homeschooling

[demon_surfer]

Hey,

Its been quite a while since I have been to the board. But for that one questions i posted in a hurry...sorry to anyone who anwsered that and then got no reply from me. Suffice to say my information was incorrect.

Anyway, I remeber several times people on the Board..in particular GEL talking about home schooling.

Im hoping one of you could point me towards a website, or organization or something where i can get some good advice regarding a girl currently being homeschooled.

Thanks for your reply in advance!

 

[Tom Griffin]

Depends on what you are looking for as to what sites might be of the greatest assistance.

We have homeschooled our girls for now 9 years...it was prety much frowned on when we started but now is much more widely accepted.

We started because our oldest daughter, then in 4th grade, was seemingly always out of place and classed a behavioral problem by her teachers. She turns out to be high function autistic, ready and eager to learn but socially less than fully capable. She graduated last year and is now preparing to enter the workforce for the experience, then to college.

Our second was in second grade when we took them home and will graduate in two years...and we have one just starting now...our first to be homeschooled start to finish.

It is a challenge and takes major effort, but nothing...NOTHING...is more worthwhile. We have complete control over what and how they learn and peer pressure is minimal. Socialization is what most people complain about...but do I really want to have my girls become socialized in the way most public schools offer these days? I thinknot.

 

[aquariumfishguy]

I think home schooling definitely has good sides and bad sides, like any decision you make. Obviously, the fact that the children get one-on-one attention and help with schoolwork in a home environment is a plus. However (and this isn't fact), in some cases children who are home schooled do become social outcasts in the 'adult arena'. Children are going through all kinds of development, and much of that is mentally developing.

This being the case, many children do not learn to interact with other people their age... and do not get me wrong, I am not talking about all children that are home schooled. Many will come out as very friendly, willing to start up conversation, and have lots of friends. This particularly holds true if you lived in a subdivision with lots of kids... then the child could have the option to make friends and have a social environment. BUT - there is that percentage (whatever it may be) of children who aren't around many kids, and whose parents do not make it a priority to have their children interact with others. This is when trouble can occur. This would be the negative side to home schooling IMO.

Personally, I think if you teach your children the right ways of life, stay a role in their life, and/or give them something to believe in, they should do fine in public (or private) schools. If you look at the majority of kids who did drugs/drank heavily when we were in school, I would bet you something was going on in their home life. Sure, kids like to experiment and all, but when you get the drug addicts - turned - special ed., I would start to look at the parents and how that child was reared.

Everything I typed here is opinion, and experiences with my past friends whom were home schooled. None of it should be confused as fact, although some of it is heavily supported by facts/theories.

 

[greeneyedlady]

Yep, that's me, I'm home schooling my 11 year old because the adult's in his middle school had lost control of that oh so wonderful socialization that is supposed to be good for kids
Anyway there are a bunch of websites out there and it depends on what kind of information you are looking for and the age of the child. Also most communities have a home schoolers supposrt group where the adults and kids get together to socialize and make friends. Home schooling has come a long way. Although they do not recommend that you join a support group right off, as it takes time for parents and kids alike to adjust to not being in school if they were ever in public/private school.
Don't get excited AFG private schools can be fine if you have that kind of money, most of us don't. Public schools in some areas are a free for all and that is not a good situation.
I think I mentioned before that my son takes outside sports (socialization) and attends CCD (for the next two years-socialization).
As to how long we will do this that is uncertain at least until he can go to high school, beyond if he wishes.


http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Home.html this is just one site that I found, but NASA has some wonderful science sites out there, like I said depends on the age of the child and what you are trying to find out

 

[aquariumfishguy]

GEL – I want you to know, I really respect your views. However, I wasn’t speaking to anyone in particular, or any situation in particular. I was just sharing my views and opinions. All kids do not suffer from problems related to home schooling, but I think I mentioned that it depends highly on the parents as to how the child does as they age, into the long-term. The problem I see is that not all parents are as involved as you. Many do not give their child the option to attend a public school, which is sad when you actually have a kid who wants to go to a public school.

I think all people should have unique experiences, and that includes going out of the box (by this, I mean experiment with what works best for you). If home schooling works, do it. If not, you always have public schools to fall back on. Also, I think I mentioned the private school option as this à ( ). Obviously, not everyone can afford private schools. And some places do have poor public schools, but there are many outstanding public schools as well. I think most people who plan to have kids also consider the location they live in, and the schools their child will be attending, just as you would look at the neighborhood you live in.