Homeschooling?

Question

What are your thoughts on homeschooling? I've always thought it was a good idea. To be able to control the curriculum your kids are taught. What do you think?

Answer 1

In my opinion, as long as you purchase a good curriculum and stick with it, home schooled children can learn at a faster pace than private or public schools.

As I'm sure you've heard, be sure to join a homeschool group in your area in order to keep up with the social aspects of learning.

Here is a link with quite a bit of information for getting started, even if you are not in Texas.
http://www.texashomeschoolers.com/txhs.htm

Good luck!

Answer 2

I was homeschooled all my life, and wouldn't have it any other way! The number one arguement you hear against homeschooling is socialization. I never had a problem with that, because (a) We were always a part of a homeschool group where we get together with other kids (b) I have 5 brothers, what more socialization can you ask for? And here's something that a lot of people don't realize: The average homeschooler is actually MORE socially adapted than other. They are more likely to have friends from all different age brackets, and be able to easily communicate with adults and children alike (for example, I have about 100 friends ranging from ages 6 to 55. Just counting the ones I see regularly) And now that I am in college, I find that the other students often come to me, rather than the instructor, when they can't figure stuff out. Not bragging, just stating facts. There are SO MANY positive aspects to homeschooling, I couldn't possibly list them all here without the computer exploding. The only negative aspect I can think of is the stereotype (which is getting better)... But then, you cannot escape stereotyping :P Anway, if you are considering homeschooling your children, you will definitely be happy with the results! Some kids don't like it, but when it's done properly, 99.999% of the kids absolutely LOVE it! So that's my $1.50 worth :D

Answer 3

When I first heard of homeschooling, my reaction was simply, "Oh, I never knew you could do that." It was presented as an alternative education option in one of my teacher training classes.

When I started thinking about homeschooling my own children, my first thoughts were not about it being a good idea to be able to control the curriculum, but it being a good idea to provide a more suitable social environment for a growing child. The kids I was teaching weren't bad, but they started more negative behaviours younger than kids did when I was in school. I also saw how the younger grade in split-level classes tended to be more mature at the end of the year than those of the same grade who were in single-grade classes or who were the older grade in split-level classes but gravely outnumbered by the younger kids. It clicked how much kids were probably held back in their general thinking and maturity by being surrounded by only same-age peers most of the day. Kids learn to become like adults by emulating adults, not by emulating other kids.

We had our first and I started tutoring and started thinking about the educational benefits of homeschooling. Here were these kids spending hours and hours in school each day, yet needing to come see me a couple times a week, on top of their school day and homework, for help. I started to see how the public education system is more-or-less a one-size-fits all and if it really doesn't fit you right, tough luck! The attitude seems to be that it SHOULD fit you and if it doesn't, then there's something wrong with you. But that's not any fairer than saying that a one-size-fits all shirt should fit you right.

So, for me, control over the curriculum isn't really one of my reasons for homeschooling.

Answer 4

I think that homeschooling is a great idea. Your child works at their own pace and you teach them the subjects that you feel they should now. There are so many options to put in your curriculum and they actually can have a social life, all you have to do is look around your community. Museums even book days for just homeschoolers to come and there are always sports and extra curricular activities and if you are a member of a church they usually have some youth groups, junior church and chior. Our youth group went tubing on a nearby mountain, and we had a BLAST!! It was so fun! I am definitely in favor of homeschooling.

Answer 5

Why are people so hung up about the "socialization" issue of homeschooling?! It is a nonissue. My son was adopted at 15 & was previously in gov't schools. He had NO social skills because he had been completely ostracized by all the kids except a few little delinquents. Sorry, but I am more than happy to have the rest of my bunchkins miss out on that kind of "socializing with different kinds of people". The truth is, it scares many people that homeschooled children can be so autonomous. Most have been raised to NOT depend on government for education (or much else). I think the confidence & ease of these children is intimidating, even to many adults.

My children, my values, my beeswax...so far, so good!

Answer 6

Homeschooling is a wonderful educational option. It can provide the structure needed for a closer family, quality education and wonderfully raised children.
It is a tremendous commitment and should be treated as such. This choice is a full time job and deserves to be treated as such.
Because of the wonderful teacher/student ratio it is completely possible to create the best possible learning environment, structure and methods for the student.

My thoughts on homeschooling come from four years experience.

Answer 7

I'm 15 and I think it's fine! (homeschooled, naturally!) Just make sure to socialize your kids with others their own age. During the beginning years, I had no friends, and even in the homeschool group I was unpopular, and the same went for 4-H. Then, as we began to get involved more, I began to plant roots and become indispensible to all of the groups. I became super popular. Now, whenever there is a meeting that I can't attend, the meeting falls to shambles. I AM needed, so all y'all public schoolers can shut yer yap!

Answer 8

We have decided to homeschool our son because he is autistic. We tried the pre-k classroom a few times and he would end up sick. What really made us not like the classroom is my sons OT had to give the teacher a book to read about autism. I think its a good idea for us to homeschool but I don't know your situation. My nephew is homeschooled and he is 15 but he acts like a 10 year old alot. The kids he was around were younger then him so he acted like them. So its a good idea to get them around kids their own age. Just remember if it doesn't seem like its working out at home you can always send them to school later. Good Luck!!

Answer 9

I was homeschooled for the last two years of high school and enjoyed it greatly. I learned how to overcome my shyness. I got even better grades than I had in public school. And I was able to hang out with friends more.
Your children will need to have their own opinions, but most of the homeschooling parents I know don't try to control their children's thoughts (there are a few crazy ones though, but what schooling experience doesn't have those).
I do think the children should be involved in extracurriculars, but most parents don't have a problem with that.
As I said before, I loved it.

Answer 10

"Control of the curriculum" is a just one of the MANY reasons parents choose to homeschool.

Homeschooling is a WONDERFUL experience. I homeschooled my 3 children beginning in 1984. I am now privileged to be involved in the homeschooling of my grandchildren.