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Parenting & Farm Kids:  wondering how you all educate your kids  |
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
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_Rebecca_
True Blue Farmgirl
568 Posts
Rebecca
OK
USA
568 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 10:07:45 AM
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If you have a chance, check out classical education. It can be done either in private or home school. We home schooled until our private classical school opened up. We will be putting our kids through it k-12. The schoolwork is intense, but these kids are going to be our nation's leaders!
There are not always classical schools around, but you can home school until one becomes available in your area. Plus they are expensive. But, you know, I'd rather live in a small modest home and not always drive fancy cars if it means that my children will be well-educated and have great character building teachers.
But, if we couldn't afford and I had to home school I would try to find a group. I would want my children to be around other families who care about educating their children to have great values and virtue.
And if I couldn't or didn't want to home school, and I didn't live near a classical school, or couldn't afford it or just didn't like the people running the nearest classical school near me, I would try to find a really nice, affordable private school with as many elements of a good education and virtuous atmosphere as I could.
If you only have one child, you can do a lot for them at home if you need to home school. The more children you have and the closer together they are, the harder it becomes without help. You have to be a wife, mom and teacher and that is pretty draining. However, the more children you have, the more expensive it is to put them into private school. There are many factors to consider.
At our church we have every kind of education going on that you can think of, and I see that really, the parents and the home environment are a big big factor. And most of the time, just cultivating a love of lifetime learning at home (and a discipline to learn) is one of the best things you can do. Owning really nice books that are rich in ideas & information and varied as to content at home is so good. And also reading to them daily, and really spending time growing a love for reading is so important. A good school just supplements that. You want home and school to work hand in hand. You want to make sure that the school develops the whole child, stretches them, challenges them, brings out their best. If you visit area schools and talk to the parents you'll quickly see if they are overly competitive, or materialistic, or not academically sound, etc. But, if you look into it and you find a healthy environment with sound teaching that will grow your child and form them to become strong individuals with clear thinking then you will know that you have access to a great opportunity for your children.
So, no matter what route you take just keep these suggestions in mind. Hope you figure out what to do and you make the best decision. It's a huge challenge to fulfill your responsibilities as parents in finding the right education for your children.
.·:*¨¨* :·.Rebecca.·:*¨¨* :·. http://boinglink.blogspot.com/ |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 10:32:15 AM
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our children just got accepted to two differnt private schools yesterday which go k-8 and emphasis our American heritage and God in education which we are excited about. There wasn't enough room in our chosen school to put all three together ( this is ok as the one that got in is a dynamo and will be fine and the two timid ones are together and will support one another also the schools are only 2 miles or less apart). When openings happen the other two will move over to the first choice school. So today I will be buying school uniforms and such. the public school my children had been going to ( which was a good one) is now 30 miles away as are these private schools. But unlike public schools this one doesn't care where you live. The public schools near us are not that good and I don't want to put my kids in them. All the kids that I have know to go to these ( transferred into this district) dropped behind by 6 months behind their counter parts at their old schools. Don't want that to happen to our kids.
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe
my bloghttp://sunshinescreations.vintagethreads.com/
my web store http://vintagethreads.com/ |
Edited by - sunshine on Aug 21 2007 2:54:22 PM |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
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BotanicalBath
True Blue Farmgirl
1014 Posts
Elizabeth
Ohio
1014 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 10:57:24 AM
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We have a very good charter schools in our public school system. We will be sending the boys to the french school. Although french would not have been my first choice, their scores were great across the board.
I went to a private single sex prep school... but we can not afford it for the boys. But going to a girls boarding school(I was a day student) there were girls from all over the world. I went to school with many South American and Arab girls and got to learn a lot about different religions and cultures that you wouldn't ever learn from books. While getting a great education.
E-
BotanicalBath@peoplepc.com www.Botanical-Bath.com www.BotanicalBath.etsy.com http://botanicalbath.blogspot.com/
"I do my housework in the nude. It gives me an incentive to clean the mirrors as quickly as possible." |
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TheSoapMaven
True Blue Farmgirl
691 Posts
Susan
LA
USA
691 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 11:18:09 AM
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We start our 19th year of homeschooling on August 27th. We have four that have "graduated" and two more to go. We have always "taught to the child's needs" - which is one (of many) luxury of homeschooling. Even within a family and the very same gene pool, they have all been very different. All with their own weaknesses and strengths. I strongly believe in doing whatever is best for each individual. Not everyone can or should (again my opinion) homeschool, but for those of us who have seen firsthand its benefits and have embraced the fact that it is a lifestyle, not just something you add to your life, it works extraordinarily. I wouldn't give back one day I have spent learning along side my children.
Susan
http://www.thesoapmaven.com
http://notquitejunecleaver.com
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Edited by - TheSoapMaven on Aug 21 2007 11:19:34 AM |
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DeepsouthMamma
True Blue Farmgirl
1454 Posts
Autumn
Southwest Louisiana
USA
1454 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 11:56:38 AM
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This is our 24th year of home schooling.
Four have graduated and one more will in a couple of years.
It has been an honor and priviledge to have the freedom to raise them as we thought
was right.
I'm with Susan- I have learned at least as much as my kids- and they are pretty smart!!!:)
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. |
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Michelle Marie
True Blue Farmgirl
158 Posts
Michelle
Many
Louisiana
USA
158 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 12:15:25 PM
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| I was a public schooler until the 7th grade, then went to a Christian private school. My husband was a public schooler. My oldest went to our public school until the end of grade 2, then we started homeschooling her. She is now beginning the 9th grade. My youngest has been home schooled her entire life. She is now in 4th grade, it was such a wonderful feeling to know I taught her to read, and count, and all the other milestones. I too believe home school is not for everyone but it is perfect for our family. I would have it no other way, my girls are very well rounded. We started school yesterday, the summer went by SO fast. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 12:25:51 PM
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Public school. I stay very very involved in school..and we have excellent ones here. This year I am PTA president. I have always volunteered alot, and sub at our elementary school too. I feel like if I am not there to know what is going on I sure can't complain if something isn't the way I want it. I would homeschool if I felt like I could offer more, but I couldn't. I know my limits..haha.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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mima
True Blue Farmgirl
1573 Posts
1573 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 1:29:23 PM
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| We raised all our kids in public school! They've all gone on and finshed college. They made great friends in school. I was fortunate to stay home during those years and was already with a plate of cookies and an open ear for them. My husband is a public school teacher too. We do believe in the value of public education. |
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garliclady
True Blue Farmgirl
274 Posts
Reidsville
NC
274 Posts |
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
Posted - Aug 21 2007 : 2:48:11 PM
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this is a Christian private school I always have volunteered at school to usualy 3 hours a day 5 days a week I don't plan on changing that I too like to know what they are learning at school and who their friends are and how their friends act at school when their own parents are not around tells me a lot about who they are and if they are good associates/friends for my kids. Sounds like we all agree each has a differnt way of learning and do what you can that is best for your kids.
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe
my bloghttp://sunshinescreations.vintagethreads.com/
my web store http://vintagethreads.com/ |
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Tammy Claxton
True Blue Farmgirl
1559 Posts
Tammy
Glen Burnie
Maryland
USA
1559 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2007 : 10:35:30 AM
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My children go to public school.
What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger! |
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2007 : 11:23:57 AM
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| My youngest son was home schooled by me for two years because of illness. The older three went to public schools. When my twin girls were seniors their grades were high which meant they could go to college as well as high school and the school paid for the college. After graduating high school they were sophomores at college and did graduate from a two year college with an Associates Degree. I think it all depends on where you are, your children, you, and what is best for them. Your choices for the three girls sounds very intrigueing. Good luck to them in the new school year and may our little "tummy" do good! Mommom |
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
Posted - Aug 23 2007 : 1:58:55 PM
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I am hoping the tummy thing will be better as I think she will not stress so much here as her class has 12 kids in it so more 1 on 1 with each child i am hoping this will make her feel better the school.The two schools are christian schools that are based on the beliefs of my religion (LDS) so God, son and holy ghost are definitely in the curriculum along with art science music pe math and so on..
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe
my bloghttp://sunshinescreations.vintagethreads.com/
my web store http://vintagethreads.com/ |
Edited by - sunshine on Aug 23 2007 2:05:13 PM |
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2007 : 07:10:17 AM
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We have been homeschooling since 1997 - haven't offically started this year but kids are doing things such as helping build fence, work cattle and such while we are STILL waiting on a house.
Love homeschooling as it allows us the freedom to include all of life in our studies, base our curriculum on our worldview(Biblical), teach to the children's strengths and weaknesses and be off when we need to (military).
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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wallflower
True Blue Farmgirl
101 Posts
Holly
East Walpole
MA
USA
101 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2007 : 09:03:34 AM
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My kids attend public school. I thought about homeschooling, but my oldest is very strong-willed, and I don't think it would have been a good student-teacher relationship. I keep on top of what they are learning, so I can explain things I need to, or interject our Christian beliefs when they may be overlooked or undermined. I think my kids are well balanced, and, some kids at school need a Christian perspective, which my kids can offer.
handittoholly@blogspot.com |
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farmgrlchick
True Blue Farmgirl
439 Posts
Theresa
Columbus
Montana
USA
439 Posts |
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sleepless reader
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
CA
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Aug 28 2007 : 11:29:35 AM
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We homeschool through a Charter, so how about "Public Homeschool" !?
Sharon
Life is messy. Wear your apron! |
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Aug 28 2007 : 2:09:18 PM
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I tested grace otday on her math, just to find out where she is at....2nd grade level already! I was honestly stunned! I thought max would be 1st grade. I am so proud of her I gloated all over email on her progress to grandparents and aunts and uncles!
next week I am testing her reading (we dont use curriculum as we unschool, but I use the testing to get a good idea of where she is at and it is all verbally administered.)
I am just thrilled! The kid has never set foot in a public school for her education but she is far above her peer group (especially within our local school district. Our local paper just put out progress reports. ALL GRADE LEVELS performed worse than last year and last year they were FAR below the state averages. it's a sad sad school district IMHO.)
So I just wanted to brag a little since we were talking about it all....I'll probably blog about it too ;)
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
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julia hayes
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
julia
medical lake
wa
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Aug 28 2007 : 2:25:58 PM
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Tasha..congrats for your daughter! how wonderful!! You know, I laughed heartily when I read your post..."we unschool". That cracked me up! Many people assume that we are home-schoolers. Apparently I fit a particular stereotype..whatever that is... We are not official homeschoolers but we certainly do a lot of educational type things...My son will be starting kindergarten next week in a public elementary school. We are thrilled! My daughter will go to a new preschool in the same school. I am pretty darn excited to expose them and myself to this whole process.. I was trained in the public school sector for years....post graduate degrees etc...as was my husband..He graduated from the 24th grade whereas I graduated from the 20th grade....or so we like to tease.. We feel really good about our public education options for the most part, but also feel completely comfortable and confident that if the system is just too much that we can always officially homeschool and unschool in the process. Its so wonderful that homeschool has become such a popular viable option and clearly your efforts have paid off with your daughter. So lovely!
many smiles to you,
Julia Hayes
being simple to simply be |
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2007 : 12:03:53 PM
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I homeschool- have for 9 years.. wouldn't trade it for anything.
blessings,debra |
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UrbanChick
True Blue Farmgirl
331 Posts
Ayako
Atlanta
GA
USA
331 Posts |
Posted - Aug 30 2007 : 2:28:09 PM
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My DD goes to public special needs pre-k, she is homeschooled as a supplement 3-4 days a week, and has a private special needs tutor 1 day per week so she can keep up with her typical counterparts. The private school she will be attending dosen't take children till they are in the 1st grade so we will keep her in public school till then. She will also be able to recieve a scholarship through the state of GA "special needs scholarship act", a voucher program, where I can take the funds they would normally pay for my child in public school and they will give me a voucher toward her private schooling every year till she graduates. She has to attend at least 1 year of public school kindergarten in order to recieve it, so we are waiting to get our voucher because that could save us as much as $6000 off the cost of tuition. And the school we are looking at for her is $14,000/year. So we are putting up with public school till she is able to go to the private school of our choice. I've had nothing but problems with her public schooling but I think it's just overwhelming for her teacher so I can't blame her, we just have learned to supplement her education so she can keep up. So it's public school for now, and then a private school later. I would homeschool full time but I have to admit I just don't have the patience and talent to teach my own child full time, I do it now but I don't really like it too much.
"Courage dosen't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying: I will try again tomorrow." |
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Parenting & Farm Kids: wondering how you all educate your kids |
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wondering how you all educate your kids
