OT Homeschooling...

Its funny how one simple question can evolve into the different topics that have come about.

I have had most of my questions answered by a few people (thank you tons!!), but am deeply hurt that my original request for answers to 5 homeschooling questions has turned into people jumping to conclusions that I'm going to pull my child out of regular school and thusly deprive him socially. I never said anything about pulling him out of public school, depriving him of the social interaction that he can gain there, nor have I professed my knowledge to be greater than the teachers that his particular school has (that one mind you came in a private email).

To clear a bunch of this up, I'm now going to put in a snippet of an email that I sent to one person that answered my call for answers...

"I plan on using homeschooling as a *supplement* to public school, not a

*substitute*. The school that my son goes to is nice, they have great teachers, small classes, thought provoking curriculum, life skills training, and a wonderful library. I want to supplement because I pay very very close attention to my sons education, and I see some holes that he will most likely fall through at school (he has already started to fall through one of those such cracks). I want to make sure that he gets a wholesome education, but I also want to make sure that he gets the individual attention that he needs in a couple areas. I do not expect the school to bring in someone especially for him, nor do I expect the teacher to ignore the other kids to give him the help that he needs. My mother has been a teacher for 32 years, my grandmother before her was a teacher for 35 years, my best friend is a special ed teacher, and her husband is a 2nd grade teacher. I get lots and lots of neat "lesson" ideas from them, as well as support for what I'm doing.

"My mother squawked at first, as she does when she hears the word "homeschool" because of her position with the schools that she works for (she is now an administrator), and I can't really blame her. When she heard "supplement" instead of "substitute", and my reasons why, she backed off with the complaining and started supporting. She wishes a lot of her parents would help the teachers educate the child instead of the two extremes that she sees most often...apathy on the part of the parent, or the parent yanking the child out of school with the intent on homeschooling, only to have the homeschooled child (not always but it does happen) suffer in their education because the parents don't go to the extreme of learning the proper way to homeschool the kid (not everyone goes to the lengths that you and ___________ go to to make sure that your homeschooling experience is a positive one), and by the time the child is ready, according to the parents, to graduate highschool, the child has only about a 7th or 8th grade education.

"I do see both sides of the issue (pros and cons of both) but all I want to do here is make sure that he doesn't slip through the cracks with a minimum of hassle with the school itself. As a parent, it is my responsibility to make sure that he gets a good education, and I'm only trying to supplement what the school is already doing.

"We are working on math, time, money, and handwriting here at home. His handwriting is horrible, all his words run together, and some of his letters are backwards. This, of course, is typical for a kindergartener/first grader. His teacher suggested to me at the end of the year that we do a little work over the summer of spacing words and correct letter writing. Math is a different story. He loves it. I'm just trying to feed his insatiable appetite for knowledge (we are also working on getting some of his numbers facing the right way). Time and money are going to be battles this year in school, so I figured that what he works on and learns at school, I can work with at home, individually, to make sure that he doesn't fall behind in them. He has started to fall through the handwriting crack because his teacher didn't have the time to sit with him like he needs, one on one, to improve the skill."

Basically, in a nutshell, I want to *supplement* his education at home. Period. I want him to go to regular school because I know that in my case, the teachers, overall, can do a much better job than I can here at home. I do know, that with their help, I can give him the one - on - one that he is going to need from time to time. My questions had nothing to do with the social aspect, the "will my child thrive or suffer" argument, or "am I doing the right thing" question. My questions were more on the lines of "how long do you sit for a session", "how do you reward for good work", and "what time of day, in your opinion, works best for your child".

I have a month (roughly) before school starts up. I want to work with him daily on his handwriting so that when he writes his name, you can see that it IS his name, and not a scribble. I want to work with him on time and money concepts because I have seen the 1st grade syllabus, and they don't plan on spending a lot of time in that area. Primarily my math work for him is more writing the numbers than excelling in the addition/subtraction area, although I do plan on working with him a little on the simple concepts (he still doesn't grasp fully the concept of adding 7's and higher). Addition and subtraction are areas that they will be working on in school. After school starts, I will sit with him nightly, working on his assigned homework, finding the areas where a little improvement is needed, and working in those areas.

After lengthy conversations with my teacher friends, and teachers that my mom works with, they really wish that parents would spend time with the children on their work. Not to make their job easier, but to catch any problems that the child might be having in case the child does need special attention at school, and also for an added parent - child bond. I have been told by not only teachers, but by his new therapist that its quality over quantity. Yes, the kids love to get out and play with the parents, but when it really boils down to it, any positive attention from the parent is good. Variety is good too. Basically, not just playing, but helping them with homework, helping them learn housekeeping, cooking, all that. The whole package.

I'm sorry that so much was read into my request for people to answer my questions that I had. I never intended for anyone to think that I was going to do what has been suggested. Maybe the word "homeschool" was not the right word to use, but I couldn't think of any other way to describe what I am trying to do. I tried to avoid my notorious lengthy posts in this, but I see that it hasn't happened. I felt that before I felt that my feelings would be hurt further, I needed to start explaining.

Karlee in Kansas

Karlee, I'm sorry to hear that you are deeply hurt. When I say I send my children to school for social reasons this does not infer ANYTHING about what you are doing or what your reasons are. (I give my kids apricots, but that doesn't imply I think you deprive yours of them!) I was talking about my own reasoning and thoughts on the issue. I didn't see anyone talking about what you are doing with your kids, except you--though perhaps I missed some of the posts. Everyone else that I read was talking about their own, or other people that they know and their homeschooled kids.

I agree that children should get what they need to learn, wherever that may be. We combine home and public school lessons. Sounds like what you are going to do also. Good for you--good for your kids. Sarajane

Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery

view my auctions at:

Yes, there are parents who use homeschooling for their own sick agendas. Im just addressing the homeschoolers who have chosen to do so for the childs benefit, not their own. Homeschooling isnt for everyone. Case in point. My sister homeschooled her daughter for first grade. The daughter then begged to be put into public schools and thrived there. She had top grades, had lots of friends, few enemys, loved the extracurricular activities as well. Its up to each parent to make this important choice, and do it with as unselfish a reason as possible. Some parents wont ever understand that thought process.. the abusers for example. I dont think we disagree here. Homeschooling works for the parents and children who are willing to put a lot of work into making sure the child doesnt miss out on any of the benefits of public school. It doesnt work when its used purely to keep the children out of prying eyes who might catch things going amiss at home.

Diana

--

"Sjpolyclay"> What about the kids at home with adults who abuse them? This is somethimes> noticed and reported by teachers at school--but a child homeschooled by abusive> people has far fewer chances of being noticed. And although people may be> uncomfortable with this idea, some people do choose to limit their childrens'> interactions so that things won't get noticed, whether its bruises, or that> they never were taught to read so as to be "kept pure" of the"programming".

Sarajane,

I was actually responding to Tina's comment about having a clue. You were clear in your statements.

opportunities

That's great that you can take advantage of what the public schools have to offer as well. The schools around here are usually open to having homeschoolers take desired classes although we don't participate because of our large homeschool organization.

Regina

I keep thinking (but not saying), if you want your child to be best educated, why not make use of the public scholl system and then also teach them more. Most kids are voracious learners.

Tina

Karlee,

Don't be hurt; don't take things so personally. The posts are not all about you.

When people post, like me, we are just expressing our opinions and experiences.

Tina

that have come about.

tons!!), but am deeply hurt that my original request

conclusions that I'm going to pull my child

anything about pulling him out of public school,

professed my knowledge to be greater than the

that I sent to one person that answered my

*substitute*. The school that my son goes to

curriculum, life skills training, and a wonderful

my sons education, and I see some holes that

through one of those such cracks). I want to

that he gets the individual attention that he

especially for him, nor do I expect the teacher

has been a teacher for 32 years, my grandmother

teacher, and her husband is a 2nd grade teacher.

for what I'm doing.

"homeschool" because of her position with the schools

her. When she heard "supplement" instead of

started supporting. She wishes a lot of her

extremes that she sees most often...apathy on the

intent on homeschooling, only to have the

education because the parents don't go to the extreme

lengths that you and ___________ go to to

the time the child is ready, according to the

to do here is make sure that he doesn't slip

parent, it is my responsibility to make sure

school is already doing.

handwriting is horrible, all his words run

typical for a kindergartener/first grader. His

over the summer of spacing words and correct

to feed his insatiable appetite for knowledge

Time and money are going to be battles this

can work with at home, individually, to make

the handwriting crack because his teacher

Period. I want him to go to regular school

better job than I can here at home. I do know,

to need from time to time. My questions had

argument, or "am I doing the right thing"

a session", "how do you reward for good

daily on his handwriting so that when he

want to work with him on time and money

on spending a lot of time in that area.

in the addition/subtraction area, although I

doesn't grasp fully the concept of adding 7's and

in school. After school starts, I will sit

where a little improvement is needed, and working

mom works with, they really wish that parents

easier, but to catch any problems that the

school, and also for an added parent - child

that its quality over quantity. Yes, the kids

to it, any positive attention from the parent

them with homework, helping them learn

questions that I had. I never intended for

word "homeschool" was not the right word to

do. I tried to avoid my notorious lengthy

felt that my feelings would be hurt further, I

from people that homeschool....

message me on one of the following programs??

Thank you Regina--I admit its often difficult for me to tell which part of threads are being referred to, without the physical indicators we have when actually being face-to-face. Sarajane

Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery

view my auctions at:

Tina,

We have a large community of homeschool families and out of about 20 families that I am close with there is only one family that I know where the mother is a control freak and is really messing up her kids. I take issue with your statement that "in many cases the adults...". I find that highly unusual and simply not true.

Regina

Karlee,

I tried to email you privately but the email bounced back. Please contact me if you still need info.

Please don't be hurt by the responses, I'm sure no one here meant any harm. Homeschooling is a very private and personal choice and people do have strong opinions on both sides, myself included.

Also, don't be so sure that a teacher can do a much better job at teaching your child than you can, you may be surprised at how much you will learn along side your child.

Regina

she's 6 now, but we plan on teaching her through the higher grades as well. My brother's two daughters are homeschooled, and the older one, though she's 12, is studying at grade 10 level and she is doing great! As I said before the homeschooling organizations in your area will have access to all if not more of the resources that the public school does. That is my main source of information and support. I have no concerns about teaching her at a higher grade level whatsoever. She will be able to do guided studies at that point, because she'll be reading on her own very soon. It's really no different than homeschooling an elementary age kid, other than the fact that you have to have already built up a network of support in the homeschooling community, and take advantage of the wheel they already invented.

If anyone's concerned about college entry, I know of several homeschooled kids, who after being homeschooled thrue12th grade have gone to ivy league universities. Very generally speaking, these kids are more likely to be well rounded, compared to those from public schools, because they condense their study time (mainly because they are a classroom of one instead of 30 and can get the individual attention they need) and because they are able to explore more of the world when others are in the classroom.

I've done my research on this, and have thought long and hard before committing myself to it. DH is behind me all the way, and is helping out wherever he can. It's not a job for the faint hearted, nor is it something that everyone can or should do. But it is valid, and it is possible, and for a lot of kids, it is the best way to go.

I don't doubt your experience at all.

Tina

I agree with everything you said, Regina. And I, too, am very passionate about it. If you wanna trade war stories, I'd be more than happy to chat with you any time. craftigirl at earthlink dot net

Even assuming that your experience is universal, a ratio of 1 in 20 results in enough people nationwide to warrant the phrase "in many cases". My experience seems to indicate that your experience is *not* universal, and that the ratio of parents who homeschool either because they want total control over their children or because they specifically do not want their children taught certain things is rather higher than 1 in 20.

Celine

I have been very interested in this thread. I saw it take off on its own, wondering if you were taking it personally (and hoping you weren't). My kids are 2 and 4, so school is just around the corner. I'm glad you brought up the issue -- if you hadn't I wouldn't have had the opportunity to see all these thoughtful posts. Thanks!

ang.

"Karlee in Kansas" ...

that have come about.

tons!!), but am deeply hurt that my original request

conclusions that I'm going to pull my child

anything about pulling him out of public school,

professed my knowledge to be greater than the

that I sent to one person that answered my

*substitute*. The school that my son goes to

curriculum, life skills training, and a wonderful

my sons education, and I see some holes that

through one of those such cracks). I want to

that he gets the individual attention that he

especially for him, nor do I expect the teacher

has been a teacher for 32 years, my grandmother

teacher, and her husband is a 2nd grade teacher.

for what I'm doing.

"homeschool" because of her position with the schools

her. When she heard "supplement" instead of

started supporting. She wishes a lot of her

extremes that she sees most often...apathy on the

intent on homeschooling, only to have the

education because the parents don't go to the extreme

lengths that you and ___________ go to to

the time the child is ready, according to the

to do here is make sure that he doesn't slip

parent, it is my responsibility to make sure

school is already doing.

handwriting is horrible, all his words run

typical for a kindergartener/first grader. His

over the summer of spacing words and correct

to feed his insatiable appetite for knowledge

Time and money are going to be battles this

can work with at home, individually, to make

the handwriting crack because his teacher

Period. I want him to go to regular school

better job than I can here at home. I do know,

to need from time to time. My questions had

argument, or "am I doing the right thing"

a session", "how do you reward for good

daily on his handwriting so that when he

want to work with him on time and money

on spending a lot of time in that area.

in the addition/subtraction area, although I

doesn't grasp fully the concept of adding 7's and

in school. After school starts, I will sit

where a little improvement is needed, and working

mom works with, they really wish that parents

easier, but to catch any problems that the

school, and also for an added parent - child

that its quality over quantity. Yes, the kids

to it, any positive attention from the parent

them with homework, helping them learn

questions that I had. I never intended for

word "homeschool" was not the right word to

do. I tried to avoid my notorious lengthy

felt that my feelings would be hurt further, I

from people that homeschool....

message me on one of the following programs??

yes they were. I was also impressed...words I'd never even heard of before.

I must say I don't agree with this. To me, education gained is never lost nor a waste in the gaining of it. Knowledge is power. Once you gain it, you own it. It is just as useful to you making your way through this world whether you have a piece of paper to "validate" it at the end, or not. It took me 18 years of plodding along to finish my degree. However, I arrived at where I am today because of my lifetime knowledge and education, and that came a long time before I walked across the stage to get my degree officially handed to me. Or as my dad so politely puts it, "The School of Hard Knocks is a darned good educator, too!"

I'm not trying to pick at you, Regina. I just wanted to throw out another opinion on the topic. :)

Suedo (like "pseudo", though I'm no phony baloney!)

*Any* spelling bee finalist is "homeschooled" as far as preparation for the competition goes. You don't learn words like those in everyday life. It's like prepping for a chess tournament -- it takes special study.

Celine

Of course you do.

I have a real issue with the whole testing thing. I really enjoyed learning things in High School but when it came to take a test I froze up and forgot everything I learned. I still feel the same way now at 46 but I consider myself pretty bright.

Exactly, my kids are independant thinkers because of homeschooling. My 17 yo daughter is probably not going to go straight to college like most of her friends because she plans on traveling around the world and finding out what it is she wants to do. My middle daughter is my business partner and probably will spend her college money on starting her own business. My son (13) is active in boy scouts and civil air patrol and wants to be a pilot. Homeschooling will give him the opportunity to pursue his goals. So my point is my kids will probably not go college and won't be worse for it. I read that 75% of the kids who start college never finish, what a waste of money!

Regina

I agree that it is scary. Just as a lark one time while I was working at the Post Office (i.e. the US gov't), I asked the question "Within twenty years, when was the American Revolutionary War fought?" Out of about 100 people asked, one happened to be a history buff and gave a long, detailed answer; another said "1776" (which was basically what I was looking for). The most common answer was "1812" (close, it was a war against England that finally sealed our independence, but no cigar); a certified electuary school teacher said 1240 (to which I replied, "we fought England 250 years before Columbus sailed to the Americas?), one person said

1896, and one said 1985. Kinda makes you sad.