Does anyone understand homeschooling?

Question

I'm homeschooled in 8th grade, and I often look at the "Homeschooling" category on Answers. Just curious: Does anyone get homeschooling? I don't think they do, because they ask questions like "Is homeschooling illegal?", "Homeschool haters?", "How do you homeschool?", "What is homeschooling?". It drives me nuts! Does anyone here homeschool? Can you please tell thes people about homeschooling? I try to, but all these thoughts are going through my head that I can't write them (fast enough!). Please, let me know if anyone has a brain around here!!!!!
Thanks. Sorry to sound mean, but I'm just kind of frustrated. I guess I don't really mean anything by it, don't worry.
~eRin

Answer 1

Well, I understand your frustration, I can get really frustrated sometimes.
I even had to take a break for awhile because there were way too many bashers and haters on here.
It seems to have died down a bit, although you do run in to a "Mr. or Mrs. Rude Britches" from time to time, lol!
Yes, there are many people on here that do homeschool their children and understand it perfectly, and they try hard to spread as much accurate information as possible.
I am not bothered by the people that come on here looking for solid information, this is a great place to do that.
I am bothered by people that have no idea what they are talking about, yet spout about as if they have all the answers, or people that come on here with the purpose of tearing others down. Sometimes you will find people giving the same answers over and over just so people can distinguish between false info and facts.
Don't worry, if you were to peruse my asked questions, you would find a rant or two! (come to think of it, you would find a rant or two in my answers too, so don't look!) hahaha

Answer 2

It's very difficult to give someone an accurate picture of homeschooling unless they actually see it for themselves. And I don't mean for a day; I mean for at least a couple of weeks. That's the only way to really appreciate how it works. Since it's very unlikely that someone who thinks poorly of or doesn't "get" homeschooling to begin with will take the time to investigate it that deeply, the chances of really helping them understand it are pretty slim.

There are so many different ways to homeschool that you can't say, "Homeschooling means you do this, that, and the other thing, and that's it." Some people think that homeschooling takes a well-planned curriculum, a strict schedule, and regular tests, including standardized, to make sure their children are "where they should be." At the other end of the spectrum (and there are a multitude of in-betweens) are the unschoolers, who let their children learn things naturally when they are ready. There is no predetermined schedule or list of subjects to study. There is only life, in all it's richness, and parents who strive to create an environment that encourages curiosity, conversation, and creativity. In case you didn't catch that glowing endorsement, I believe very strongly in unschooling.

What's funny, though, is that we unschoolers sometimes find similar questions and attitudes directed toward us from homeschoolers. We are a minority within a minority, which puts us in a position to deal with ignorance and condescension from... almost everyone. Some homeschoolers just don't "get" unschooling. Again, firsthand observation is really the only way to understand and appreciate it. I think until people are willing to do real, personal research into something as complex as homeschooling or unschooling, they should not make assumptions or premature judgments.

Answer 3

I've been homeschooled my whole life. I've been asked many times why I am homeschooled and have experienced many people who misunderstand it. It is NOT illegal. It is NOT for "dumb" kids. It is NOT only for the mentally challenged. We are NOT dumber or behind public school students. Homeschooling may not be right for everyone, because it takes self-control, responsibility, independence, and honesty. Many students, though, do learn better in a classroom setting. Some do not. I hope that people will one day see homeschooling and public schooling through the same eyes.

Answer 4

My two nephews are/were home-schooled (well, the older one just went to college). It's very simple: Someone at home, usually the mother, develops a curriculum for the children or gets one off the web and teaches them about the same subjects that other children learn in public school. The materials can be downloaded off the web or textbooks can be purchased through various sources (Barnes and Noble being one of them). Many people who homeschool their children are also members of local homeschool groups that get together for all kinds of activities (but usually field trips). The curriculum that the teacher uses has to be approved by that particular state, and homeschooled children have to do certain work projects and pass certain tests in order to get a "diploma." In the case of my nephews, it has worked very well -- the older nephew got a 4-year tuition scholarship to the University of Michigan last year, and the younger nephew just found out that he has an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. Not bad, huh? Personally, I think they're better prepared for life in the real world than kids who graduate from public school.

Answer 5

I used to be home schooled, and I wish I still was. The reason that I'm in a public school now is because my mom decided she couldn't teach a higher grade level, but kids in public school seem like they are stupid and all public schools show is that you can repeat back answers and terms, but do they even know what it means? I also think that I learn more at home by experiencing things, then if I were in school. There are so many more things to know about than just math, reading, science, and history. You sound very smart, and I like homeschooling if you are getting a quality education, and also interacting with other home schoolers.

Answer 6

Yes, i'm going to homeschool my daughter, I hate it when people go on and on about socialization. How much socialization does a kid get being thrown into a classroom with 30 other screaming kids, and when was the last time a "teacher" let two friends sit beside each other? There are lots of things a kid can do to meet other kids besides going to school, do people get that?? Besides I would rather have a say in who my daughter hangs out with, you don't know what goes on at a public school. I know a teacher who is a pot-head!

Answer 7

Well, I kind of see it as though they DON'T understand homeschooling which is exactly why the homeschooling category is the first place to ask. Nobody knows something about everything. It's okay to not know and to try to fill that ignorance.

At least they're asking questions instead of living in ignorance!

Answer 8

I was not homeschooled. I will say though, that I wish I had been. You get to learn on your level, whether you're ahead or behind. And you get to spend more time on the subjects you find interesting as well as the ones you find difficult. Shy kids have socialization hold-backs, not homeschooled kids. There is also more quality family time.

Answer 9

I don't know why it's so difficult, but no, they don't seem to understand that:
- a one on one student/teacher ratio is far more effective and efficient than a teacher with 30 kids in a class.
- in most cases, no one is more motivated than a parent to see that a child is well educated and prepared for the world.
- regardless of one's place in the politcal spectrum, school curriculum is being manipulated by forces that should have no say in what kids learn.
- test scores show that very few kids work at grade level in all subjects. the flexability of homeschooling allows kids to work where they are without struggling to keep up or being bored waiting for others to catch up.
- learning works best when we're allowed to stay absorbed in what we're doing, not move onto a new subject every 45 minutes when a bell rings. we're humans, not lab rats.
- much of the socialization that takes place in school is negative, and kids are far more vulnerable to the effects of peer pressure when they spend so much of their time immersed in it and are so subject to it's whims. It's much easier to stand up to people when you're not in an environment over which they have so much control.

Answer 10

I was homeschooled till i was in grade8 back in 1984.. and i understand how you feel... even back then people looked at you like you were a weirdo cuz you were homeschooled.... yes i know of people that still home school their children... i personally think it is a great idea. gives more of a family thing going on. makes a family closer. if my health was a bit better i would for sure homeschool my daughter