Why do you homeschool and where are you located?

[Anonymous]

8:15 here - I realize I sound like eating in is the only sacrifice that we make, which is silly. One of our major things is that we drive older cars that are paid off. We buy clothes on sale at the end of the season for the next year and use coupons. We heavily research major purchases to balance quality and cost. We buy in bulk where it makes sense. We meal plan to keep food costs and waste down. We consolidate trips to conserve gas. We've definitely found that the benefits of having me home help immensely with life balance when it comes to DH's high pressure job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Actually, there are a lot of secular homeschoolers in this area. I've been homeschooling here for several years now and the majority of homeschoolers I meet seem to be motivated by quality of education rather than religious or political ideology. I'm in Silver Spring.

Secular? Hardly. Not from my experience. All HS I know belong to religious groups. This includes my SIL who is a Southern Baptist and moved her family from NOVA to Lynchberg, VA, (her home town). In her case, it's more about running away from the secular world rather than being motivated by quality of education. The kids sometimes stay with us and I watch them study, I do not see much rigor in their curriculum. I suspect that the kids are behind as compared to students in Fairfax County. SIL was a mediocre college student and she could not hold down a job. She quit the "corporate world" when she became pregnant with first child. I hardly think this qualifies her to be a teacher.

.


Why would faithful religious families feel unwelcome in public schools, I wonder?

True. Please keep your superstitions to yourselves. You are welcome to disconnect from society like the Mormon/Church of LDS, Amish, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know of one woman who homeschools who's not a religious freak. However, her reason for homeschooling is odd, as she wishes to protect her daughter socially b/c she's extremely shy.

I find that odd, quite frankly. How does a shy child benefit from being pulled out the mainstream? I realize there are some interesting, enriching activities in which homeschoolers can participate. But usually for these activities, homeschoolers are surrounded by the same group.

I have no doubt that the non-religious homeschooling mom is smart. She runs a home business and appears sane. But I still question her main reason for doing this.

Furthermore, while I, as an educator, recognize there are different teaching styles and methods, I do question whether or not these homeschooling parents recognize that being trained in strategies helps many students master content and skills. While reading for pleasure is a goal, so is critical analysis. How many "regular" parents are able to create (or find for that matter) wonderful graphic organizers specifically created to help students analyze theme? There is so much junk out there that unless someone is trained in content and content-specific methods, I doubt s/he can claim to be an expert.

just my 2 cents

Is this part tongue-in-cheek?

No

But obviously you're no educator, or you'd value different strategies, especially those used with kids who are visual learners. Some are awful, but I'm certain that many homeschooling parents wouldn't notice the difference. Nor do most have the background to teach upper level courses. So where do kids go? to public for a course or two (happens at my school) and to the internet

.


Why the negative assumptions? Who knows kids more than their parents? Do you honestly believe parents can't figure out how their kids learn best?

I admire educators immensely. I once was one, and I loved my job. Teaching my own children is completely different than teaching a classroom. Totally different skill set. The tutorial model of education is timeless and intimate. Assessments can be done through conversations, rather than multiple choice. When kids never experience the institutional model of education, learning is very organic, just like when a toddler learns to talk.

And what is wrong with seeking out the resources your child needs to pursue the knowledge s/he desires? That is not a sign of failure on the parents' part--it is a sign of success. That is he beauty of homeschooling: flexibility, only using what works.

There's a good reason homeschooling grows in popularity every year. It is awesome.

So b/c I like to look at the moon and the stars, I'm now an expert who should apply for a job at NASA?

You may have been a teacher at one point, PP, but most homeschooling parents have no expertise in this area. I'm surprised - that as an EDUCATOR - you can't understand why that's such an important factor.

My friend, a former elementary teacher with a concentration in SPED, homeschools her 4 autistic children. I respect her decision. However, if she had a degree in architecture, I'd question her motives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

However, her reason for homeschooling is odd, as she wishes to protect her daughter socially b/c she's extremely shy.

I find that odd, quite frankly. How does a shy child benefit from being pulled out the mainstream? I realize there are some interesting, enriching activities in which homeschoolers can participate. But usually for these activities, homeschoolers are surrounded by the same group.

My brother has spina bifida. While his physical problems were largely fixed with a series of surgeries, he has a host of learning disabilities and a quirky demeanor. He is physically awkward, and when you first meet him, you assume he is mentally limited, due to his mannerisms and manner of speech.

Actually, he is quite brilliant, and an extraordinarily gifted musician and composer. He is also gregarious, funny, loving, and hardworking.

My mother homeschooled him through high school. He is now attending college with a double major in music and computer science. His learning disabilities make his academic life a challenge, but in the subjects that he loves, he sails through effortlessly. And he has great friends from the music scene.

If he had gone to school, he would have been mercilessly teased and tormented and misunderstood. He would have been defined by his limitations, rather than seen as a whole person.

My mom gave him the greatest gift by teaching him at home: the freedom to be himself. He did not have to be beaten up, shunned, or teased to grow up. Those trials would have gotten in the way of his future.

He was never isolated or "out of the mainstream." He was able to be MORE mainstream because he was not shoved into some category by his same-age classmates or labeled by his well-meaning teachers. He was able to just be himself.

Spina bifida is not the same as seeming shy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was homeschooled for awhile. Hated it with a passion. My parents certainly thought they knew what education would be best for me but they were wrong. I loved being in school. One of my sibs loved being homeschooled, the other was indifferent.

.

Why did your parents homeschool? What about school did you prefer? Did they pull you of of school to homeschool you?

We moved to a fairly remote area for a couple years and my parents decided to homeschool us rather than living nearer to the closest city and schools. There were schools in our area but they required long commutes so they decided given we were only going to be living there for a couple years they would homeschool us. What I missed was time away from my parents and family. I needed independence. I missed the hustle and bustle of a classroom, group work and having lots of friends all around. I missed the routines of school, the assemblies, recess etc... I was a very social kid and I hated being home all day with my family. We did activities but as a family and there were kids around but they were all in school during the day. Also because they were all together in school I was in the dark as to who they talked about, and what they were doing. I missed being on school sports teams and all the other teams and clubs. I had been in public school up until then, after homeschooling I went to private for a couple years then back to public for my last couple years of high school. I was homeschooled for grades 6 and 7.

I'm not the PP with the questions. But, finally! A perspective from someone that was homeschooled -- and it's detailed. Thank you, I wondered what it was like for the homeschooled kids from their perspective. And since you did both, you know what you were missing in regular school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

However, her reason for homeschooling is odd, as she wishes to protect her daughter socially b/c she's extremely shy.

I find that odd, quite frankly. How does a shy child benefit from being pulled out the mainstream? I realize there are some interesting, enriching activities in which homeschoolers can participate. But usually for these activities, homeschoolers are surrounded by the same group.

My brother has spina bifida. While his physical problems were largely fixed with a series of surgeries, he has a host of learning disabilities and a quirky demeanor. He is physically awkward, and when you first meet him, you assume he is mentally limited, due to his mannerisms and manner of speech.

Actually, he is quite brilliant, and an extraordinarily gifted musician and composer. He is also gregarious, funny, loving, and hardworking.

My mother homeschooled him through high school. He is now attending college with a double major in music and computer science. His learning disabilities make his academic life a challenge, but in the subjects that he loves, he sails through effortlessly. And he has great friends from the music scene.

If he had gone to school, he would have been mercilessly teased and tormented and misunderstood. He would have been defined by his limitations, rather than seen as a whole person.

My mom gave him the greatest gift by teaching him at home: the freedom to be himself. He did not have to be beaten up, shunned, or teased to grow up. Those trials would have gotten in the way of his future.

He was never isolated or "out of the mainstream." He was able to be MORE mainstream because he was not shoved into some category by his same-age classmates or labeled by his well-meaning teachers. He was able to just be himself.

Spina bifida is not the same as seeming shy.

But your bully kids will ruin both children's lives no matter what.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know of one woman who homeschools who's not a religious freak. However, her reason for homeschooling is odd, as she wishes to protect her daughter socially b/c she's extremely shy.

I find that odd, quite frankly. How does a shy child benefit from being pulled out the mainstream? I realize there are some interesting, enriching activities in which homeschoolers can participate. But usually for these activities, homeschoolers are surrounded by the same group.

I have no doubt that the non-religious homeschooling mom is smart. She runs a home business and appears sane. But I still question her main reason for doing this.

Furthermore, while I, as an educator, recognize there are different teaching styles and methods, I do question whether or not these homeschooling parents recognize that being trained in strategies helps many students master content and skills. While reading for pleasure is a goal, so is critical analysis. How many "regular" parents are able to create (or find for that matter) wonderful graphic organizers specifically created to help students analyze theme? There is so much junk out there that unless someone is trained in content and content-specific methods, I doubt s/he can claim to be an expert.

just my 2 cents

Is this part tongue-in-cheek?

No

But obviously you're no educator, or you'd value different strategies, especially those used with kids who are visual learners. Some are awful, but I'm certain that many homeschooling parents wouldn't notice the difference. Nor do most have the background to teach upper level courses. So where do kids go? to public for a course or two (happens at my school) and to the internet

.


Why the negative assumptions? Who knows kids more than their parents? Do you honestly believe parents can't figure out how their kids learn best?

I admire educators immensely. I once was one, and I loved my job. Teaching my own children is completely different than teaching a classroom. Totally different skill set. The tutorial model of education is timeless and intimate. Assessments can be done through conversations, rather than multiple choice. When kids never experience the institutional model of education, learning is very organic, just like when a toddler learns to talk.

And what is wrong with seeking out the resources your child needs to pursue the knowledge s/he desires? That is not a sign of failure on the parents' part--it is a sign of success. That is he beauty of homeschooling: flexibility, only using what works.

There's a good reason homeschooling grows in popularity every year. It is awesome.

So b/c I like to look at the moon and the stars, I'm now an expert who should apply for a job at NASA?

You may have been a teacher at one point, PP, but most homeschooling parents have no expertise in this area. I'm surprised - that as an EDUCATOR - you can't understand why that's such an important factor.

My friend, a former elementary teacher with a concentration in SPED, homeschools her 4 autistic children. I respect her decision. However, if she had a degree in architecture, I'd question her motives.

Don't we all learn on the fly? We start reading about pregnancy a few months before while TTC then we take birthing classes and read books on birth a few weeks before the due date, then when we're sleep training we read about it, we read about Bfeeding while trying to latch the baby, we read about every milestone when it's about to happen. Why not learn about how our kids learn while trying to figure out what works best for them? What's the difference?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know of one woman who homeschools who's not a religious freak. However, her reason for homeschooling is odd, as she wishes to protect her daughter socially b/c she's extremely shy.

I find that odd, quite frankly. How does a shy child benefit from being pulled out the mainstream? I realize there are some interesting, enriching activities in which homeschoolers can participate. But usually for these activities, homeschoolers are surrounded by the same group.

I have no doubt that the non-religious homeschooling mom is smart. She runs a home business and appears sane. But I still question her main reason for doing this.

Furthermore, while I, as an educator, recognize there are different teaching styles and methods, I do question whether or not these homeschooling parents recognize that being trained in strategies helps many students master content and skills. While reading for pleasure is a goal, so is critical analysis. How many "regular" parents are able to create (or find for that matter) wonderful graphic organizers specifically created to help students analyze theme? There is so much junk out there that unless someone is trained in content and content-specific methods, I doubt s/he can claim to be an expert.

just my 2 cents

Is this part tongue-in-cheek?

No

But obviously you're no educator, or you'd value different strategies, especially those used with kids who are visual learners. Some are awful, but I'm certain that many homeschooling parents wouldn't notice the difference. Nor do most have the background to teach upper level courses. So where do kids go? to public for a course or two (happens at my school) and to the internet

.


Why the negative assumptions? Who knows kids more than their parents? Do you honestly believe parents can't figure out how their kids learn best?

I admire educators immensely. I once was one, and I loved my job. Teaching my own children is completely different than teaching a classroom. Totally different skill set. The tutorial model of education is timeless and intimate. Assessments can be done through conversations, rather than multiple choice. When kids never experience the institutional model of education, learning is very organic, just like when a toddler learns to talk.

And what is wrong with seeking out the resources your child needs to pursue the knowledge s/he desires? That is not a sign of failure on the parents' part--it is a sign of success. That is he beauty of homeschooling: flexibility, only using what works.

There's a good reason homeschooling grows in popularity every year. It is awesome.

So b/c I like to look at the moon and the stars, I'm now an expert who should apply for a job at NASA?

You may have been a teacher at one point, PP, but most homeschooling parents have no expertise in this area. I'm surprised - that as an EDUCATOR - you can't understand why that's such an important factor.

My friend, a former elementary teacher with a concentration in SPED, homeschools her 4 autistic children. I respect her decision. However, if she had a degree in architecture, I'd question her motives.

Don't we all learn on the fly? We start reading about pregnancy a few months before while TTC then we take birthing classes and read books on birth a few weeks before the due date, then when we're sleep training we read about it, we read about Bfeeding while trying to latch the baby, we read about every milestone when it's about to happen. Why not learn about how our kids learn while trying to figure out what works best for them? What's the difference?

Reread what I've just highlighted - Would you take legal advice from a nurse? Would you let a doctor design your new home? Would you take your child to your landscaper if he suddenly developed a high fever?

With your way of thinking, I suppose you didn't visit your OBGYN when you were pregnant?

If you're NOT a trained educator, why would you treat your children like guinea pigs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know of one woman who homeschools who's not a religious freak. However, her reason for homeschooling is odd, as she wishes to protect her daughter socially b/c she's extremely shy.

I find that odd, quite frankly. How does a shy child benefit from being pulled out the mainstream? I realize there are some interesting, enriching activities in which homeschoolers can participate. But usually for these activities, homeschoolers are surrounded by the same group.

I have no doubt that the non-religious homeschooling mom is smart. She runs a home business and appears sane. But I still question her main reason for doing this.

Furthermore, while I, as an educator, recognize there are different teaching styles and methods, I do question whether or not these homeschooling parents recognize that being trained in strategies helps many students master content and skills. While reading for pleasure is a goal, so is critical analysis. How many "regular" parents are able to create (or find for that matter) wonderful graphic organizers specifically created to help students analyze theme? There is so much junk out there that unless someone is trained in content and content-specific methods, I doubt s/he can claim to be an expert.

just my 2 cents

Is this part tongue-in-cheek?

No

But obviously you're no educator, or you'd value different strategies, especially those used with kids who are visual learners. Some are awful, but I'm certain that many homeschooling parents wouldn't notice the difference. Nor do most have the background to teach upper level courses. So where do kids go? to public for a course or two (happens at my school) and to the internet

.


Why the negative assumptions? Who knows kids more than their parents? Do you honestly believe parents can't figure out how their kids learn best?

I admire educators immensely. I once was one, and I loved my job. Teaching my own children is completely different than teaching a classroom. Totally different skill set. The tutorial model of education is timeless and intimate. Assessments can be done through conversations, rather than multiple choice. When kids never experience the institutional model of education, learning is very organic, just like when a toddler learns to talk.

And what is wrong with seeking out the resources your child needs to pursue the knowledge s/he desires? That is not a sign of failure on the parents' part--it is a sign of success. That is he beauty of homeschooling: flexibility, only using what works.

There's a good reason homeschooling grows in popularity every year. It is awesome.

So b/c I like to look at the moon and the stars, I'm now an expert who should apply for a job at NASA?

You may have been a teacher at one point, PP, but most homeschooling parents have no expertise in this area. I'm surprised - that as an EDUCATOR - you can't understand why that's such an important factor.

My friend, a former elementary teacher with a concentration in SPED, homeschools her 4 autistic children. I respect her decision. However, if she had a degree in architecture, I'd question her motives.

Don't we all learn on the fly? We start reading about pregnancy a few months before while TTC then we take birthing classes and read books on birth a few weeks before the due date, then when we're sleep training we read about it, we read about Bfeeding while trying to latch the baby, we read about every milestone when it's about to happen. Why not learn about how our kids learn while trying to figure out what works best for them? What's the difference?

Reread what I've just highlighted - Would you take legal advice from a nurse? Would you let a doctor design your new home? Would you take your child to your landscaper if he suddenly developed a high fever?

With your way of thinking, I suppose you didn't visit your OBGYN when you were pregnant?

If you're NOT a trained educator, why would you treat your children like guinea pigs?

Training in education can actually get in the way of homeschooling. Again, teaching a same-age classroom and teaching your own children are totally different, barely even related skills. Tutoring is different from teaching 30 kids at once. Helping someone you love learn is not the same as helping 30 strangers learn. You use different methods, different assessments. Not necessarily worse either way, just different.

Some of my siblings went back and forth, school to home and back, and all went to college. They took he best from every situation and made the most of every opportunity. It is like the "mommy wars": the conflict does not need to exist between institutional learning and independent learning.

For me, I love our independence, and hope we never need to let it go.

And rather than knock parents with fewer credentials, why not admire them for their bravery and commitment? Plenty of kids go through public schools and suffer at the hands of incompetent teachers, and plenty of homeschoolers achieve more than their parents ever could...

[Anonymous]

I have read that home schooling is much better for kids up until 3rd grade. The academic advantages continue until 9th grade, but not as impressive. Then after 9th grade, the courses need to be handled by specialists, those tend to be found in most high schools (actually more likely in public school than private). Science needs to be taught by a teacher with a background in science and so on.
I am a mother of two elementary school kids and I considered home schooling. Not enough time since I am a working professional. I use private school for now, and plan to switch to public school by HS. I wish that I could have home schooled up to grade 3.

[Anonymous]

LOL who are you trying to fool here, PP?

Not all teachers in your kid's school are trained educators, you know that, right?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know of one woman who homeschools who's not a religious freak. However, her reason for homeschooling is odd, as she wishes to protect her daughter socially b/c she's extremely shy.

I find that odd, quite frankly. How does a shy child benefit from being pulled out the mainstream? I realize there are some interesting, enriching activities in which homeschoolers can participate. But usually for these activities, homeschoolers are surrounded by the same group.

I have no doubt that the non-religious homeschooling mom is smart. She runs a home business and appears sane. But I still question her main reason for doing this.

Furthermore, while I, as an educator, recognize there are different teaching styles and methods, I do question whether or not these homeschooling parents recognize that being trained in strategies helps many students master content and skills. While reading for pleasure is a goal, so is critical analysis. How many "regular" parents are able to create (or find for that matter) wonderful graphic organizers specifically created to help students analyze theme? There is so much junk out there that unless someone is trained in content and content-specific methods, I doubt s/he can claim to be an expert.

just my 2 cents

Is this part tongue-in-cheek?

No

But obviously you're no educator, or you'd value different strategies, especially those used with kids who are visual learners. Some are awful, but I'm certain that many homeschooling parents wouldn't notice the difference. Nor do most have the background to teach upper level courses. So where do kids go? to public for a course or two (happens at my school) and to the internet

.


Why the negative assumptions? Who knows kids more than their parents? Do you honestly believe parents can't figure out how their kids learn best?

I admire educators immensely. I once was one, and I loved my job. Teaching my own children is completely different than teaching a classroom. Totally different skill set. The tutorial model of education is timeless and intimate. Assessments can be done through conversations, rather than multiple choice. When kids never experience the institutional model of education, learning is very organic, just like when a toddler learns to talk.

And what is wrong with seeking out the resources your child needs to pursue the knowledge s/he desires? That is not a sign of failure on the parents' part--it is a sign of success. That is he beauty of homeschooling: flexibility, only using what works.

There's a good reason homeschooling grows in popularity every year. It is awesome.

So b/c I like to look at the moon and the stars, I'm now an expert who should apply for a job at NASA?

You may have been a teacher at one point, PP, but most homeschooling parents have no expertise in this area. I'm surprised - that as an EDUCATOR - you can't understand why that's such an important factor.

My friend, a former elementary teacher with a concentration in SPED, homeschools her 4 autistic children. I respect her decision. However, if she had a degree in architecture, I'd question her motives.

Don't we all learn on the fly? We start reading about pregnancy a few months before while TTC then we take birthing classes and read books on birth a few weeks before the due date, then when we're sleep training we read about it, we read about Bfeeding while trying to latch the baby, we read about every milestone when it's about to happen. Why not learn about how our kids learn while trying to figure out what works best for them? What's the difference?

Reread what I've just highlighted - Would you take legal advice from a nurse? Would you let a doctor design your new home? Would you take your child to your landscaper if he suddenly developed a high fever?

With your way of thinking, I suppose you didn't visit your OBGYN when you were pregnant?

If you're NOT a trained educator, why would you treat your children like guinea pigs?

[Anonymous]

I have no idea what your experiences have been, but at my school (and in many MCPS schools), teachers have - at the very least - a BS/BA. Many have masters and PhDs. I know of 4 colleagues who have PhDs in a content-related field (history, science, English).

So unless you're in a school system, I doubt you know as much as we do. Do your research before you post.

Anonymous wrote:LOL who are you trying to fool here, PP?

Not all teachers in your kid's school are trained educators, you know that, right?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know of one woman who homeschools who's not a religious freak. However, her reason for homeschooling is odd, as she wishes to protect her daughter socially b/c she's extremely shy.

I find that odd, quite frankly. How does a shy child benefit from being pulled out the mainstream? I realize there are some interesting, enriching activities in which homeschoolers can participate. But usually for these activities, homeschoolers are surrounded by the same group.

I have no doubt that the non-religious homeschooling mom is smart. She runs a home business and appears sane. But I still question her main reason for doing this.

Furthermore, while I, as an educator, recognize there are different teaching styles and methods, I do question whether or not these homeschooling parents recognize that being trained in strategies helps many students master content and skills. While reading for pleasure is a goal, so is critical analysis. How many "regular" parents are able to create (or find for that matter) wonderful graphic organizers specifically created to help students analyze theme? There is so much junk out there that unless someone is trained in content and content-specific methods, I doubt s/he can claim to be an expert.

just my 2 cents

Is this part tongue-in-cheek?

No

But obviously you're no educator, or you'd value different strategies, especially those used with kids who are visual learners. Some are awful, but I'm certain that many homeschooling parents wouldn't notice the difference. Nor do most have the background to teach upper level courses. So where do kids go? to public for a course or two (happens at my school) and to the internet

.


Why the negative assumptions? Who knows kids more than their parents? Do you honestly believe parents can't figure out how their kids learn best?

I admire educators immensely. I once was one, and I loved my job. Teaching my own children is completely different than teaching a classroom. Totally different skill set. The tutorial model of education is timeless and intimate. Assessments can be done through conversations, rather than multiple choice. When kids never experience the institutional model of education, learning is very organic, just like when a toddler learns to talk.

And what is wrong with seeking out the resources your child needs to pursue the knowledge s/he desires? That is not a sign of failure on the parents' part--it is a sign of success. That is he beauty of homeschooling: flexibility, only using what works.

There's a good reason homeschooling grows in popularity every year. It is awesome.

So b/c I like to look at the moon and the stars, I'm now an expert who should apply for a job at NASA?

You may have been a teacher at one point, PP, but most homeschooling parents have no expertise in this area. I'm surprised - that as an EDUCATOR - you can't understand why that's such an important factor.

My friend, a former elementary teacher with a concentration in SPED, homeschools her 4 autistic children. I respect her decision. However, if she had a degree in architecture, I'd question her motives.

Don't we all learn on the fly? We start reading about pregnancy a few months before while TTC then we take birthing classes and read books on birth a few weeks before the due date, then when we're sleep training we read about it, we read about Bfeeding while trying to latch the baby, we read about every milestone when it's about to happen. Why not learn about how our kids learn while trying to figure out what works best for them? What's the difference?

Reread what I've just highlighted - Would you take legal advice from a nurse? Would you let a doctor design your new home? Would you take your child to your landscaper if he suddenly developed a high fever?

With your way of thinking, I suppose you didn't visit your OBGYN when you were pregnant?

If you're NOT a trained educator, why would you treat your children like guinea pigs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Actually, there are a lot of secular homeschoolers in this area. I've been homeschooling here for several years now and the majority of homeschoolers I meet seem to be motivated by quality of education rather than religious or political ideology. I'm in Silver Spring.

Secular? Hardly. Not from my experience. All HS I know belong to religious groups. This includes my SIL who is a Southern Baptist and moved her family from NOVA to Lynchberg, VA, (her home town). In her case, it's more about running away from the secular world rather than being motivated by quality of education. The kids sometimes stay with us and I watch them study, I do not see much rigor in their curriculum. I suspect that the kids are behind as compared to students in Fairfax County. SIL was a mediocre college student and she could not hold down a job. She quit the "corporate world" when she became pregnant with first child. I hardly think this qualifies her to be a teacher.

.


Why would faithful religious families feel unwelcome in public schools, I wonder?

True. Please keep your superstitions to yourselves. You are welcome to disconnect from society like the Mormon/Church of LDS, Amish, etc.

If you can keep your prejudices close to the vest, perhaps...

[Anonymous]

My DC is not homeschooled, but I do think that for some families it can be the right answer. I do have some questions for the homeschoolers out there though, just b/c I'm curious. When your DC gets to college, how do you send transcripts in? Obviously you do, and obviously children are accepted into very good schools, just wondering how those assessments work. Also, I know many have stated that bullying and shyness or "fitting in" seem to be a pretty common theme. How do you deal with this as your DC gets older in terms of eventually moving on to either HS (for those who mainstream then) or college? Are there special science classes that you can send homeschoolers to so that they have access to lab equipment for experiments? TIA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DC is not homeschooled, but I do think that for some families it can be the right answer. I do have some questions for the homeschoolers out there though, just b/c I'm curious. When your DC gets to college, how do you send transcripts in? Obviously you do, and obviously children are accepted into very good schools, just wondering how those assessments work. Also, I know many have stated that bullying and shyness or "fitting in" seem to be a pretty common theme. How do you deal with this as your DC gets older in terms of eventually moving on to either HS (for those who mainstream then) or college? Are there special science classes that you can send homeschoolers to so that they have access to lab equipment for experiments? TIA

.


Different colleges have different application requirements for homeschoolers. Sometimes parents create a traditional transcript. Sometimes students compile portfolios. Sometimes more emphasis is placed on SAT/ACT/AP scores. It just depends on the college.

My mom created a transcript for my siblings, but they had all also been taking community college classes during high school, so hey had those transcripts, as well. They all attended private colleges that welcomed homeschoolers. I am just starting high school with my oldest, and we will conform to what her ambitions require when the time comes.

More answers will have to wait til we get home from the pool