Homeschooling (moral, choice, evolution, creation, church)

[evearael]

I've been giving serious thought to homeschooling my daughter, who is currently 14 months. I am a stay-at-home-mommy and my husband and I want four or five more children. I am unhappy with the current educational standards in public schools and, wanting a big family, we are unable to afford private schooling. I am also displeased about the values, or their absence, that our society at large pushes, so the socialization benefit of public schooling is marginal at best. (There is a reason we do not own a tv!) In the end, I want what is best for my family, and though it would be easier to toss them on the bus and forget about it, I'm concerned that isn't the best choice.

Any thoughts on this, questions and concerns would be welcome!

[Mike182]

well, although no education system is perfect, i was pleased with my public school, which i am still at to do A levels! the school did not directly push any moral values, other than concideration and tolerance - which although they were not always inforced, they were largely held.

im just curious, you say

I am also displeased about the values, or their absence, that our society at large pushes

im just curious as to what you mean by this?

anyway, i live in england, so can't make any judgement on the US schooling

[dawny0826]

I felt the same as you do. And I placed my daughter in a Christian private school. Cost wise...it's significantly pricier than public schools but it's less than part time preschool would be in a typical daycare facility. AND she's getting a dynamite education in a wholesome environment.

I think homeschooling is wonderful. I didn't used to feel that way but for the very same reasons that you're considering homeschooling...my mind has been changed.

I would homeschool myself if I could provide my daughter with ample opportunities to socialize. Being that most of her friends are at her church...which is also her private school...the church's school is a better fit for us.

I think homeschooling is fabulous as long as the kids have ample time to socialize. Although there is much about the public school environment I dislike...the school setting does provide social growth opportunities.

The school setting does tend to prepare children for the "real world" moreso than if a parent were to exclusively teach their children. I've known a lot of homeschooled people who were kind of out of touch with the "real world" and weren't really prepared when they went off to college.

This is why I think socialization and extra curricular activities are so important. Not implying that you haven't thought of that already.

A lot of the Moms in my area...meet at a local church and homeschool their children together...utilizing the church's recreational facilities. This way...it's kind of the best of both worlds.

Parents have control over the classroom atmosphere and what they're children are learning...yet the children still kind of get that "school" experience...extra curricular activities with friends.

[evearael]

I just feel that our society prizes looks above intellect, money above character and has sexualized children of ever younger ages.

[dawny0826]

Originally Posted by evearael

I just feel that our society prizes looks above intellect, money above character and has sexualized children of ever younger ages.

True. And I think homeschooling is wonderful...although even if a child is exclusively homeschooled...it doesn't change the fact that society does exist and when that child ventures into adulthood...they will have to co-exist with society.

That's why I don't like the idea of homeschooling without socialization. I think there needs to be a balance between the homeschool classroom and experience outside of the homeschool classroom.

[Lindsey-Loo]

I disagree with most homeschooling simply because I think it's to soft, but everyone's situation is differant. A lot of my homeschooled friends get up at 10:00 am and stay in their pj's all day. They don't have to face real problems, which I think is a bad thing. They will never have to suffer 45 minutes of embarassment during intramurals, they'll never be laughed at, they'll never have to stand up for themselves. I just think that is sheltering a child to much.

I like my public school, even though we are taught things that I do not agree with, like evolution and the basics of Islam and other religions. There are also other disadvantages of public school that don't have to do with the curriculum. Although I wouldn't personally want to be homeschooled and would never homeschool any children that I might have, the decision is up to you.

[dawny0826]

Originally Posted by Christiangirl0909

I disagree with most homeschooling simply because I think it's to soft, but everyone's situation is differant. A lot of my homeschooled friends get up at 10:00 am and stay in their pj's all day. They don't have to face real problems, which I think is a bad thing. They will never have to suffer 45 minutes of embarassment during intramurals, they'll never be laughed at, they'll never have to stand up for themselves. I just think that is sheltering a child to much.

I like my public school, even though we are taught things that I do not agree with, like evolution and the basics of Islam and other religions. There are also other disadvantages of public school that don't have to do with the curriculum. Although I wouldn't personally want to be homeschooled and would never homeschool any children that I might have, the decision is up to you.

Her post pretty much illustrates my point on how in the school environment...kids are faced with "real life" scenarios that some (not all) home school envornments deprive them of.

[evearael]

Dawny0826... I'll definitely consider the group homeschooling model at your church when we get closer to making our choice.

Christiangirl0909... I admit being a tad bit on the overproductive side of things, but I do not want to cripple my child from being functional by depriving them of difficulties. It is the enculturation that I object to, not the challenges.

[jewscout]

It is the enculturation that I object to, not the challenges.

i agree Leonne but i think that our public school systems do not challenge our students enough either
mediocrity, not excellence, is the theme of the day.

[sushannah]

I have been homeschooling my children for several years now. It has been a great experience for my family. I have four children, the oldest is 17, the youngest is 2.
Academically and socially my children are very active and self motivated. Homeschooling has taught my two oldest children to be leaders and not followers. They are very independent and self-sufficient. They are also better read than any other children their age that I know.

If you are considering homeschooling verses private school because of expenses; I will tell you, homeschooling is not cheap. Through the course of a year, I probably spend more on education than if I would've sent them to private school, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.