How many Dis'ers homeschool?

[lotofhats]

I have a son who just turned 8 and is in the second grade. He is having a reading comprehension problem. The public school he goes to now has him in a special reading class which I cant see is helping him. So, I have been looking into homeschooling. Seems you all love it. Is it hard to do? The teachers that my son told I was thinking of this approached me at school and asked if I was thinking about doing that and of course they said I would ruin him if I did. What do you all say and any advice I could use in making this so very hard decision? I cant wait to hear from you on this.

Beauty,

While I would encourage you to homeschool, because it simply is the greatest thing we as a family do, poor reading skills, as a stand-alone reason, are not enough. This is exciting, rewarding, and HARD WORK at times. You need loftier goals, broader reasons, for this to last.

Also, as an eye doctor, I would make sure that your son has been examined by an optometrist who is active in vision therapy. Binocular vision problems and visual-integration problems affect over 20% of all students, and the chief manifestation is poor reading skills despite intelligence and effort.

Just my 2 cents...,

Tony

 

[kellyrgraham]

I homeschool my DD10 and DS12 and we really enjoy the freedom and flexibility. I started with my son two years ago and my daughter joined us this year. They are learning valuable housekeeping skills along with traditional subjects. My daughter loves to cook and was very proud of herself when she was in charge of the menu while I was out of town for a week. We also got to visit Disney in early December while it wasn't as crowded Texas is a great state in which to homeschool, we have lots of friends and family who also choose to do so but we don't belong to any co-ops or groups.

 

[feistyblue]

We home school too, although here in the UK we call it home education. I'm just considering buying the Sonlight curriculum.

One of the best things about HS, is definitely being able to go on holiday whenever we want, saves a packet going to WDW during value season!

Claire

 

[jimmytammy]

We have been homeschooling for 3 yrs now. Started out with DS who is 10 now right after 1st grade. He has had many challenges since birth. Things were going so well, we decided to bring DD who is 12 home after the first grading period of that same year. She was AIG and excelled in PS. But reflecting back, we see the right decision was made for both. We ask DD after each year if she wants to go back to PS and she always gives it thought but her answer remains no.

God has blessed our family so much. He has provided us a way to HS that only came by trusting Him.

 

[mamaprincess]

This thread is a beautiful thing. We just took our 6 yrold twins out of 1st grade ps. I can't begin to explain how right this feels except to say that so many of you have spoken my heart, you're brilliant! We were going to take one trip per year to wdw, now we will be taking two, starting with our trip this year on the girls birthday and ending with a trip in december
We began home schooling january 24, 2005. I cant wait to use some of the ideas about epcot. I will also create a unit study around some exhibits at ak. I'm just researching and taking it one day at a time. So far we've been having a great time. My 18 mos old dd will never attend school. Illinois is awesome, restrictions of any kind are almost nonexistant, which leaves us free to create and design a system of learning that best fits our children. So far we are finishing out this year with the curriculum from there school [they have been very cooperative]. We are also pretty eclectic in our approach [whatever works]. Our children attend several enrichment classes and there is a huge group of homeschoolers in our area that get together regularly for fieldtrips etc.

 

[hokiefan33]

All these responses are all well and good, but I'm just curious how many of you have thought down the road 10-15 years, when your kids are away from home and in college and having to function in a school setting that they are unaccustomed to since they were home schooled. You can't homeschool them through college, and college is tough enough for kids who are used to a class routine, much less those who have been schooled at home.

What gives me the right to say this? I was home-schooled for 3 years (4th - 6th grades), and they were by far the worst years of my life, far worse than anything I experienced in a public high school. You don't have the interaction with kids that you need, you don't develop the friendships you need to have, and you generally feel left out. And I know, everyone on here will say "but there are homeschool groups that we do things with, so they're meeting other kids, and they can still play sports and do music and other things at the local school." That's nice, but it's still not the same. And I don't care what you as parents think, your kids ARE talked about if they do those things at school, b/c they are viewed as outsiders since they don't REALLY go there.

I know some of you have taken your kids out of school b/c your local school system may be dangerous. And I understand that. But the world is dangerous, too. And I know there are some of you who do it simply for the convenience of not having to adhere to a school schedule - not all of you, and maybe not even most of you, but I know there are some. But sooner or later, your kids will grow up and move away and you won't be able to be their stay-at-home mommy anymore, so be sure you do what you need to to prepare them for the "real world", which, trust me, is NOT the home-school world.

I have my flame-retardant suit on, but believe me, I don't necessarily do this to criticize you, but hopefully to get you thinking a little bit about EXACTLY why you're doing it...

 

[LegoMom3]

We homeschool exactly because it IS the right thing for our family. And unless you live in a cave somewhere, or are simply very introverted yourself ("you" being people in general, not you the original poster!), there is no such thing as isolation. I have lots of friends who homeschool - we get together regularly and my kids enjoy playing with kids of ALL ages. They learn to interact with little kids and adults as well as just a bunch of their peers. Who in the real world only spends time with people their own age? There are also many home school support groups in the area, so the choice of playgroups, co-ops, meetings, etc. is endless. The "socialization myth" is just that.
As for college - it is well-documented that home schoolers do very well in college because they have developed good study habits. Many of them, by the time they reach high school age, are doing their own work, and seeking out help when they need it. Sounds a lot like college!
I'm sorry your home schooling years were the "worst" of your life, but I havent' found that to be very typical. To the contrary, I know families who home schooled for a bit, then the kids wanted to "try" p.s., thinking they might have more friends, etc., and they hated it and couldn't wait to get back home! Many of them, too, were doing work well beyond their "grade" level in p.s.
Anyway, just my 2-cents worth! We are all entitled to our own opinions, and this was in no way meant to slam anyone - just to point out that it works for us and many, many other folks!

 

[Nik's Mom]

Hokiefan33,
I have to say that we are struggling to make our decision to home school because we want to do what is right for our child. You make it sound like homeschooling parents are selfish and don't really care how it may effect their children. Believe me, this is not the case. I am considering home schooling because the public school system is limited in providing an education for my autistic child (at least, in my school district). I want what is best for my child, and I have been told by specialists that it is so important that he get one on one attention with his education. The public school system cannot provide that.
I am sorry that you were unhappy with your experience. Believe me, if my child said that he wanted to go back to school and was not thriving at home, I'd send him back to school. I want what is best for him.
I think that most parents on this board want what is best. They are not doing it because they want to go to WDW whenever they want.

 

[Nik's Mom]

LegoMom,
Well said. Most of my friends are not in my age group. In the real world, once you graduate from college, you are surrounded by people of various ages.

Someone here mentioned that they are creating a lesson plan for their trip to WDW. Can you share what you will be doing. As of right now, we are doing what I call "after schooling". DS is in school for his speech and physical therapy, but when he gets home, I work with him on academics, since the school doesn't seem to be making an impact there . I'd love to hear what you will be doing during your trip to WDW to make it educational.

 

[hokiefan33]

Hokiefan33,
I have to say that we are struggling to make our decision to home school because we want to do what is right for our child. You make it sound like homeschooling parents are selfish and don't really care how it may effect their children. Believe me, this is not the case. I am considering home schooling because the public school system is limited in providing an education for my autistic child (at least, in my school district). I want what is best for my child, and I have been told by specialists that it is so important that he get one on one attention with his education. The public school system cannot provide that.
I am sorry that you were unhappy with your experience. Believe me, if my child said that he wanted to go back to school and was not thriving at home, I'd send him back to school. I want what is best for him.
I think that most parents on this board want what is best. They are not doing it because they want to go to WDW whenever they want.

I never said that homeschooling parents are selfish - I said that some (though not all and probably not most) may be doing it so as not to have to adhere to a schedule dictated by the school. That may be b/c the parents don't like to be (or can't be) constrained, and not b/c they're selfish. Just wanted to clear that up.

And you're right, a medical, emotional or mental condition may very well be a good reason for taking your kids out of public school and home-schooling. I never said it was bad on its face, and that my experience reflects everyone else's experience. I just want parents to fully think about the stigma that homeschooling attaches to them and to their kids, whether they like it or not. A lot of people associate the "goofy" kids on the Scripps-Howard spelling bee with all homeschooled kids, b/c some (again, not all) are like that - whether you think they are or not. And like it or not, that is often the stereotype associated with homeschooled kids. Now I'm not saying that's correct, only that it sometimes happens.

Ultimately, it's your choice as a parent, and I wish you luck in whatever choice you make for your family.

 

[dturner]

The "socialization myth" is just that.

AMEN!!!

I just don't get why some people are so harsh on those of us who homeschool????????

What's the big deal????????

 

[Nik's Mom]

Thanks for clearing that up, Hokiefan.
I am giving it serious thought. It seems like a good option for us. My son does not care about what other kids think of him, but that is a symptom of his disorder. Hopefully that will change. He cares more about adults and younger kids.
As for other children, yes kids can be darn mean! It is crazy how mean they can be. It's a shame.

 

[dturner]

I just want parents to fully think about the stigma that homeschooling attaches to them and to their kids, whether they like it or not.

stigma???? What stigma, from whom???

 

[dturner]

I am giving it serious thought. It seems like a good option for us. My son does not care about what other kids think of him, but that is a symptom of his disorder. Hopefully that will change. He cares more about adults and younger kids.
As for other children, yes kids can be darn mean! It is crazy how mean they can be. It's a shame.

Please don't let ANYONE persuade you one way or the other about homeschooling. THis is my third year (and I also work full time, go ahead and flame away if you want) and I just love being able to teach my child at home.

I really, really believe that some children just don't do well in the PS atmosphere.

 

[Nik's Mom]

I think Hokiefan is trying to say not to do it because other kids will pick on your children. Maybe I'm misunderstanding.
I was picked on as a kid, and was not home schooled. Life is hard sometimes.
If you believe in your heart that home schooling is the right thing, and your children are thriving (which it sounds like most of them are), then it is the right thing to do. I bet most home schooled children receive the same amount of "social time" than PS children. It may be at church, YMCA, Boy scouts, etc.

 

[dturner]

I think Hokiefan is trying to say not to do it because other kids will pick on your children. Maybe I'm misunderstanding.
I was picked on as a kid, and was not home schooled. Life is hard sometimes.
If you believe in your heart that home schooling is the right thing, and your children are thriving (which it sounds like most of them are), then it is the right thing to do. I bet most home schooled children receive the same amount of "social time" than PS children. It may be at church, YMCA, Boy scouts, etc.

I agree, I was picked on as a child also and was NOT home schooled.

 

[sanibelover]

Yes, do seriously consider what you are doing if you choose to homeschool!! It is a huge commitment!!

There is only one reason to homeschool - because it is what works best for your family.

There is only one reason not to homeschool - becasue at the moment, it does not work best for your family.

I do homeschool and am very happy with my choice. I have many friends whose kids are in public school and they are very happy with thier choices. Is either one perfect?? NO!!!! Are there advantages to each choice? ABSOLUTELY!!!

Just make sure that if you choose to homeschool, that you are committed 1000%. It can be rewarding, frustrating, wonderful, horrible, satisfying, and torture all at the same time.

I often ask my children if they would rather go to public school. All of their friends are in public school. (We actually do very little with the homeschool group in our area.) The answer I always get is "NO!!!" (One of the main reasons - they would miss spending time with their 4 yr. old brother....)

I honestly believe we have a wonderful setup. We live in a great neighborhood with lots of kids so there is plenty of "socialization"(I hate that word!!!). But, those kids go to school all day and we have our school at home. The only drawback is that I do usually follow the public school calendar (except for family vacations- we take them when everyone else doesn't!!!)because I just cannot make my kids stay in and work at schoolwork while all of the other children play outside!!!

If I lived far outside of town or was very isolated in other ways, I think it would be a bit tougher to have interaction with other children (then we probably woudl be more involved with the homeschool group), but the way we have things now is wonderful!!

Ther are many different schooling options - some work better than others, but only you can decide what works best for your family.

 

[fam4jc]

I want desperately to homeschool my girls. We are making plans now to start this Summer. Our school district is very bad and we can't afford private school tuition. My dh and I have agreed that we can't do it until we know we can afford the extra curricular activities to enrich their lives like dance class, drama class, girl scouts, etc. not all at once, but seasonaly like they do in public schools. Is anyone else's DH the principal of your homeschool? That is our plan. I am the primary teacher and he is the principal.

Added: I just read the rest of this thread and want to say that in our community sending your kids to our very bottom of the barrel public school (ok 48 out of 50) is a "stigma" and homeschooling is a welcomed and respected choice. Those families who can't afford private tuition or prefer homeschooling are well supported.

 

[dturner]

I want desperately to homeschool my girls. We are making plans now to start this Summer. Our school district is very bad and we can't afford private school tuition. My dh and I have agreed that we can't do it until we know we can afford the extra curricular activities to enrich their lives like dance class, drama class, girl scouts, etc. not all at once, but seasonaly like they do in public schools. Is anyone else's DH the principal of your homeschool? That is our plan. I am the primary teacher and he is the principal.

Added: I just read the rest of this thread and want to say that in our community sending your kids to our very bottom of the barrel public school (ok 48 out of 50) is a "stigma" and homeschooling is a welcomed and respected choice. Those families who can't afford private tuition or prefer homeschooling are well supported.

Yes, my DH is the principal and I'm the teacher but DH does a lot more with DS since I work full-time and he doesn't.

I make sure that DS has extra curricular activities but they are NOT really outside the home; DH is a musician so DS is learning to play the guitar and making music/songs using the computer; DH is/was also a nationally ranked junior tennis player so he is also teaching DS to play tennis.

 

[DreadpiratK]

So, kids in public school do not get 'stymitized' or picked on ever....and homeschooling is a selfish deciscion ... I'm sorry that you had a bad experience, but you could not be more wrong.

I just saw a study recently that homeschooling families give up on average $35,000 in income so that one parent (usually a college graduate) can stay home with the kids, add to that the cost of materials time ect, and oh yeah, it's a real selfish decision, isn't it?

Selfish is mindlessly sending your kids to public school so they can babysit and you can have two incomes. (emphasis on mindless, it can be the right choice, but should be looked at in light of the childs best interests)

Fact is homeschool kids do better than public school kids in college, as well as socially almost across the board. I know something of this, as our 14 yr. old is preparing to start college in the fall, and only fear I have is that he will bust the grade curve, and the 18 and 19 yr olds will be mad at him.

Actually, your comments reinforce my decision to homeschool, as you seem to think that social conformity is a good thing, and that certainly is what public school teaches, go along with the pack or get picked on. Personally, avoiding that false and dangerous lesson is reason enough to keep our kids out of public school.

Sorry, meant to keep this freindly, it's just statements like the above get my dander up, since they are based solely on anecdotal evidence at best, and completely ignore the large amount of factual evidence readily available.