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My daughter will be starting school next year, and my wife and I have been looking into the idea of home schooling. We both attended public schools but I moved around a lot as a child and going from school to school often caused overlaps or deficiencies in topics covered. Since my children may be dealing with similar issues, I wanted to get the thoughts of the RallyPoint community on this. What do you guys think?
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Family
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 31
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Something to be said for public school just to get them around other kids. My cousin home schooled her kids and they're just strange now. They don't know how to act around other people.
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SPC(P) Jay Heenan
Just some added food for thought, 'home schooled' kids can participate in public school extra curricular activities...
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LTC (Join to see)
Not sure I want my kids to socialize at some of the public schools out there. I'd rather find other times and opportunities to have them spend time with kids their age as well as with adults.
Also, with our 5 home schooled kids, they appear to be socialized well with church, neighborhood kids, extended family, our weekly co-op school, youth events, sports, orchestra, music lessons, etc.
Also, with our 5 home schooled kids, they appear to be socialized well with church, neighborhood kids, extended family, our weekly co-op school, youth events, sports, orchestra, music lessons, etc.
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SGT Justin Singleton
The question needs to be asked, do I want my children to be like me or like their peers? "Socialization" is a myth. Homeschooling is more "real world" than the public or private systems, where all children are placed in an environment where only children of their own age are present.
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Years ago, I was a high school teacher. Even after teaching in a classroom, I do not think that I would have been able to effectively teach my children at home. I also think that children learn valuable social skills going to a formal school and having to learn to deal with their peers. That being said, I believe a private school has some distinct advantages over a public school, and given a choice between the two, I would pick a private school over public school.
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My wife and I Home Schooled our children until high school while we were in the Army. There are costs with the curriculum but you can tailor it to their needs. Socialization is always a concern but never an issue for us. We had them active in church, YA-Youth activities on post, boy and girl scouts, little league, etc. The most useful group is to find a home school support group where ever you are. They are everywhere and not hard to find. Most public schools will allow home school kids to participate in extra curricular activities. And I highly recommend being a member of the Home School Legal Defense Association. Our children have excelled. My son and daughter finished in the top 5% of their class and excelled in college.
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I agree with MAJ (Join to see) on this one. Socialization is important. Also, there's a lot to home schooling. If you're serious, just do yourself a favor and do YOUR homework. Be ready for a huge commitment. Also, check the qualifications and make sure you can award grade advancement, diplomas, etc. not everyone can, and if your kids will want to go to college, this is a must.
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LT (Join to see)
Thank you for your thoughts. We have been putting together checklists about things to discuss.
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SGT Richard H.
LT (Join to see) I don't want to come off as completely discouraging here...but all these things need to be considered, and there are answers to every question.....socialization, for example, can be achieved with organized sports, clubs, scouting, and more. It's just a matter of REALLY knowing what you're getting yourself into and being fully aware of what a commitment it really is.
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LT (Join to see)
SGT Richard H., you are not being discouraging. This is great. The whole reason I asked the question was to make sure we were considering every angle before making a decision. This is exactly the type of discussion I was looking to get.
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SSgt (Join to see)
SGT Richard H. I do not think the socialization is the biggest issue but rather a parent's ability to take that on.
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Are you talking home school or a virtual academy online with lesson plans, objectives, etc? I ask because the ex went the virtual academy route and my boys have been doing it for about 6 years now.
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MSG(P) Michael Warrick
In my opinion I say public school because your children need to learn how to socialize.
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SFC Mark Merino
EVERYBODY on this thread says the same thing. You just can't learn life by reading a book and watching a computer screen. Even if you are a brilliant overachiever, it will be difficult to find people willing to work around you. I love watching "The Big Bang Theory" on tv. A genius who go through life hanging out 3 other geniuses only. Sorry, not this kid. Of course I am more like Stewart the comic book guy. I was in the express line when they handed out brains.
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SGT Kristin Wiley
Since when did homeschooling become an online thing? None of the individuals I know involved in homeschooling use an online forum to replace actual teaching.
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SGT Kristin Wiley
SFC Chris Smith , hmmm sounds similiar to the independent study classes offered in High School. To be enrolled in those classes though, we had to maintain a high GPA and have an open class period. Personally, I think online education is subpar. I got my bachelor's degree online, and I can't say I learned a whole lot despite having a 3.95 GPA. Then again, the recent college classes I've taken in person were not much better. Has the quality of education diminished so drastically? Or does my brain just refuse to retain knowledge like it use to?
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I would recommend public or private school for two reasons.
1. Socialization. My in-laws home-schooled their boys. I have no doubt of the quality of the education (both held teaching certificates from the state), but both boys have had trouble socializing with people. Their church group wasn't enough to give them the social skills that they need.
2. Curriculum. I've seen a number of home-schooled children who were unprepared for college level science classes because they were taught creationism instead of the science of evolution, that dinosaurs walked with man, etc. One lad, who was very bright otherwise, could not get past entry level science classes due to this, and had to change his major from engineering to business. If you don't teach them verifiable science, you can cripple their ability to follow their dreams.
1. Socialization. My in-laws home-schooled their boys. I have no doubt of the quality of the education (both held teaching certificates from the state), but both boys have had trouble socializing with people. Their church group wasn't enough to give them the social skills that they need.
2. Curriculum. I've seen a number of home-schooled children who were unprepared for college level science classes because they were taught creationism instead of the science of evolution, that dinosaurs walked with man, etc. One lad, who was very bright otherwise, could not get past entry level science classes due to this, and had to change his major from engineering to business. If you don't teach them verifiable science, you can cripple their ability to follow their dreams.
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LTC (Join to see)
As one who has been homeschooling for over 8 years with 5 kids ages 12 (7th grade) to 3, I see your concerns Capt Gregory Prickett.
While I can't speak for your in-laws, in our experience, our kids get out and about with kids and adults in much more varied scenarios than sitting in a classroom(s) all day. Between multiple church activities (in a couple different groups), music lessons and performances, sports, co-op classrooms occasionally, neighbor kids, extended family, field trips, etc, I feel we have been better able to teach our kids how to socialize with folks because we are the ones teaching them. Also, not sure if I want my kids to be socialized in some of our private or public schools based on what I see going on there.
Regarding curriculum, we use multiple different sources and expose our kids to every branch of science with the freedom to explore what is scientifically proven, a theory, or otherwise still being investigated. Kids that only learn one theory, intelligent design or evolution, are intellectually crippled unless they understand both perspectives. (Of course we could have another whole discussion on which is "verifiable" but don't think that is the point here.)
My advice to anyone looking at homeschooling is to do your homework, find out what your local area/state requires and then what system works best for you and then go for it! Anyone can homeschool, but perhaps not everyone should.
While I can't speak for your in-laws, in our experience, our kids get out and about with kids and adults in much more varied scenarios than sitting in a classroom(s) all day. Between multiple church activities (in a couple different groups), music lessons and performances, sports, co-op classrooms occasionally, neighbor kids, extended family, field trips, etc, I feel we have been better able to teach our kids how to socialize with folks because we are the ones teaching them. Also, not sure if I want my kids to be socialized in some of our private or public schools based on what I see going on there.
Regarding curriculum, we use multiple different sources and expose our kids to every branch of science with the freedom to explore what is scientifically proven, a theory, or otherwise still being investigated. Kids that only learn one theory, intelligent design or evolution, are intellectually crippled unless they understand both perspectives. (Of course we could have another whole discussion on which is "verifiable" but don't think that is the point here.)
My advice to anyone looking at homeschooling is to do your homework, find out what your local area/state requires and then what system works best for you and then go for it! Anyone can homeschool, but perhaps not everyone should.
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Capt Gregory Prickett
LTC (Join to see), Sir, my compliments.
The socialization problem came, in part, exactly because the parents did not want them in public schools. They also participated in various church groups, athletic events (both were very competitive swimmers), etc. The problem is that they had and have no exposure to the negative side of society. From my observations, that is what has crippled them socially, since they lack the experience that comes from seeing bullies, or being conned or lied to. It is sort of like the position we are in when we give everyone a ribbon for participating and don't use the word "lose" or "loser" for fear that we might damage their self-esteem. Both boys are learning now, but it's hard for them. I'm not saying that your children would be in the same position, I have no way to evaluate that.
I don't think that Biblical creationism* can be supported scientifically, but as long as they learn what is scientifically valid, they have a chance. I will take issue with your use of the word "theory." In science, a theory is the highest level of proof that you can attain, unlike the use of the term in every-day usage. The only difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law is that the law can be described mathematically and a theory cannot.
*I use this term because that is what people actually mean when they say intelligent design. I'm fairly sure that you are not teaching the Menominee creation myth of Manabush (in either his human or rabbit form), nor the Norse Völuspá myth, nor any number of other versions.
The socialization problem came, in part, exactly because the parents did not want them in public schools. They also participated in various church groups, athletic events (both were very competitive swimmers), etc. The problem is that they had and have no exposure to the negative side of society. From my observations, that is what has crippled them socially, since they lack the experience that comes from seeing bullies, or being conned or lied to. It is sort of like the position we are in when we give everyone a ribbon for participating and don't use the word "lose" or "loser" for fear that we might damage their self-esteem. Both boys are learning now, but it's hard for them. I'm not saying that your children would be in the same position, I have no way to evaluate that.
I don't think that Biblical creationism* can be supported scientifically, but as long as they learn what is scientifically valid, they have a chance. I will take issue with your use of the word "theory." In science, a theory is the highest level of proof that you can attain, unlike the use of the term in every-day usage. The only difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law is that the law can be described mathematically and a theory cannot.
*I use this term because that is what people actually mean when they say intelligent design. I'm fairly sure that you are not teaching the Menominee creation myth of Manabush (in either his human or rabbit form), nor the Norse Völuspá myth, nor any number of other versions.
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continued.. You can also attent just for the sports. Some attend maybe twice a week for certain subjects like science. If the mountains in Evergreen were to dangerous to get down the mountain pass it did not matter. She logged on and viewed the classroom, assignments and everything. It counted as attending. She biased nothing the class room was virtual. I've seen home school groups so large and active together they blocked off days in the rec center for PE credits swimming, gymnastics and any sport available. Unless you are some kind of genius they. Catholics have free virtual school online. The key is go get in a homeschool group that combines their skill, knowledge and talents and socialize the kids together for their PE credit, science labs. It's shocking how many truly intelligent people do this. I don't think it's just a "mountain Thing". When I left Colorado It was to early to graduate her and to late to enroll her in Fl. They have me everything and I homeschooled her at the beach for the end of 4 th grade. I submitted her work and testing for graduation. DO NOT ATTEMT ON YOUR OWN.
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There are many options one example is Faith Christian Academy Arvada Co. You have options of enrolling full time, online, in class for some subject
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I think a lot of people may agree with what MAJ (Join to see) said. But jogging my memory, I can remember a kid who wrestled for my high school but was homeschooled. My daughter (8) now tells me of a kid who only shows up one day a week (private school though) to join them. I can imagine that that's a measure taken to mitigate that potential socialization issue. I personally believe that every child is unique and kids have a tendency to surprise us (i.e. in a good way).
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I haven't met someone that was home schooled and wasn't strange, they just don't learn how to act around other people and tend to have problems socializing. I feel like that could hurt them in the future.
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SGT Michael Glenn
I have seen the worst from both sides 1lt Scott Doyle, some parents are only kids them selves and others are still kids in the head and should never have brought a child into this world at the time they did, I really feel for some children as they cannot help when and where and to whom they were born to. having said that I am disgusted with the way the new generation has become so disrespectful all the way around.
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SGT Michael Glenn
I have been naughty on here a few times but have decided to just mellow a bit and have fun on here and be positive when and where I can. I know I need to work on my peoples skills and will admit that I have issues playing with others and trusting others, but I am willing to learn...a form of PTSD that I have to learn to deal with,Citalophram used to help but has lost its edge and I refuse to be a rat and let them experiment on me further, its a daily struggle and I now have a beautiful family that has adopted me and help when I need it.Love them unconditionally !!!!
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SPC Dave St.Andrew
And if you actually knew the situation 1LT Scott Doyle you might actually have a nickel, It wasn't about you, it was about another member down voting every response I have just because, I was told to tag the admin, isn't there some paperwork you should be doing sir.
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SPC Dave St.Andrew
No Problem 1LT Scott Doyle , glad to help, let me know if you need any for the butthurt.
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