood with a gang element I suppose. Oh and no I wasn't packing or my friends but they were jerks though. :P
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