Homeschooling.....who's doing it and why? Who's not and why?

Question

I am very much considering homeschooling my children. I feel like they would get a more out of their education if they were being taught one on one, instead of systematically. I just want others opinions.

Answer 1

I was on independent study for a year; it was my senior year in high school. For independent study, I went into the school once a week; I would meet with the teacher, turn in homework/projects and take tests for an hour or two. Then, I would be sent home with new homework assignments.

A lot of students prefer going to a traditional high school so they can learn face-to-face with the teacher and other students, socialize, and be away from their parents or other adult figures that may impede their high school fun.

I wasn't interested in socializing with two-faced, so-called "friends." I got tired of it. I just wanted to finish high school, so I could attend college, among mature adults; I wanted to leave the teenage drama and stress behind. Another upside of independent study was the freedom to do my work as I pleased: late at night, early in the morning, in the middle of the afternoon, before or after work. I was disciplined enough to stay on top of my work, so I never had a problem.

I think home schooling depends on the children. Some feel the "need" to be around other people, to get out of the house, and fully experience high school. Others prefer just getting their work done within a certain period of time, rather than socializing.

Answer 2

I think that home schooling can be a terrific idea. But many things need to be considered: Will be children learn the social norms of intereacting with others their age? Who is doing the educating and why? Is the teacher qualified? What about sports and music and drama?

Mainstream education is less systematic that you may think. Looking for the right school is very important. All schools are different and offer different things. You know your children and you will be able to make the best choice.

I think the most important single thing is class sizes. If a teacher has a small class that means they are able to interact with your child more often, have less correcting, are able to analyse testing results and cater for small group teaching. It is work laods that stop teachers teaching.

Most of all you need to value education, support your child's learning and support the system if you choose it. Schools are great places of learning, interaction and celebration. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Home schooling is a parents perogative. Parents choose to home school because of curriculum disagreements , travel issues, behavior and safety issues. For some children it is a great system but for others it is very isolating. Some parents abuse the system and feed their students answers, but most give it an honest effort. Some do it to keep their children away from cultural diversity, which in the long run will harm their children due to the fact that they will live in a culturally diverse world and need to understand and tolerate diversity. A Public or Private school often has many more resources and more money. Things like computer and science and technology labs that you simply can not replicate at home. They also offer expert teaching in fields like music and art as well as the basics, if a parent is weak in those areas. They also offer early detection and intervention of learning disabilities that a parent may not catch. There is the obvious problems of lack of socialization in home schooling. Please understand there is no universal right or wrong decision on home schooling.

Answer 4

I will homeschool my son in the next years. It will also be my first time doing it as he is the only one.

My main reasons are:

- Curriculum developed according to your child's interests, needs and abilities.
- The child get personalized attention from you, the teacher
- Avoid atmosphere of public schools
- Suitable schedule

I was hesitant about his developing social skills, but I have heard so many experiences that socialization is not a problem. He will be involved in extra curricular activities. So go for it.

Good luck

Kim

Answer 5

What opportunities for social interaction would you provide for your children? In school children learn and develop their social skills.