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Parenting & Farm Kids:  Homeschooling Question  |
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Lindsay C
True Blue Farmgirl
117 Posts
Lindsay
Rogersville
AL
USA
117 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 23 2011 : 1:14:21 PM
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I'm the mom of a three year old little boy and while I know we have a few years left, we're trying to decide how to school him. We initially wanted to home school him, but now we're thinking of letting him go to public school. I was hoping you guys could share some pro/cons of homeschooling vs. public school. He is our only child right now, so of course I'm also worried about him being able to socialize. Any advice would be great!
Lindsay
Farmgirl Sister #1452 |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2011 : 1:35:23 PM
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Hi, we just moved and there are really good schools around so we are thinking of the pro/ con homeschool vs traditional school. I grew up being home schooled and for me it was a love hate relationship with it. I loved being home to take better care of my animals like when my dog had puppies. I was able to be there and didn't have to leave for school. Plus when I got to college I was able to test out of a lot of freshman classes. Now what I hated about it is my mom would let me get involved with things like 4h, homeschool groups, basically I only had friends from church. The social aspect in college was also shocking, I did great in classes but had hardly any friends. It took a full semester to figure out my place in society and now I am caught up to other people my age socially speaking. That was just my experience. If I end up homeschooling my kids I will get involved with one of the local homeschool groups and let them get involved in 4h or whatever they have an interest in. I think it depends on your motives for one or the other. One of the issues I have with traditional school is some of the crazy vaccines they require. These are some things I have to think about and make up my mind in the next year or so. Hope this helps to give you some things to think about in making your decision!
~We can make the world a better place for our kids and future generations by what we do today!~ |
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mum23
Farmgirl at Heart
3 Posts
Antonia
Elizabethtown
Kentucky
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 12:53:11 PM
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Hi Lindsay,
This is my first year homeschooling...and actually I haven't found socialization to be a problem at all. We belong to a homeschool co-op with over 90 families. So every two weeks my kids go to enrichment classes for three hours. Then there are field trips with the co-op, fencing lessons,4-H, church activities, and in the spring tennis lessons. Last year the boys went to public school. They were on the bus at 6:30 and arrived home at 2:45. My husband left for work @3 so---we decided that family time trumped "public school socialization". Socialization is not a problem...we find that kids are attracted to our home and so there are always kids visiting. All-in-all you wouldn't depend on public school for your childs sole source of socialization...so why worry about dropping it as an option.
Enjoy the journey--whichever path you choose!
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 3:40:41 PM
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We are homeschooling my six year old. We love it. We do homeschool group, 4-H for homeschoolers, and Awanas. I would not send my daughter back to public school for anything. But this is my personal feelings. I went to public school. We do so much and she loves it. She went to Pre-K and some Kindergarden before I took her out.
You must do what you feel is right for you and your family. There is lots of sites for homeschooling and you have lots of choices.
Praying for you and your decision.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2011 : 8:46:45 PM
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It's really neat to find out that homeschoolers can get good socialization now! I just wanted to make sure that everyone knows that was a concern of mine from my personal experience and it's important to me that my kids will get good social skills whereas I was coddled. It is a good thing to know that there are groups out there and stuff to do with the kids for learning. I guess where I am coming from that is about 70% one of the things I am concerned about with homeschooling. I know there is a group somewhere in my area and this might be a dumb question, but how do I go about finding the leader to find out what they do? Personally I'm leaning more towards homeschooling but I am having a hard time with my experience because I really want to give my kids the best. So in a nutshell, how do you get in touch with a homeschool group member to see if it's for you and your kids? Thanks!
~We can make the world a better place for our kids and future generations by what we do today!~ |
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Lindsay C
True Blue Farmgirl
117 Posts
Lindsay
Rogersville
AL
USA
117 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 05:30:56 AM
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That's a good question Krystle. I kind of wondered the same thing. I don't really know anyone in my area that homeschools but there must be some somewhere.
Thanks for the feedback everyone! My mom teaches in public school and I am very aware of all the crazy standardized testing and stupid "rules" they all have to follow with their curriculum. So that's a big reason that we would like to homeschool. But we're still giving it a lot of thought. I really want my child to have learning experiences instead of just being made to sit in a desk and practice worksheets all day.
Lindsay
Farmgirl Sister #1452 |
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natesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1735 Posts
angela
martinsville
indiana
USA
1735 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 05:37:06 AM
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I was concerned about the same thing when I decided to homeschool my daughter. She had major health issues and the schools and teachers weren't very helpful or good at dealing with them. I was told by a very intelligent person something that really stuck with me.
He said, Ask yourself when in your life outside of school are you ever gonna be in a situation where you are only socializing with people your own age? Also, consider that since homeschooled children as adults make up less than 1% of the prison population of this country. So that means the prisons are overflowing with 'properly socialized' people.
I now look at the fact that my 10y/o can hold a conversation with a 6y/o or a 60y/o and be comfortable with it. She also has more respect for all people than a lot of the kids I see in stores and such. I figure she's doing pretty well in life and will be able to hold her own in a workplace enviroment better than some others.
Socialization simply means allowing them to be around other people. I make sure she is around all ages and people from different races, religions, and countries whenever I can. Schools don't do that.
Farmgirl Sister #1438
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
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Lindsay C
True Blue Farmgirl
117 Posts
Lindsay
Rogersville
AL
USA
117 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 07:11:33 AM
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That is a great point! I know at my job there is a vast range of ages, both younger and older than me. I also would like my child to be introduced to people from different racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds without the "profiling" that they would hear from other kids in a public school.
Lindsay
Farmgirl Sister #1452 |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 08:00:37 AM
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Angela: I love that, that is a super good point! I just realized that childhood is so short what we are really doing isn't just allowing them a good childhood but also preparing them for the future. I have more friends that are my grandparent's age than my own age. I like how you put that. I so needed to hear that!
Lindsay: I like your point too, from a "social standpoint" homeschool WOULD allow me to introduce my kids to different cultures, races and religious backgrounds in a non-biased way so they don't get the biased points from whatever standpoint the local region thinks.
So many good points. Thanks for the help! As long as I can find out what kind of groups in addition to 4H I can get my kids into I am in the homeschool boat for sure :)
Thanks ladies!
~We can make the world a better place for our kids and future generations by what we do today!~ |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 12:22:20 PM
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I found my homeschool group by going online and looking for one. I just put homeschool in my browser.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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mum23
Farmgirl at Heart
3 Posts
Antonia
Elizabethtown
Kentucky
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 3:07:17 PM
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When I was looking for a homeschool group I just googled for ones in my area...then attended some "get-togethers" last summer with them to see if I wanted to be a part of them.
Have you ever wondered why there are "socially-inept" adults and kids everywhere since most are schooled in institutions? And who is the judge of socially inept? :-)
@Natesgirl--after college I taught first grade in Brown County and lived in a small apt. in Morgantown...small world :-)
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. |
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natesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1735 Posts
angela
martinsville
indiana
USA
1735 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 7:22:18 PM
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Very small indeed mum23!! I haven't met anyone on here yet that had heard of Morgantown! I grew up here with most of my family. I don't know if you know the Eastwoods from Brown County. That's my grandparents and family on my Mom's side. I am also related to the Clephanes in Morgantown. That's my Aunts family on my Mom's side.
It is so neat to meet people who are from the same area as me, even if you're not here now.
My Hubby and I spent 2 years driving to Franklin Kentucky every night. He drove a semi there to drop a trailer and bring one back. We went straight down 65 right past you! We liked to stop at a truck stop right there to stretch our legs and take a bathroom break.
How wierd!
Farmgirl Sister #1438
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
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Jessi Lynn
True Blue Farmgirl
144 Posts
New York
USA
144 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 7:31:22 PM
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I think homeschooling is a great option especially in the early years.
Young kids need hands on experiences not a lot of desk work. Socialization shouldn't be an issue as mentioned there's groups out there. And there's also activities in the communtiy: sports, church, summer programs, mom groups-plan get togethers and play dates.
You could always opt for public school for high school so he's prepared for college that's what a girl in my senior class did. She was homeschooled before that.
You mentioned those standerized testing. I think those tests are a hinderance. Teachers are so focused to getting kids prepped for those test they're not always 'teaching'. The smart kids who pick thinks up quick or are good memorizers will get good results and then there are those who don't learn that way and may just need a little more time and don't have it. And the teachers don't always have enough time to teach everything they planned either.
I volunteered in a transitional first grade classroom for a few years. This class was to help kids catch up-though it turned out half of the kids really needed teacher aids due to various learning disabilties.
The one year the teacher needed to divide the kids up though the class was small (9 kids). So at least half the kids would pass the various tests required. And it always seemed like we were behind-because of the strict curriculum requirments. Not saying that's a bad thing to have a list (goals) of certain things kids should learn by the time the years up. But what's the point if kids arn't getting hands on experiences and trully learning.
I wish we could get back to nap time,eating paste (That's my most vivid memory of kindergarden)and recess (since there was no offical recess the teacher would say if we complete this ___ by ____we can go to the playground-what was amazing was after we were out there and got back to work, they were a lot more focused). With the technology today kids need more opportunities to use their imagination, get fresh air and experience nature. |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2011 : 7:36:59 PM
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I finally was able to find a group from some online digging! I am going to get in touch with them and see what they do and all that. Now I can see locally what they do and get some more ideas! I can't believe I didn't think of trying to go online to find a group. Funny how you can come across road blocks that are usually the most simple of things! Well I am going to get back to their site and see if I can get in touch with someone. Thanks again!
~We can make the world a better place for our kids and future generations by what we do today!~ |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2011 : 05:23:42 AM
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Check with your library reference desk. Many libraries have local homeschooling information for all types of things, references, and contacts.
We did both. When my 5th child was in preschool, and I was in the classroom for the day, I decided it was a waste of my money and homeschooled. I also took my 6th grader out and homeschooled for a few years due to severe bullying. I took another child out in the 2nd grade when the teacher refused to help. It all depends on your school system too. All of mine are now in public school, and one graduated last summer.
Farmgirl #800
http://momzonetakingtimeformom.blogspot.com/
http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
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kathyjane
True Blue Farmgirl
66 Posts
Kathy
Doniphan
MO
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - Jan 27 2011 : 11:31:18 AM
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I have homeschooled all 4 of my children,three have graduated and the 4th is in 10th grade this year. Homeschooling is the toughest job I've ever had!!! But, I wouldn't have done it any differently! I have a very close relationship with my kids I've heard them all say at different times that I was their best friend. My 24 year old is a successful computer tech., the 20 year old is a straight A business student,and my 18 year old is going into the Navy this summer. They are all polite considerate gentelmen with a ton of friends. My daughter is almost 16 and the sweetest, kindest, most tender hearted person I know. When she graduates she wants to eventualy open a school to teach the fine art of organic gardening.
Do I recommend homeschooling? If you are prepared to devote yourself to your children giving up the majority of your free time and personal pursuits then yes, yes I do.
Kathy Jane
Farmgirl #2565 |
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snowberryfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
132 Posts
Michelle
Central Wa
WA
USA
132 Posts |
Posted - Feb 21 2011 : 7:50:29 PM
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I vote for homeschooling. There are so many pro's, I can't really think of the cons. Socialization occurs everywhere, and my kids socialize with all ages, and have the opportunity to really focus on what the are really interested and gifted in. They have tons of time with friends in co-ops, groups, church, lessons, etc. Your life can actually get too busy if you let it. The wonderful thing about homeschooling is you get to design your child's education based on what you know they will work best with, and learn most from. You can nurture a love of learning instead of deal with hours of homework every night that your child hates. For us, it has been a wonderful choice. Best wishes!
Michelle
www.snowberryfarm.blogspot.com |
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LucyLobo511
True Blue Farmgirl
177 Posts
Mari-lyn
Capron
IL
USA
177 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2011 : 05:45:26 AM
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I just wanted to throw it out there That we homeschool and WE LOVE IT! Our children have been in and out of the school system for different reasons and for both the children and us homeschooling is way better then the system. Those younger years were so much fun. I am so happy I was the one that got to see my childrens faces when I taught them something and they got it, their faces light up and they get so excited.
Insane and Blissfully Happy
Mari-lyn
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kcmiller
Farmgirl in Training
34 Posts
Kaye
Muscatine
IA
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2011 : 06:12:14 AM
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We are in our third year of homeschooling and have moved 3 times already for job relocation reasons. We have lived both rurally and in town. I have never had a problem finding "socialization" for either of my 2 kids. There are great sites out there for support, including ones with support groups in your state. Here is one for you to check out.
http://homeschooling.about.com/od/supportgroupsbystate/a/sgusa.htm
I would not say homeschooling is for everyone, but I would not give it up for the world now! :)
**How can I keep from singing?**
http://homeschoolblogger.com/4km/
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Cindy Lou
True Blue Farmgirl
2325 Posts
Susan
Lonsdale
MN
USA
2325 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2011 : 4:12:01 PM
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We homeschooled our 3 kids, even though I was a public school teacher, half time for most of our kids' school years. DH was really determined that we would homeschool our kids, he had a rough time in elementary school finally learning to read in the 6th grade. He went on to college and was an Autism Resource specialist besides having a professional art degree and a lot of concention in history and music. His statement was "Why grow them up until they are really fun and then send them away most of the time?"
I agree that kids need more than just isolated home schooling. Our kids were home schooled till the oldest was a high school. They were involved with 4-H, gymnastics, softball, baseball, and dance for the girls. Our community school was very open to partnership with homeschooling families, as much as any family wanted to cooperate, such as taking classes such as sciences or industrial tech, joining orchestra, or participation on sports teams.
If you join a homeschooling group they will already have found community connections, if not look for your self. Here there are classes at the library and local arts groups, special activities at the nature center and others. Check out interest areas that can lead to advanced learning or even a home based job. Our girls raised cage birds; cockatiels, parakeets, finches and sold them to pet stores and individuals.
Our kids went to public school at different ages, the first as a junior, the second as a sophomore and the third in 8th grade.
They all adjusted well. Our oldest felt a bit out of the loop at first,"They've all known each other for so long, how do I make friends?" But she has made and kept so many wonderful friends since then.
All three have grown up to be good, motivated people.
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
Mary Oliver |
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Parenting & Farm Kids: Homeschooling Question |
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Homeschooling Question
