What do you think of homeschooling?

Answer 1

Home Schooling has become a way of life in our family. As long as you are committed to your kids learning and have the ability to read, you should be "qualified" to teach them at home. Who better than you to make important choices about what they will learn and when. I am currently teaching a 14 year old who is 2 levels above me in math and a much better writer than I will ever dream to be. Remember, you have the teachers key with every curriculum. Plus we have a huge support group. As far as socialization, my kids interact with both younger and older people all the time. I am constantly complimented on manners and the way they can make eye contact and carry on an intelligent conversation with adults. I am always surprised that this isn't expected behavior. If my daughter continues the course she is on, she will be graduating High School with a two year degree from a local college thanks to dual enrollment! What a way to be handed back two years of your life.

Answer 2

Not being socially active is a huge misconception about homeschooling.
I was home schooled all the way through high school. Never in my life was I socially awkward in any way. I got out of the house, attended dance class, had jobs, and had no trouble talking to kids my age. (or older) Homeschooling does not equal living like a hermit.
I also had no trouble transitioning from homeschooling over to college either.
I'm happy I was home schooled. I believe I would be a very different person if I had gone to a public school.

Answer 3

I was homschooled 12-K and loved it! I recommend it for anyone willing to dedicate the time and effort into their kids! And for people like teenarcher92 and s.yawar z that are worried about homeschoolers' social lives, homeschoolers usually socialize with more diverse people than kids 'in' school. We all know that this is not always true, but how many non-homeschoolers interact with little kids at the library, adults at the grocery store, and peers during activities? Homeschoolers are not restricted to their age group all day long everyday. Also, most of the time people meet a homeschooler, they d not even realize it because the homeschooler is so 'normal'!

Answer 4

I think it is wonderful that I have the option to homeschool my 2 children. I know it is not the best choice for everyone, but we love it. My kids get 1 on 1 attention with every subject (for as long as it takes). And because it is less time consuming than regular school, it leaves us available for many field trips, park days with other homeschoolers, sports, etc. We love not having "homework" that has to be done in the evenings when we are trying to have dinner, get baths, and spend time with daddy.

Answer 5

We love homeschooling. It's the best thing that's ever happened to our family, after five years in the public arena, it's like a vacation, and we have so much fun. The kids are way ahead academically, and we spend a lot of time out and about meeting new people and discovering the world.

Answer 6

I went to public school for 11 years (Kindergarten through 10th grade), and I was homeschooled for the last two years of school. I finished in 9 months.
I do have to say that homeschooling is not for everyone. But for many people it is wonderful.
Most people's main argument against homeschooling is their perceived view of a "lack" of socialization. These people need to realize that there is no lack of socialization. There are groups for homeschoolers, whether homeschooling co-ops, the YMCA, etc. Homeschoolers get sports, cheerleading, field trips, and extracurriculars. There are a few bad examples of homeschoolers being recluses, but think about the number of bad examples there are in the public school system.
These people also say that the parents couldn't possibly be intelligent enough to teach their children. Most of the classes that teachers go to just teach them how to deal with large groups. Other than that, the teacher goes over the information, they have the answer book, and they just keep the class under control. The parents don't have to deal with crowd control. They go over the information and prepare before they teach their child/ren, they teach the child, and they have the answer book to grade the homework. These people also have to submit their children's homework, so they cannot just give their child straight A's for nothing. They also have other parents, teachers, and research to show them how to teach their child/ren. There are also distance education courses. When in a distance education course, you do the homework at your own pace and send it in to a teacher at the organization you go through.
Homeschool can be a wonderful alternative for many students, but those who are lazy will not be able to do it.
Columbia University conducted a study that showed that homeschoolers score higher on college entrance exams than other students. Many homeschoolers have a high work ethic than other youths.
If the parents are wanting to homeschool a grade/middle schooler, they need to have a great deal of free time. Many high schoolers are more able to teach themselves, especially if they are enrolled in a distance education course.
As I said before, it is not for everyone, but many people benefit from it. I loved it, but there are some who have hated it.
For those who have never been homeschooled who have commented, you have no authority to comment. You do not know what you are talking about, just like a homeschooler who talks about another form of schooling doesn't know what they are talking about. If you don't like a homeschooler commenting about other forms of schooling, take your own advice and don't comment on homeschooling. I know you wanted a double-sided view, but as I said before, there are some homeschoolers who loved it, and some who hated it. They can give you the two-sided view you want.

Answer 7

I think it depends on the family doing the homeschooling. Some can't seem to get their acts together enough and the kids end up suffering. The vast majority I know, however, are great parents and great homeschooling parents. They're committed and have great kids--kids who are able to go their own pace, kids who are not under constant advertising of clothing, electronics, makeup, bad attitudes, etc. Kids who are much more themselves than simply trying to imitate the person in the class they think is the 'coolest'. And they don't lock their kids up at home. ;)

Answer 8

I love homeschooling my 10 year old. We learn new stuff together everyday. Plus, all the time we spend together has made us very close and I imagine we always will be. I think the argument about not getting the necessary social skills is pretty weak. My son is comfortable in a room full of kids or adults and has lots of exposure to both.

Answer 9

i love it! i knew when i was pregnant with my first i would be homeschooling. my ex husband supported my decision because he knew that the American school system was inadequate. i don't think his views have changed, just his wife who thinks little of homeschooling. but he and i know that our kids are getting the better education. what public school calls an A is a joke. i find it funny when someone tells me their child is reading 6th grade level. in public school that doesn't say much! all i know is my 4th grader just finished reading The Pilgrims Progress and my 8 yr. old son is reading A Wrinkle In Time. i hardly think those are the reading requirements in public school. i love that if one of my children has a 'problem' i can deal with it slowly and carefully and not worry about moving to the next page to fit a deadline. in my home no child is left behind. we move forward when they are ready. so my children are getting a thorough and loving education. and i am so happy for them!

Answer 10

Homeschooling has its pro's and con's.
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On the pro side, because most parents that even attempt it really care about their children's education and are willing to sacrifice for it, I believe it is usually quite successful academically.

On the con side, your children's education totally depends on you, unless you "farm out" some of it (such as utilizing online courses, tutors, etc.). They will only do as well as you are on the ball.

As far as socialization goes, I really think this is such a non-issue that there is way too much buzz about. Our three homeschooled children (14, 9, and 4 years old) are virtually indistinguishable from "regular children" except that they tend to be more respectful of others. Unless you personally are a hermit, your children will be "well-socialized", and you, as a caring parent, will undoubtedly involve them in activities appropriate to their abilities and interests, and your pocketbook and personal convictions.