| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| LuckyMommyof5 |
Posted - Jul 13 2011 : 05:10:42 AM
As I wrote in a previous post, my husband and I are very seriously looking into switching our daughters to homeschooling or distance learning in the next few years. We are leaning more towards a distance learning program because our state and district make homeschooling parents go through a lot of paperwork and scrutiny (I've seen the guidelines and they really look as if they are meant to discourage homeschooling altogether, which is sad and unfair).
When I mention our interest in this to people, they have a lot of negative responses, chief among them that if we do this, my girls will have no friends and will become sad, depressed, lonely, maladjusted and anti-social if we do this. Has anyone who has homeschooled or distance learned found this to be the case?
Farmgirl Sister #3243
"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." - Laura Ingalls Wilder |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Aug 11 2011 : 8:57:15 PM
Kim I don't know but to me it sounds like they are in a lot of stuff already! Doesn't sound like you are struggling to me! lol haha
I sometimes think about my grandmother-my mother's mother. She grew up during the depression on a cotton plantation in rural Arkansas. Till her parents came along they didn't even have school teachers in the area. Her father hired a school teacher, many in the area were illiterate due to lack of education, my great grandfather was not and didn't want his children or other children in the area to be. Only some in the area allowed their children to go to the school grandfather built. I have seen school pics the whole school added up to be less then 20 students. They could only go certain times of the year, other times of year it wasn't either safe (too cold in the winter to walk with out shoes) or harvest etc on their families farms. They didn't have soccer teams, etc (however, funny enough they had a girls basketball team, my aunt was on it! lol). They didn't go and socialize every day/week as children of today are. Oh they had socials, in the summer time they had Sunday picnics with others in the area, and at the end of harvest they had big barn dances, etc. However, that was a generation of people who generally could get along with many kinds of people as they met them in town, or what have you and had generally good/productive lives. Today people act like you have to be "socialized" daily or something.
I sometimes feel ALL the socialization of today is part of the breakdown of family, and also the stress of children that they didn't have a few generations today. I see a lot more crying, and stressed out kids today then a few generations ago. I think there's something to be said about just being home and playing with your own siblings, in your own yard/house! And not being over scheduled, eating from drive thru windows etc.
All that being said, I still love the home schooling co-op here! I would soooooo recommend looking for one in your own area if you want more "socialization".
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| chickenlittle |
Posted - Aug 11 2011 : 7:13:01 PM
I have met several children that are home schooled and found them all to be well mannored and behaved and nice and polite and really nice kids. (yea, unlike most kids of today they are different, they act normal how we all were raised.) And as far as making friends, I never met any of them that didn't have lots of friends and socoialization wasn't a problem either........makes ya wonder what the puplic schools are afraid of doesn't it?
Do what your heart tells you.
Charlene
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
~Eleanor Roosevelt |
| Lieberkim |
Posted - Aug 11 2011 : 6:03:13 PM
I think I love this group! I'm homeschooling and getting a lot of flack about it. Even my husband pressures me about it. But then he'll admit that he couldn't read at 3 and 5 years old. I'm a strong willed person though, so I just lower my head and ignore all the taunting. My children are getting a better education and aren't being brainwashed by a flawed system. My son is an intelligent little man but has an extremely intense personality, if he was in a school room he'd be labeled and left to fail. As it is now he's five years old and reading and doing simple math and his manuscript and cursive handwriting is better than some adults. I say decide what's best for your family and then make it happen. Homeschooling isn't for everyone but it is for me. I LOVE teaching my children.
I do struggle some with the socializing aspect. We're new to the area and we live in the middle of nowhere which makes it difficult to meet other children. Plus I'm a bit of a lone wolf and don't like crowds. But my children go to church, kids club, AWANAS when it starts this fall, swim lessons and as they mature we'll add in dance/music lessons, sports, 4H etc. My observation has been that homeschooled children aren't so peer limited, they can have conversations with anyone of any age. |
| Tall Holly |
Posted - Aug 07 2011 : 5:08:28 PM
Our daughter went to camp this summer and of the twenty eight girls there she was the only one who knew how to sew. We learned at home because I sew but we also did it when I had a Girl Scout troop.
Holly
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| MagnoliaWhisper |
Posted - Aug 06 2011 : 10:37:17 PM
I also plan on having my girls do 4-H if they want to. Also our locally owned sewing store has a "summer camp" each summer, two sessions each summer (you can choose to do both or just one). Mainly it's other girls who are in 4-H and the like. But, it's open to any kids who want to join it (and their parents willing to pay for it, but really it's not that much when you consider all it's involved-it's 125 dollars, and they stay all day for 1 week at the sewing store, and learn lots of different sewing things, and get to make three different clothing things, usually a swim suit, cover up, and such, also this year was a dress. My girls aren't old enough but I keep up with the stores blog and it looks like the kids who go have a ball!
I plan on very soon (when I am not tied to the house with pregnancy or a nursing baby! lol haha) starting to bake some cookies or such and going and visiting the elderly in our congregation at least once a month. Mostly the "shut ins". Mainly to give them a little encouragement and a visit they may not be getting much of. And my girls can learn a sense of community along with probably learning from such ones stories that they inevitably will want to share during our visits. As they get old enough I will be sending my girls to help clean such ones homes for them (do any little chores that maybe such ones are no longer able to do for themselves, vacuum, dust a little, maybe do a load of laundry) while my boy mows their lawn or shovels their sidewalk depending on the time of year. My brother and I did this as we grew old enough to for those in our congregation and I always liked it. I liked hearing the older ones stories of when they were younger, and having fun friendships with them, and I think they appreciated us coming and doing things they couldn't afford to hire to have done. I know a lot of times there is programs out there that pay for such ones to have some one come in and do this stuff, but sadly I have noticed most the time the programs send out people who do nothing! I found that with my great aunts, the people sent to "help" them would sit and read a book or watch soap operas meanwhile my aunts dishes needed done, and the floor vacuumed! UHG!
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
| camiesmommy |
Posted - Aug 06 2011 : 10:15:17 PM
My kids have all flown the coop, but our two youngest were home schooled. We belonged to the local homeschoolers assoc. They had field trips, science fairs, etc. When they kids got older, the had dances, even a prom. Our kids also belonged to 4-H (their choice).
When they got older, my son started a puppet theater and they would put on shows at the local childrens museum and volunteer at nursing homes.
My youngest graduated at 16 and started college. She is working towards a double major in Criminal Justice and Sign Language. My kids are well rounded, and can converse comfortably with people their age as well as the elderly. If anything, the tend to associate with people older than them, because they have never been able to relate to the whole "high school drama metality".
The year after the girls started homeschooling, Nevada did away with mandatory testing, because the homeschoolers scores scewed the state learning numbers. More importantly we were able to teach them our values.
When I started homeschooling, I was told the first year was the toughest, and I agree. But, if you stick with it, get over the humps you'll find it's probably one of the most rewarding thing you'll ever do.
A.J.
Work is love made visible. ~ Kahlil Gibran |
| Tall Holly |
Posted - Aug 05 2011 : 6:02:38 PM
We will start back to official learning soon. Our 17 yo will take two community college courses this fall. He is only allowed two classes in order to maintain eligibility for homeschool so he can play sports at the local high school. We are looking into enrolling our 15 yo daughter for sign language. I have taken up to level 4 but with no opportunity to practice myskills are declining. We thought sign language would be a great class for her to start with because she is very dyslexic and signing is easier when you see in pictures.
Holly
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| MrsRooster |
Posted - Aug 04 2011 : 08:18:28 AM
As one who just did year one, it is a scary start and sometimes uncertain. But, we love it more everyday and can't wait to start back on the 15th.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
www.morganicinstitute.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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| mamashaw |
Posted - Aug 03 2011 : 8:53:24 PM
Just finding this thread. We've homeschooled forever! Well actually we started in a small mountain community public school with our oldest son for Kindergarten. He could already read, write, repeat every detail of his address and phone number and completed math problems in his head. Our public school experience stopped dead in the water when his first grade teacher told us we needed to "hold him back, he is too far ahead of his peers and is disruptive during class because of it".
Our homeschool adventure has now included 3 and soon to be 4 children, we've used the public system for drivers education only and simply because it was a cheaper option to private lessons. Our children range in age from 5 to 20. Both of our older boys (17 and 20) "graduated" at 16 and enrolled as full fledged college students, one want's to work for the FBI and the other aspires to be a aeronautical engineer. Our daughter is 14 and working toward the same.. she wants to be a teacher of the deaf. Our 5yo is profoundly deaf and we plan to homeschool him as well. He wears bilateral cochlear implants and thus makes him a hearing deaf child if you can put that together in your head....
Anyway, our kids are not maladjusted, delayed, socially unacceptable or any other label an uneducated person would like to hang on them. They get along with all ages groups, adults and peers alike, and actually would rather have a conversation with adults because most of the kids they know in our area "just can't keep up mom".
I could ramble all day! I say to you more than anything else.. you know your child better than anyone and your child is not standard. Homeschooling for the first time seems daunting and scary but when you start with them when they are little its a learning curve for you both. There are so many resources out there to assist you in your journey and many are free. Don't stick yourself in the "traditional school rut".. educate on your schedule and remember every day is a learning experience even if all you accomplish is making a batch of cookies together.
someplace between lost and found
annette FS#1372
not all who wander are lost
why worry about the comming storm when you can learn to dance in the rain |
| LuckyMommyof5 |
Posted - Aug 02 2011 : 1:20:00 PM
Fabulous idea!
Farmgirl Sister #3243
"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." - Laura Ingalls Wilder |
| MrsRooster |
Posted - Aug 02 2011 : 09:47:35 AM
I started a new blog about my homeschool only
Visit here at http://morganicinstitute.blogspot.com/
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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| FarmDream |
Posted - Aug 02 2011 : 09:32:44 AM
That's a good working title...Homeschool Henhouse. :D
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
| MrsRooster |
Posted - Aug 02 2011 : 08:13:54 AM
I sent an email to the head hen and requested a henhouse for homeschooling. I will let you know when I hear back.
I can't wait!!
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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| MrsRooster |
Posted - Aug 02 2011 : 08:07:25 AM
Great idea girls!!!!
Would love a forum.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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| LuckyMommyof5 |
Posted - Aug 02 2011 : 05:17:47 AM
That's a great idea. You know, I was wondering if there is a way to have a forum added to the Farmgirl Connection. If there were an entire Homeschooling Forum on here we could post lots of different topics, questions, concerns, etc. There seem to be a lot of us Farmgirls interested.
And, I've started a list of what we need to get done and arrange so we can start homeschooling our girls in Fall 2012. We're very excited!
Farmgirl Sister #3243
"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." - Laura Ingalls Wilder |
| FarmDream |
Posted - Aug 01 2011 : 9:24:18 PM
Has anyone started a homeschool activity thread on here? Maybe list a subject/theme and everyone who wants to participate can trade ideas for a week and talk about how it went. I think there are several of us on here who want to try homeschooling but could use a helping hand to get the feel of it. I'd be happy to try this.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
| farmmilkmama |
Posted - Aug 01 2011 : 05:23:32 AM
Yah! Good luck! And remember, it's obvious from the posts here that there are lots of farmgirls here to help you out if you have any questions! :0)
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com
www.thehmmmschoolingmom.blogspot.com |
| LuckyMommyof5 |
Posted - Aug 01 2011 : 05:16:08 AM
That's a great idea. I think we are going to try the homeschooling next year. We have to try! I think it will be a great adventure for our family and if it proves unsuccessful, we'll revisit the issue. I just feel too drawn to it to not give it a chance.
Farmgirl Sister #3243
"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." - Laura Ingalls Wilder |
| FarmDream |
Posted - Jul 31 2011 : 6:47:48 PM
Suzanne, you could do mini-lessons for now. Sort of dip your toe in the water. Maybe once a month do an outing as you think you would do in homeschooling. It can be good practice for when you are ready to try full time.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
| Acelady02 |
Posted - Jul 31 2011 : 08:25:49 AM
I homeschooled my youngest son. I started when he was 10. When he turned 16 he want to go to high school and oh how I wanted to keep him home. He was so far advanced for his age. But I gave in. We belonged to a great homeschool group and he played alot of community sports and got together with the homeschool group once a month. My son learned how to do things that other children his age would have never learned in a public school. One of the most important things that he had was biblical teaching. I bought all his books from a Christian based company. Everything we did had GOD included in it. It was a great time for both of us. He is 30 now and he says those were some of the happiest days of his life. And he thanked me. Do as your heart leads you to do...you can't go wrong..
(((((Hugs All)))))Penny
Farmgirl Sister #3343
God gives Miracles to those who Believe, Courage to those with Faith, Hope to those who Dream, Love to those who Accept, & Forgiveness to those who Ask... |
| LuckyMommyof5 |
Posted - Jul 31 2011 : 08:22:57 AM
I really am so impressed with how supportive everyone is here and so bolstered by everyone sharing their positive homeschooling experiences.
As you can all imagine, I have prayed about this issue and meditated a lot on it and have practically turned myself into knots over it.
But, Rachel, I was thinking of the quote you have in your posting signature and I think I do have to stop asking for spiritual guidance on this if I am unwilling to follow the answers I think I am getting (which is, I think we are really being lead to homeschooling and I haven't been listening or trusting that!). I think I need to be brave and follow our hearts on this (my husband is totally in favor of it) and take that leap of faith. Maybe it won't work out, who knows?
Now I can go ahead and make our plans and arrangements and change some things in order for us to pursue it next year (Fall 2012). I wish it could be this year, but for many reasons, and in order to give it the best chance of success, we have to wait.
It's so nice, though, to have all of you cheering us on!
Farmgirl Sister #3243
"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." - Laura Ingalls Wilder |
| rksmith |
Posted - Jul 31 2011 : 06:51:47 AM
We love homeschooling. My son has friends, he's not depressed or sad and he does well in social situations. He knows how to behave and he has (and uses) good manners. Now we did attempt the public school bit a couple of times and THAT is when he was sad, crying and depressed! He complained that he couldn't concentrate in school due to other kids not behaving, he was tired of hearing his teacher yelling at the class because kids wouldn't listen, etc. He is much happier and healthier since we went back to homeschooling and we intend to continue homeschool. I have gotten locks of crap from people around here (some relatives and some not) about socialization, and friends and all that. I just ignore it. My son is happy with homeschool, he is happy with the friends he has and he isn't lacking for anything that I can tell. Besides that, he is alot like me in that he doesn't really care for large social gatherings so he does much better with his small group of friends. He isn't being pushed into doing anything because it is required by school, he eats a healthy lunch every day, he can take small breaks when he needs to. He has no distractions with his work (other than when he is just not in the mood but we can work around that!) We do take field trips sometimes (not as often as I'd like since I work outside the home), we go to local demonstrations (such as the Colonial Days, and re-enactments, etc), we do sometimes attend public workshops that are fun and educational and I do count this towards his schoolwork. He is socializing at these events and he is learning not to mention having a good time. You can try searching on Yahoo Groups for homeschool groups in your area. And with the socialization question--do you really want your children to learn how to socialize and behave from adults or children their own age (and we know how most children behave anymore...come to think of it adults don't seem to be too much better for the most part!). Anyway if it is something you really want to do, then do it and ignore those who would try to discourage you.
Rachel
Farmgirl Sister #2753
Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet--Dr. Kioni
http://madame1313.wordpress.com/ |
| LuckyMommyof5 |
Posted - Jul 31 2011 : 06:14:15 AM
I have to say a BIG thank you to everyone who has been offering me support and encouragement on this topic and sharing their experiences with me.
Unfortunately, we need to rearrange some things in our lives in order for us to be in a position to homeschool, so it can't happen before next Fall. However, the more I have read everyone's comments and stories, the more I realize how much I really want to do this with my girls. I think I worry a lot about "failing" my daughters in some way by homeschooling them - as if I won't be smart enough or strong enough to succeed at it for them. But, it's as if the idea of homeschooling them keeps "calling" to me, and if I don't at least TRY it and answer that "call" and see what happens I'll regret it.
Farmgirl Sister #3243
"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong." - Laura Ingalls Wilder |
| farmmilkmama |
Posted - Jul 31 2011 : 05:53:25 AM
I would have to echo the women here in saying that once you get into homeschooling, you'll be amazed at the "social" opportunities you have, and you'll probably find out you have to back down from a lot of them! I remember when we first started homeschooling and were talking to my mom about all the different things we could do, she commented, "Why do they call it HOMEschooling? It sounds like you could almost never be HOME!" In MN there is a neat website which is basically a place where homeschoolers can post about co-ops, social groups, field trip opportunities, etc...so you're always in the loop about what's going on and what's available.
I still have to laugh about the socialization question. LOL. We always get that one too. But the best story I have was we were out with the kids buying our fishing licenses and the boys struck up this conversation with the lady who worked there. They were 6 and 7 at the time, I think. The woman said to me as I came up to pay "Can I ask a question? Do you homeschool?" And I answered that yes we did. She said "I can tell. I think your kids could talk to anyone!" Turns out her sister homeschooled too and she told me the major thing she had seen between her sisters kids and others was that her sisters kids would talk to anyone of any age. I find that my kids don't search out kids their own age when they are in a group of kids...or even NOT in a group. If we are out and about and there is a four year old there, the kids will talk and play with the four year old. If there is a 13 year old, the kids will talk and hang out with the 13 year old. They don't think anything of it because they don't have the experience of only being with kids their exact age all day.
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com
www.thehmmmschoolingmom.blogspot.com |
| SheilaC |
Posted - Jul 30 2011 : 7:47:15 PM
We started homeschooling last year for our 10, 8, and 6 year old kids. . .I am amazed at the social-ization they have!! Too much at times! There are so many opportunities for them to meet/get together with others. The socialization is with kids of different ages, not just their age-peers which is more natural I think.
http://troutwife.blogspot.com/
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