Do you think homeschooling is right or wrong?

Question

Just wondering...

Answer 1

Ok first I'm a homeschool dad and most of the answers are from ignorance and bias. The "socialization" myth is just that a MYTH. Good Lord I wish my children werent so sociable. But I shall give you some links that bust this myth. but first a funny story:

Apparently, the problem with homeschooling is the socialization of children. In the Kolbe Little Home Journal (Fall 2005), there is a brief item called "Homeschooling Family Finds Ways to Adapt to a Public School 'Socialization' Program." Here it is:

"When my wife and I mention we are strongly considering homeschooling our children, we are without fail asked, 'But what about socialization?' Fortunately, we found a way our kids can receive the same socialization that government schools provide. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I will personally corner my son in the bathroom, give him a wedgie and take his lunch money. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, my wife will make sure to tease our children for not being in the 'in' crowd, taking special care to poke fun at any physical abnormalities. Fridays will be 'Fad and Peer Pressure Day.' We will all compete to see who has the coolest toys, the most expensive clothes, and the loudest, fastest, and most dangerous car. Every day, my wife and I will adhere to a routine of cursing and swearing in the hall and mentioning our weekend exploits with alcohol and immorality.... And we have asked them to report us to the authorities in the event we mention faith, religion, or try to bring up morals and values."

So much for socialization!

Answer 2

Homeschooling is the right thing to do when parents have thought it out and feel that it's the right thing to do and are willing to do what they need to for it to be successful.

Homeschooling is the wrong thing to do if parents are not prepared to give the time and attention they need to.

I also think it's wrong to judge homeschooling when you've only got opinions about it. It is NOT social skills that determine how successful a person is in later life; emotional intelligence is a huge factor, as is the ability to be a self-starter, self-disciplined and simply knows how to work.

Regardless, most homeschoolers have a very good social life and develop social skills so the whole reason it is brought up is just plain silly ignorance. They have a more varied social life than those in school which is a definite plus.

It cracks me up that people think we stay home all day, every day. And it totally frustrates me that people can read what we homeschoolers have to say on the subject but they still can't seem to LEARN. Kinda makes you wonder what sort of grades those people had in school if they are unable to think about something and take in new information.

Answer 3

If the parents have reason to think the local school system is failing to do its job or if the curriculum is lacking any of the programs the parents feel essential to their child's development or well-being then I think home schooling is not only right but a necessity. I only wish I had been able to homeschool mine. My public school education in northern Illinois( about 100 years ago ) was superb but my son went to a school in southern Illinois that concentrated so much on athletics that the children like him with talents in the arts were ignored and ridiculed. I think homeschooling can be a valuable experience for both parent and child and should not be treated with such suspicion. Most parents just want what is best for their child and to encourage constructive self expression.Public schools are not always filling the bill.

Answer 4

Even though there were so many answers to this question, I had to share. I believe strongly in homeschooling, and the education that comes with it. Many people have scoffed at the idea as though it is a disease. The fact remains, that most college's are very interested in the home-schooled people. They are well adjusted and well rounded individuals. Many are socially more mature than most their age. They are not only bright, but more often than not far exceed the norm in intelligence. There are many different teaching methods and most are taught with great precision love and care. We are held to high standards and are evaluated at the end of the year by a certified teacher. I commend all the parents who have homeschooled their children. It takes motivation and determination to go through with it.
I personally have homeschooled my daughter til this year. She is now in public school. I have seen a change in her behavior (not toward the good) that has only come from being "socialized" at a public school. The teasing, the ridicule, the name calling...this is the public socialization. I do not agree this is healthy socialization. As a homeschooling mom, we took many field trips with our church, and with other organizations. We had no negative things happen.
Recently, I have watched a confident, independent and caring young girl become self-conscious and needy all in a matter of weeks. We, will be resuming our homeschooling next year and I look forward to the new adventures we will encounter. Homeschooling is a big challenge but is also very rewarding. Both the teacher and the student learn new things. No, homeschooling is not for everyone, but if you have what it takes to make the commitment, go for it. Your children will thank you for it later.

Answer 5

Define right and wrong.

Would sending them to a substandard school be right?

Generally speaking homeschool students end up only skipping elementary school... and at most part of high school.

They tend to be better off educationally and well loved.

Not to say public education is bad... i just got a teaching job myself... but home schooling is a VALID option.

That said the people who tend to homeschool are competent intelligent people who often are teachers themselves.

It would be irrisponsible to homeschool if you were not qualified. I remember seeing on tv this family that was extremely weird. They wore no shoes... slept in a common room together on the floor, etc. The father homeschooled them. He clearly had no clue what he was doing (they showed a couple of his lessons) and essentially his children were NOT getting anything that resembled an appropriate education.

So it could go either way but the prior example was the exception not the rule.

EDIT

With regards to social interaction... its overrated. As well homeschooled children often can have social interaction through school team sports (which they can participate in) other sports not run through the school, or other activities like music etc. or heck just playing with neighbours.

Lets not forget that much of childrens negative social interactions are learned from peers at school. You dont see too many homeschooled children dealing drugs or being extremely promiscuous.

Answer 6

This question is like asking if riding bicycles is right or wrong. Maybe even like asking if sunshine is right or wrong.
Hmmmmm.... what about asking if banana creme pie is right or wrong....

Well. I know. Yes, you want to know what the consensus might be among the mass population about whether or not homeschooling is a good choice.

Home-schooling is a wonderful option. It is a great way to get an high quality education. Students that study at home can do very well in all arenas of life. College students that have been home-educated for kindegarten through 12th grade tend to do very well in college. Employees that have been home-educated tend to do very well on the job.

Many people tend to answer questions like your's with stereotypical comments that don't really match the reality of homeschooling.

Take 3 students:
1 studies in public school and goes through college and becomes a veterinarian.
1 studies in private school and goes through college and becomes a veterinarian.
1 studies at home, goes to college and becomes a veterinarian.
All 3 work at the same clinic. All 3 have a happy social life. All 3 make the same amount of money.
So, now, it doesn't MATTER that one of them studied at home for the years K-12.

Right and wrong is presented to us in the Bible ---- Jesus tells us which moral choices are wrong.

Home-schooling isn't a moral choice (well, it *could* be ---- especially if it is done in order to prevent the overwhelming influences of a public school crowd that might be making very bad choices; abuse of drugs, alcohol, etc..)

Nearly everyone is "home schooled" for the first few years of life. Parents or guardians teach the child many things. Walking, talking, eating with utensils, chores, riding a bike, tying shoes, etc... Those of us that choose to educate our children in all academics from K through 12 do it as an extension of the God-given job that we received when our children were born.

Home schooling is definitely RIGHT. It is a right and a privilege. Not meant to be abused or handled lightly.

We have a great obligation to give our children the very best opportunities that we possibly can.

Answer 7

It is RIGHT for some people (much like public of private schooling)

I have to say that many of the answers on here have been as offensive as they are ignorant. Have any of you BEEN homeschooled in an active community?

I was homeschooled all the way through to graduation and I had friends, a very busy social life and went to two proms (with friends from different high schools) and after graduation I played music for an all homeschool prom. Finding friends is not an issue. If you really believe that the average American child is incapable of making friends outside of a classroom setting we are headed toward a grim future.

Answer 8

I think homeschooling is Right for some children. I am the Director of a home school support group. If it is socialization you are worried about, get together with other homeschoolers in your community and form a group. Have class parties, field trips and some of your community partners will be glad to be guest speakers. I do not think that homeschooling is for everyone. I think that it depends on why you want to homeschool and how receptive your child is to being taught by you. If your child is homeschooled, they will have more one on one time and learn to "mastery" of the skill being taught. In the public school, they teach on a schedule, whether you get the skill or not. Home schooling can be as cheap as you need it to be or as expensive as you make it. If you are interested in seeing what my group does, you can check out our web-site just to get a feel for what some groups do. www.geocities.com/pole_of_louisa/pole2006

Answer 9

Right or wrong for whom? Some students may excel; others not?
One might ask, "What are my reasons for wanting homeschooling? Reasons might be, 1) "mad" at the school, 2) a punishment 3) brilliant student 4) special needs, 5) feeling socially outcast 6) I can do better 7) too far away 8) etc....
Also, can one person really teach all the subjects extremely well?? (There is music, art, P.E. drama, second language, computers and all of the "standard subjects", etc.) And can they keep it up until the student is ready to graduate from High School??
And in the end, how could one compare the results had the student stayed in school. So many questions, so little time!

Answer 10

I have worked with home schooled children ages 7-13 as part of a Youth Leadership Program and I can give my vote for YES I think it is right. If the parents organize get togethers with other parents and kids of homeschooling as most do then the children benefit from both the homeschooling and the camaraderie of the other children. I was most impressed with the knowledge and work ethic of this cross section of home schooled youths.