Is Home Schooling really a viable option today?

[Neauxbunny]

That is one of my biggest concerns about home schooling - parents think little Fred is a genius and gifted and coddle him and control his schooling.

Then little Fred gets one puck of a reality check when he hits the real world/non home schooling.

Most homeschooling parents I have met do not dwell on "gifted" or "advanced" classes. As homeschoolers, they move quickly through courses and are not concerned with the stigma attached with the entire "gifted" mindset of public-school parents.

 

[dunelover]

This is a very interesting conversation! I was wondering if some of this might be perspective - as scooterbug and others mentioned, a lack of arts, accelerated classes, etc. I'm also interested in hearing more about the reasons outside of that. My biggest concern wouldn't be so much relating to other people, rather being able to handle different situations, both good AND bad. I'd worry about kids being unequipped to handle situations that deal with negative aspects of the world (bullying, conflict, etc.) as well as worrying about "street smarts".


BTW, I loved the "They're no baby Einsteins" article - I've been reading a lot about the "millenial" generation, as both HR and management at my company have been struggling with the idea of a generation of kids that are so convinced that they're special and wonderful that they fail spectacularly at good old fashioned hard work.

I really think kids are exposed to those situations anywhere they go with a group of kids. The bullying, conflict and such can happen at church, sports or just w/in a family. We experienced conflict tonight between the kids w/ a church group at our house. I think as long as we don't keep them in a "homeschool bubble" they will experience much of the same as those in school. One thing I am enjoying about my kids all being home together is that they spend more time together. They have time to play with eachother, fight with eachother, and even help/teach eachother. It is truly great to see.

The issues/concerns raised by those who don't educate their children at home or have a close relationship with someone who does seem to be universal.

The issue of "socialization" seems to always be one of the first to be asked. After years of personal experience my belief is that children who are educated outside of an institutional setting are very adept socially. For some reason interacting with adults (parents and otherwise) in a conversational manner on a daily basis encourages children to become comfortable expressing themselves. Additionally we provide our children with ample "play" time with other children, as most home educators do. I heard recently on NPR that psychologist's now believe that it is the lack of "unstructured" play time that is causing the most developmental problems with children. How much unstructured play time is afforded to regular school children with the endless demands they face? My daughter who attends public school has much less "free" time available than either of her siblings who are educated at home.

Bob, I totally agree. For those of you that don't know, what Bob is describing is part of the Charlotte Mason Theory of homeschooling. I am not saying that is what Bob is following, but unstructured play and exploring is a big part of her method. We don't follow that method although parts of her ideas are in our curriculum. For instance, we have part of a day for exploring. We go outside and explore (can't wait to do this in Florida). We look for interesting things and observe them, and sketch them in our "nature notebook". We may then go inside and research a name of a plant or animal. We observed a clump of grass w/ roots and dirt attached last week. We then discussed the roles of the soil from feeding the roots, to erosion protection. I also think this free time is greatly needed for kids to explore their own imagination.

I teach for a unique arts program at a university - I have classes of children from public school as well as homeschool classes. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical before I taught my first class with homeschoolers (about two years ago), but have since changed my tune. Most of the homeschool parents I have personally encountered are very highly educated, and they are very organized. Many have formed regular subject-specific study groups and seek out the best community resources. Some of my students are currently at a national homeschool sports conference. I think, if done correctly, it is a viable option. The parents on this thread seem like the kind who are very responsible and resourceful in their home education.

I like my homeschool classes because they are generally very serious students who will take notes on the art historical period, artist, vocabulary words (without complaint), and come to class prepared and eager to learn. I allow them to arrange their own still-life setups in groups because they work well in small cooperative groups. My only concern, sometimes, is them becoming accustomed to a traditional classroom setting when they come to do more structured activities, and when they go to college. Some of my particular students are so accustomed to conversing with adults (and more informal learning environments) that they have to be gently reminded not to interrupt and talk over me while I am demonstrating, sharing, instructing. Overall, though; I think that it is possible that homeschooling could provide just the right blend of structured and unstructured play times. I agree with some of the above comments that so many kids just don't seem to have time to just play - especially outside. I am so happy to teach art to children but am saddened when some have been in school all day, come to art class, then go straight to tennis and gymnastics, then homework and projects, etc. etc....

I also think there are so many wonderful schools and teachers. So much of public school is what you make of it, and depends on supportive involvement of active parents. There are advantages and disadvantages related to either choice. I have many good public school students whom have obviously had excellent instruction. And most of my family are dedicated public school educators whom I am really proud of.

Anyway, my two cents worth.....

Nice to hear your perspective. Art is my daughters passion, If you are in Sowal you will have to let me know where you teach so we can eventually look you up.

Yes, it is most definitely a parent issue. :roll: I was just concerned that it could be an issue if said delusional parents are now the sole educators of their kids without competition/exposure to other kids to disprove it.

I am not trying to knock homeschooling, I am just trying to find out why it's a better choice for some people - if the schools aren't providing a good education, safety issues, curriculum etc.

Are my kids going to be SOL on the basic education front because Mom & Dad both work and Sowal schools aren't good?

So far I've heard that you can tailor the curriculum to your kid's specific needs, add in subjects like foreign languages that aren't available at school, improve your relationship w/ your kid, and keep them away from the bad influences at school (which if you are socializing them through sports and extra curriculars becomes a moot point IMO).

Scooterbug, you are probably most interested in the reports of parents in your area. I am sorry, I am not one of those. Yes, I think many schools have problems w/ the things you mentioned. But for some of us even if we could send our kids to the best private school around, we would still make the same choice to homeschool. Given the fact that you are showing an interest in your kids education, I imagine they will do fine. Involved parents are a huge part of their child's success. I think you also mentioned something else that is key. The fact that so many families have to be dual income providers is a huge prohibitor for homeschooling. It is a much tougher choice to say, "I am now going to quit my job and teach my kids". Luckily for me, I chose to stay home when mine were born. So the transfer to become a teacher wasn't as difficult.

 

[Goddessgal]

Dunelover, all very thoughtful posts. I would love to meet you and your daughter someday. I'm currently in Texas, but maybe we'll meet up in SoWal sometime! In the meantime, my best advice would be to continue to nurture and appreciate her talents and just keep her drawing often. I love your days of exploring - it makes me want to go outside and play! That is definitely one of the best examples of the enriching possibilities of homeschool. It may not be for everyone, but it seems evident that it is very right for you! You obviously put a lot of thought into your research and curriculum.

Cheers!