Over the last two years that we have been considering homeschool, I've come across tons of websites that have offered up a treasure trove of information, insight and encouragement. Here are a few of them that I can find at the moment. I'll link some of the other great sites I've stumbled across as I remember them. :)
Ann Voskamp has so many good articles on homeschooling and does such a beautiful job articulating why she and her family have decided to homeschool. I love the way she acknowledges that homeschooling isn't perfect and it isn't easy and it isn't right for everyone, but it is right for her family. Some of her homeschool posts I have bookmarked are:
Pros and Cons to Homeschooling: Why We Do It?
Home Education
How to Simply Homeschool
A Day in the Life of Homeschooling: 7 Rungs
Here's an excellent article on Homeschooling PreK & Kindergarten.
I really enjoy reading what Kate has to say about homeschooling, or rather unschooling. While I'm not sure unschooling is the path for us ( I would go nuts!), she has some very interesting things to say about the way homeschooled kids are different and how maybe different isn't so bad. You can read Kate's perspectives on her journey as an unschooler at Skipping School.
Carisa at 1+1+1=1 is a very large part of the reason we had the confidence to start this journey of home education. Her website is full of homeschooling advice and especially resources.
The Homeschool Classroom is a continual source of good advice and information.
Erica at Confessions of Homeschooler has a great series on Getting Started Homeschooling. Tons of information here!
Peter Gray's blog, Freedom to Learn provides lots of food for thought concerning educational theory. I can't say that I always agree with his conclusions, but they are always a fun and contemplation-evoking read.
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
2.05.2012
Reason # 6: Childhood!
I'm a big proponent of the idea behind Nick Jr.'s motto from back in the day when I watched Nick Jr. with kids I babysat: Play to learn. (Is that still their motto? It's been so long!) Little ones learn through play. Whether they are playing pretend or playing with toys or both, what they are really doing is exploring their environment. Play enables kids to develop fine and gross motor skills, social skills, and many skills that we consider academic (math, science, literacy) in ways that are fun and natural. Playing is fundamental to the work that is done in school.
The trouble is that most kids don't have much time to play any more. They spend approximately 8 hours a day, 5 days a week in school (and early elementary classrooms seem to be allowing less and less time for play as academic standards advance). They are doing homework at a younger and younger age. I know kindergarteners that are bringing home homework, 2nd graders that are spending hours a night sitting at the table with their school books, and 4th graders who do school work from the time they come home until they are in bed. On top of that there are sports practices and music lessons and other opportunities that are genuinely good for kids, but leave little time for free play when added to school and the stacks of homework. Kids don't have time to play because they have so much work to do.
And it's not just that they have to do the work that creates a problem. There is so much stress! All this work to do puts pressure on the kids and on the parents that can be incredibly straining on their relationship. There is the pressure to do well and the understanding that if they don't do well it will negatively impact their future or they can choose not to do the work and have the shadow of failure hanging over their heads. Perhaps some of this pressure is justified as kids get older and become more responsible for their lives. But is it healthy that kids as young as kindergarten are feeling forms of this pressure?
Another aspect of the reason that childhood is a motivator for homeschooling for us has less to do with academics and more to do with the social environment at school. Kids seem to be growing up faster and faster. They are experiencing grown-up issues at a younger and younger age. While I'm not interested in wrapping my kids in a cocoon that doesn't allow them to see the world, I do want them to experience the world with the benefit of having plenty of adults around to help them understand what is happening. Moreover, I know there will come a day when my kids don't want to snuggle with me on the couch and a time when they are too big for certain favorite movies or toys or playing dress up, but I want them to make that decision on their own. I don't want them rushing to put off childhood because the things they want to do are "uncool."
Childhood is important and I want to do everything in my power to make sure that my kids get to enjoy these formative years with plenty of play and exploration!
The trouble is that most kids don't have much time to play any more. They spend approximately 8 hours a day, 5 days a week in school (and early elementary classrooms seem to be allowing less and less time for play as academic standards advance). They are doing homework at a younger and younger age. I know kindergarteners that are bringing home homework, 2nd graders that are spending hours a night sitting at the table with their school books, and 4th graders who do school work from the time they come home until they are in bed. On top of that there are sports practices and music lessons and other opportunities that are genuinely good for kids, but leave little time for free play when added to school and the stacks of homework. Kids don't have time to play because they have so much work to do.
And it's not just that they have to do the work that creates a problem. There is so much stress! All this work to do puts pressure on the kids and on the parents that can be incredibly straining on their relationship. There is the pressure to do well and the understanding that if they don't do well it will negatively impact their future or they can choose not to do the work and have the shadow of failure hanging over their heads. Perhaps some of this pressure is justified as kids get older and become more responsible for their lives. But is it healthy that kids as young as kindergarten are feeling forms of this pressure?
Another aspect of the reason that childhood is a motivator for homeschooling for us has less to do with academics and more to do with the social environment at school. Kids seem to be growing up faster and faster. They are experiencing grown-up issues at a younger and younger age. While I'm not interested in wrapping my kids in a cocoon that doesn't allow them to see the world, I do want them to experience the world with the benefit of having plenty of adults around to help them understand what is happening. Moreover, I know there will come a day when my kids don't want to snuggle with me on the couch and a time when they are too big for certain favorite movies or toys or playing dress up, but I want them to make that decision on their own. I don't want them rushing to put off childhood because the things they want to do are "uncool."
Childhood is important and I want to do everything in my power to make sure that my kids get to enjoy these formative years with plenty of play and exploration!
2.04.2012
Socialization and Real-World Opportunities
I find it incredibly ironic that one of my biggest hang-ups about homeschooling has become one of the things that most excites me. Socialization is often cited as being among the most important reasons to send kids to school - there is the idea that kids need the social structure of the school system to learn how to function in society at large.
Yet, I think a red flag is quickly raised when we talk to kids about life "in the real world." "One of these days," we tell them, "you'll be done with school and you'll have to face the real world." I've never been very comfortable with that notion. First of all, it seems to say that there is something about the way we spend the first 18 years of our lives that is artificial - that it is not a true representation of the world we live in. If this is true, does the socialization of school really teach us how to function in our society or is it more the case that in school we learn to function within the school system and we learn a new set of rules when it's time to function as adults in society at large?
Second, this idea of school vs. real world somehow seems to underalue the worth of our kids during the +/- 13 years they spend in compulsory education. It seems to present this idea that life begins after graduation. And yet, as adults we tend to look back at childhood and think that those were the years for really living.
I'm excited for a different kind of socialization. I'm glad that our decision to homeschool will allow our kids to spend time with people of all ages. They'll learn alongside their siblings, their parents, their aunts and uncles and grandparents. They'll learn with and from friends of all ages. They can learn science and math from a book and they can experiment with their dad in the garage, their grandma in the kitchen and their grandpa at the job site. They can read about sociology and they can spend time volunteering at organizations that serve the needs of people in different backgrounds. They can read about history and we can take vacations or field trips to learn more about historical people, places and events. We won't be confined to classrooms or desks or rules that are necessary to maintain order in a school system. We'll be free to explore and learn in whatever setting will work best.
And there is nothing to say that life won't really start until they are 18. Learning and work can be intertwined. The chores they do around the house, the ideas they have to serve others and the interests they decide to pursue can be real contributions to our family and society, not just practice for when they grow up. Really this can be true for any kid. It's more a lifestyle decision that one of curricula. But, homeschooling will give us the freedom to make our own priorities and choose to place emphasis on the things that are most important for our kids at any given time.
Still, what about friends of their own ages? There will be plenty of time for playing with friends and participating isn all kinds of activities. No homework to get in the way! If we decide to send our kids to school, we would have seriously limited the amount of "extra-curricular" activities we would have allowed them to be involved in. We wanted to make sure our kids weren't stressed out from being always in a rush and always having places to go and homework piled on top of it all. Now, because the kids will be able to get their "school work" done in a fraction of the time it would take them in a traditional school setting, they will have more time to pursue different sports, arts and other kinds of play.
I'll post a little more later about specific plans for meeting our kids' social needs. But, with such a social little guy leading our young pack, I think making sure our kids spend time in the social settings they need will be less of a challenge than it would seem.
Yet, I think a red flag is quickly raised when we talk to kids about life "in the real world." "One of these days," we tell them, "you'll be done with school and you'll have to face the real world." I've never been very comfortable with that notion. First of all, it seems to say that there is something about the way we spend the first 18 years of our lives that is artificial - that it is not a true representation of the world we live in. If this is true, does the socialization of school really teach us how to function in our society or is it more the case that in school we learn to function within the school system and we learn a new set of rules when it's time to function as adults in society at large?
Second, this idea of school vs. real world somehow seems to underalue the worth of our kids during the +/- 13 years they spend in compulsory education. It seems to present this idea that life begins after graduation. And yet, as adults we tend to look back at childhood and think that those were the years for really living.
I'm excited for a different kind of socialization. I'm glad that our decision to homeschool will allow our kids to spend time with people of all ages. They'll learn alongside their siblings, their parents, their aunts and uncles and grandparents. They'll learn with and from friends of all ages. They can learn science and math from a book and they can experiment with their dad in the garage, their grandma in the kitchen and their grandpa at the job site. They can read about sociology and they can spend time volunteering at organizations that serve the needs of people in different backgrounds. They can read about history and we can take vacations or field trips to learn more about historical people, places and events. We won't be confined to classrooms or desks or rules that are necessary to maintain order in a school system. We'll be free to explore and learn in whatever setting will work best.
And there is nothing to say that life won't really start until they are 18. Learning and work can be intertwined. The chores they do around the house, the ideas they have to serve others and the interests they decide to pursue can be real contributions to our family and society, not just practice for when they grow up. Really this can be true for any kid. It's more a lifestyle decision that one of curricula. But, homeschooling will give us the freedom to make our own priorities and choose to place emphasis on the things that are most important for our kids at any given time.
Still, what about friends of their own ages? There will be plenty of time for playing with friends and participating isn all kinds of activities. No homework to get in the way! If we decide to send our kids to school, we would have seriously limited the amount of "extra-curricular" activities we would have allowed them to be involved in. We wanted to make sure our kids weren't stressed out from being always in a rush and always having places to go and homework piled on top of it all. Now, because the kids will be able to get their "school work" done in a fraction of the time it would take them in a traditional school setting, they will have more time to pursue different sports, arts and other kinds of play.
I'll post a little more later about specific plans for meeting our kids' social needs. But, with such a social little guy leading our young pack, I think making sure our kids spend time in the social settings they need will be less of a challenge than it would seem.
9.20.2011
Even the bad days rock!
Yesterday was a really rough day. Cap had a really bad day at school. The teacher said he was "having trouble hitting", broke all of his crayons and was just angry all day. Both Cap and Skidamarink were grouchy on the walk home from school. Cap because I wouldn't stop to put his coat on in the 80 degree weather and Skidamarink because I wouldn't let him cross the street by himself. They both cried the entire way home. So we got home, I immediately put both of them in bed. The little one I watch arrived a few minutes later. His contribution to the chaos was an extremely messy, change-the-clothes-and-mop-the-floor dirty diaper.
By the end of the day I had a tear-stained face, three cranky children, baby food covered clothes, a dirty-diaper smell that I couldn't get rid off, a migraine and morning sickness. It was not a good day.
And yet...
For such a bad day it had some beautiful moments. Like when I was washing dishes and couldn't help but sit right down on the floor in the kitchen, scoop Skid up into my lap and cover him with hugs and kisses. Or the conversation I had with Cap about his day at school...
After he had rested for awhile, I called him back out into the living room to sit and talk with me. I asked him what had happened in school. He shared with me that a boy in his class had been hitting him and he started hitting him back. I have no idea if that's what happened. The school's policy seems to be not to disclose any information involving other students (A really frustrating policy when you only hear part of the story. There's a little difference in how I respond to hearing that my son is randomly hitting other students and how I respond to hearing that my son takes a swing at a kid who is continually hitting/pushing/bullying the girls in the classroom. I really don't want him hitting, but there is an significant difference in motivation here!)
We spent some time talking about how hitting is not good and how he should not hit others. We talked about how hitting feels and how important it is to think of how other people feel. And now comes the shining moment of the day: Cap broke down in tears saying, "Mommy, I want to repent!" (Phraseology that he picked up watching What's in the Bible?) He got down on his knees, buried his face in his hands and cried. I pulled him into my lap and asked if I could help him. I helped him find the words as we prayed together, asking God for forgiveness and for help treating others with love. Then I wrapped him up in a hug and just held him for awhile, giving him a tangible experience of forgiveness.
Those are the moments that make it all worth it. For awhile I struggled with my decision to stay at home with my kids and how it would look to others. Doesn't it make me look like a failure? I mean I'm a decently intelligent and capable woman. I got accepted into a highly selective pre-med program. I could have done something. It's moments like these that have taught me to have confidence in my decision. All of the baby poop, splattered food, noise, mess and chaos is more than made up for by those spontaneous moments of guiding my little living epistles to the Father. What more challenging, significant and breathtakingly honorable occupation could I ever have?
By the end of the day I had a tear-stained face, three cranky children, baby food covered clothes, a dirty-diaper smell that I couldn't get rid off, a migraine and morning sickness. It was not a good day.
And yet...
For such a bad day it had some beautiful moments. Like when I was washing dishes and couldn't help but sit right down on the floor in the kitchen, scoop Skid up into my lap and cover him with hugs and kisses. Or the conversation I had with Cap about his day at school...
After he had rested for awhile, I called him back out into the living room to sit and talk with me. I asked him what had happened in school. He shared with me that a boy in his class had been hitting him and he started hitting him back. I have no idea if that's what happened. The school's policy seems to be not to disclose any information involving other students (A really frustrating policy when you only hear part of the story. There's a little difference in how I respond to hearing that my son is randomly hitting other students and how I respond to hearing that my son takes a swing at a kid who is continually hitting/pushing/bullying the girls in the classroom. I really don't want him hitting, but there is an significant difference in motivation here!)
We spent some time talking about how hitting is not good and how he should not hit others. We talked about how hitting feels and how important it is to think of how other people feel. And now comes the shining moment of the day: Cap broke down in tears saying, "Mommy, I want to repent!" (Phraseology that he picked up watching What's in the Bible?) He got down on his knees, buried his face in his hands and cried. I pulled him into my lap and asked if I could help him. I helped him find the words as we prayed together, asking God for forgiveness and for help treating others with love. Then I wrapped him up in a hug and just held him for awhile, giving him a tangible experience of forgiveness.
Those are the moments that make it all worth it. For awhile I struggled with my decision to stay at home with my kids and how it would look to others. Doesn't it make me look like a failure? I mean I'm a decently intelligent and capable woman. I got accepted into a highly selective pre-med program. I could have done something. It's moments like these that have taught me to have confidence in my decision. All of the baby poop, splattered food, noise, mess and chaos is more than made up for by those spontaneous moments of guiding my little living epistles to the Father. What more challenging, significant and breathtakingly honorable occupation could I ever have?
7.11.2011
A Conversation with a Homeschool Graduate
As I mentioned in an earlier post, we recently got together with a friend who was homeschooled. She is the oldest of (I believe) six homeschooled children in her family. I was very eager for her input and am so glad we went to talk with her. I want to share some of our questions and her responses as well as some of my feelings about the topic. (Note: I didn't quote M verbatim, I'm writing this blog based on my memory of our conversation and the notes I took. Sorry, M if I got something wrong.)
1. What was your schedule like (daily and yearly)?
M's answer: They started each day with devotions then jumped into academics in the morning. The kids usually spent the afternoons pursuing their own interests and hobbies (music, crafts, etc.) They took a break in the summer.
My thoughts: The schedule is one of the things that most amazes me about homeschooling. Jeff and I have long been concerned about how full kids days are and how little time there seems to be to pursue their own interests and develop their unique talents. Kids today are really stressed. They've got a million things going on and tons of balls to juggle and homework to pile on top of it all. But it seems that homeschoolers have lots of time to explore the world. I keep reading over and over again that it usually only takes a few hours for homeschoolers to accomplish what it takes schools 7 hours to teach. It seems crazy, but I guess it makes sense. Homeschoolers have fewer interruptions. They work at their own pace, which means they can take extra time on lessons that are more difficult for them and don't have to spend as much time on lessons that they pick up quickly. They have a very small student-to-teacher ratio, which means they don't have to wait long for the teacher to answer their questions. The idea of having time to just be kids is one of the things that most draws me to homeschooling. (And that time of "just being kids" is often full of learning!)
2. How did having multiple students of different ages work in your family?
M's answer: It wasn't a problem and as the kids got older (around 13) they began teaching themselves.
My thoughts: I have read in many places that homeschool kids quickly become self-starters who take charge of their own education. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I didn't have to goad my kids to learn, but they would willingly seek learning? Also, given the way homeschooling schedules seem to run, it seems like there would be plenty of time to spend one on one time with each kid. Plus, I would get built-in one on one time with each kid! :)
3. What are the laws regarding homeschooling in Illinois?
Have you ever had any problems?
M's answer: In Illinois homeschools are considered private schools. You do not have to register or notify the school district that you are homeschooling. Their family has never had any issues with their school district or truancy officers.
My thoughts: This is probably the aspect of homeschooling that most freaks me out. I'm not a big fan of confrontation and am concerned about missing some step of the process and getting in trouble. I also ran across a local website that talked about what to do if a truancy officer comes to your door and how you should immediately go to the doctor if a truancy officer comes and get your children checked out so that no one can claim abuse. That all sounds pretty intimidating to me. Still, the fact is that homeschooling is perfectly legal and Illinois is actually one of the best states to homeschool in. (A shocker, right? Illinois not being overly controlling?)
4. What did you love about being homeschooled?
M's answer: She particularly liked the way it affected her family - the closeness of their relationships and getting to spend lots of time together. She also loved that she had time and freedom to learn about things that interested her.
My thoughts: The things M loves about homeschooling are a couple of big draws for me as well. It's so important for kids to have good relationships with their parents, but it keeps getting harder and harder for parents to even get face time with their kids.
5. What about record keeping, especially if there would be an eventual need to return to school or go to college?
M's answer: Keep records of coursework. Her parents made transcripts and had a diploma printed for her. They took the California Achievement Tests annually.
My thoughts: This question actually generated a lot of conversation - especially among the hubbies who were reluctant participants in the conversation to begin with. It was confusing to those of us with little experience with homeschooling how a family could print up a document and an official organization would just accept it. No matter how many times we said, "yeah, but..." the answer was just that they do. Those institutions can see the quality of the student's work. Also, homeschool students tend to excel in higher education and colleges have begun specifically recruiting homeschoolers. And the paper work is official. It is coming from a private school that has every authority to issue diplomas and transcripts. I have read in a few places that it can be helpful to name your homeschool. You can even get educators discounts at a lot of places.
6. What was your style of homeschooling?
What curriculum did you use?
M's answer: They used Abeka, Saxon, etc. Her mother suggested she tell me not to go nuts about curriculum in the beginning - just enjoy our time learning together. She also mentioned finding materials that fit each of our educational styles.
My thoughts: Curriculum excites me. There are lots of different approaches to homeschooling. From the research I've done, I think I would be an eclectic homeschooler - taking bits and pieces from different approaches. I've always liked certain aspects of Montessori education, I have a high interest in delight-led learning, I like the work/service/study aspect of the Moore formula, I know I need a little structure to keep me organized. However, I wouldn't want to adopt any of those programs as a rule for our homeschool. Mostly, like M said, I think it will be about continuing to pay attention to how each of us learns and choosing materials and activities that suit our needs. How awesome is it that we would have the freedom to choose what is best for us?
7. How did it affect your family life? What was it like to be together so much? How did you create space?
M's answer: They are all very close. She said she thinks forced togetherness is not necessarily a bad thing - they had to work out their problems and go on.
My thoughts: I like that homeschooling would allow us to have time as a family without having to strictly regulate how many activities kids could participate in. Who knows how our relationship will look at the end of our kids school years? But I would hope that by spending time together each day we would remain close. It seems that most homeschool families I read about are very close-knit. I do know that it would be important for me to get some time away from time to time and to provide places in our home for being quiet and alone.
8. One of the questions/concerns most frequently raised about homeschooling is socialization. What are your thoughts on homeschooling and socialization/making friends?
M's answer: Homeschooling is actually better preparation for real world socialization that institutional schools. In an institutional school you spend the majority of your time at a desk listening or working on papers. You have little time to talk to others. The socialization that does occur is age restricted. In homeschooling, your interact naturally with people of all ages, races, etc. as you go about the business of life. Her family was involved in a homeschool co-op that met together frequently doing things like visiting nursing homes, going ice-skating, etc. Her family was also involved in 4H
My thoughts: Socialization was the big question for me in the beginning. The more I've read, the more I found that socialization just isn't an issue for homeschoolers. The kids participate in all kinds of activities - generally more than a school kid would be able to (no homework to hold them back!). They play sports and participate in 4H and play at playgrounds - all the time making friends with kids their age. They visit nursing homes, are often active in their churches, take numerous field trips and have more time to visit relatives - all the time making friends with people older and younger than them. They get lots of real-world experience - running errands and helping take care of their home and family. I've read in several places that blind studies have been conducted where homeschooled students routinely are accessed as more socially adept than their institutional school compatriots. I've heard it said that in homeschooling the world is your classroom. If that's true, then how natural is it that homeschoolers have no problem with learning how to operate in the world (socialization)?
9. What was the role of your father in homeschooling?
M's answer: He led morning devotions each morning over breakfast before he left for work. He supported the school and his family. He helped with subjects that he was particularly adept at.
My thoughts: This is important to me. While I know the primary work of actually teaching the children would be my own, this is in no way "my thing". If we decide to homeschool, both of us have to make the decision and I know we will each have a role to play. A lot of the science stuff I just imagine naturally falling to Jeff as he invites the boys to the garage to help him with whatever interesting little experiment he's working on - you know he's already out there melting stuff anyway! I imagine the boys getting hands-on learning time with dad as they help him build a fort in the backyard and catch turtles on the side of the road.
10. How do you teach subjects that you aren't an expert in?
M's answer: There are lots of options - there are curricula that walk you through lessons, you can relearn/learn the material yourself, you can trade lessons with someone else (i.e. trading music lessons for yard work, etc.) As kids get older you can often teach themselves or take certain classes at the high school or community colleges. Co-ops also very often offer classes.
My thoughts: Another attractive aspect of homeschooling - the focus seems to shift from teacher to student to become more about learning together. After all, education is less about retaining information than it is about learning how to find answers to questions and think critically about what you are learning. I like the idea of studying alongside my boys. Sure, I'll prepare lessons. But I bet I'll enjoy learning the stuff just as much as they will and enthusiasm is often contagious.
11. What are the negative aspects of homeschooling?
M's answer: For her mother, the negatives were the amount of time it took to organize, the need for time alone, and critics of homeschooling. She didn't see any real negatives from her perspective as a kid. In fact, she mentioned that from time to time her mom would threaten to send them to public schools as a punishment.
My Own Processing: These things are the only downsides that I see at this point. Sure, there will be other things to consider and watch out for. But there are always things to consider and watch out for no matter where the kids go to school. Organization will take a lot of time. I'll probably need to use some preprinted curricula instead of just making it all up (which I would love to do!) just for the sake of time and sanity. Jeff's biggest concern is that the preparation for homeschooling would consume me and take up all my time. I agree that that is something I definitely need to be careful of. Still, I don't think it's enough of a negative to rule out homeschooling. I can see the need to find time away. The nice thing is that we could take a break whenever we needed and pick back up when we were ready. I could get away for a few days and things would still be ok.
I am concerned about critics. I know there will be people that won't like it just because it's weird - and I'll admit homeschooling is not a common choice, but that doesn't make it a bad choice. There will be others who will be genuinely concerned for our kids. I hope that they will do some investigating, read this blog, talk to us, and trust us. We want what's best for our kids. We would never ever do anything to cause them harm and we will not make this decision lightly.
It's so funny that going to public school was such an unwelcome idea for the kids, but it makes sense - homeschool and you can spend a few hours a day in academics, several hours playing, and do it from the comfort of your own home (even in your jammies if you want). You can take random field trips as often as you want. No cafeteria food. No homework. It already sounds like a set up for a pretty good childhood!
Thanks so much, M, for sitting down and talking with us! We greatly appreciate your perspective, help, and support!
1. What was your schedule like (daily and yearly)?
M's answer: They started each day with devotions then jumped into academics in the morning. The kids usually spent the afternoons pursuing their own interests and hobbies (music, crafts, etc.) They took a break in the summer.
My thoughts: The schedule is one of the things that most amazes me about homeschooling. Jeff and I have long been concerned about how full kids days are and how little time there seems to be to pursue their own interests and develop their unique talents. Kids today are really stressed. They've got a million things going on and tons of balls to juggle and homework to pile on top of it all. But it seems that homeschoolers have lots of time to explore the world. I keep reading over and over again that it usually only takes a few hours for homeschoolers to accomplish what it takes schools 7 hours to teach. It seems crazy, but I guess it makes sense. Homeschoolers have fewer interruptions. They work at their own pace, which means they can take extra time on lessons that are more difficult for them and don't have to spend as much time on lessons that they pick up quickly. They have a very small student-to-teacher ratio, which means they don't have to wait long for the teacher to answer their questions. The idea of having time to just be kids is one of the things that most draws me to homeschooling. (And that time of "just being kids" is often full of learning!)
2. How did having multiple students of different ages work in your family?
M's answer: It wasn't a problem and as the kids got older (around 13) they began teaching themselves.
My thoughts: I have read in many places that homeschool kids quickly become self-starters who take charge of their own education. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I didn't have to goad my kids to learn, but they would willingly seek learning? Also, given the way homeschooling schedules seem to run, it seems like there would be plenty of time to spend one on one time with each kid. Plus, I would get built-in one on one time with each kid! :)
3. What are the laws regarding homeschooling in Illinois?
Have you ever had any problems?
M's answer: In Illinois homeschools are considered private schools. You do not have to register or notify the school district that you are homeschooling. Their family has never had any issues with their school district or truancy officers.
My thoughts: This is probably the aspect of homeschooling that most freaks me out. I'm not a big fan of confrontation and am concerned about missing some step of the process and getting in trouble. I also ran across a local website that talked about what to do if a truancy officer comes to your door and how you should immediately go to the doctor if a truancy officer comes and get your children checked out so that no one can claim abuse. That all sounds pretty intimidating to me. Still, the fact is that homeschooling is perfectly legal and Illinois is actually one of the best states to homeschool in. (A shocker, right? Illinois not being overly controlling?)
4. What did you love about being homeschooled?
M's answer: She particularly liked the way it affected her family - the closeness of their relationships and getting to spend lots of time together. She also loved that she had time and freedom to learn about things that interested her.
My thoughts: The things M loves about homeschooling are a couple of big draws for me as well. It's so important for kids to have good relationships with their parents, but it keeps getting harder and harder for parents to even get face time with their kids.
5. What about record keeping, especially if there would be an eventual need to return to school or go to college?
M's answer: Keep records of coursework. Her parents made transcripts and had a diploma printed for her. They took the California Achievement Tests annually.
My thoughts: This question actually generated a lot of conversation - especially among the hubbies who were reluctant participants in the conversation to begin with. It was confusing to those of us with little experience with homeschooling how a family could print up a document and an official organization would just accept it. No matter how many times we said, "yeah, but..." the answer was just that they do. Those institutions can see the quality of the student's work. Also, homeschool students tend to excel in higher education and colleges have begun specifically recruiting homeschoolers. And the paper work is official. It is coming from a private school that has every authority to issue diplomas and transcripts. I have read in a few places that it can be helpful to name your homeschool. You can even get educators discounts at a lot of places.
6. What was your style of homeschooling?
What curriculum did you use?
M's answer: They used Abeka, Saxon, etc. Her mother suggested she tell me not to go nuts about curriculum in the beginning - just enjoy our time learning together. She also mentioned finding materials that fit each of our educational styles.
My thoughts: Curriculum excites me. There are lots of different approaches to homeschooling. From the research I've done, I think I would be an eclectic homeschooler - taking bits and pieces from different approaches. I've always liked certain aspects of Montessori education, I have a high interest in delight-led learning, I like the work/service/study aspect of the Moore formula, I know I need a little structure to keep me organized. However, I wouldn't want to adopt any of those programs as a rule for our homeschool. Mostly, like M said, I think it will be about continuing to pay attention to how each of us learns and choosing materials and activities that suit our needs. How awesome is it that we would have the freedom to choose what is best for us?
7. How did it affect your family life? What was it like to be together so much? How did you create space?
M's answer: They are all very close. She said she thinks forced togetherness is not necessarily a bad thing - they had to work out their problems and go on.
My thoughts: I like that homeschooling would allow us to have time as a family without having to strictly regulate how many activities kids could participate in. Who knows how our relationship will look at the end of our kids school years? But I would hope that by spending time together each day we would remain close. It seems that most homeschool families I read about are very close-knit. I do know that it would be important for me to get some time away from time to time and to provide places in our home for being quiet and alone.
8. One of the questions/concerns most frequently raised about homeschooling is socialization. What are your thoughts on homeschooling and socialization/making friends?
M's answer: Homeschooling is actually better preparation for real world socialization that institutional schools. In an institutional school you spend the majority of your time at a desk listening or working on papers. You have little time to talk to others. The socialization that does occur is age restricted. In homeschooling, your interact naturally with people of all ages, races, etc. as you go about the business of life. Her family was involved in a homeschool co-op that met together frequently doing things like visiting nursing homes, going ice-skating, etc. Her family was also involved in 4H
My thoughts: Socialization was the big question for me in the beginning. The more I've read, the more I found that socialization just isn't an issue for homeschoolers. The kids participate in all kinds of activities - generally more than a school kid would be able to (no homework to hold them back!). They play sports and participate in 4H and play at playgrounds - all the time making friends with kids their age. They visit nursing homes, are often active in their churches, take numerous field trips and have more time to visit relatives - all the time making friends with people older and younger than them. They get lots of real-world experience - running errands and helping take care of their home and family. I've read in several places that blind studies have been conducted where homeschooled students routinely are accessed as more socially adept than their institutional school compatriots. I've heard it said that in homeschooling the world is your classroom. If that's true, then how natural is it that homeschoolers have no problem with learning how to operate in the world (socialization)?
9. What was the role of your father in homeschooling?
M's answer: He led morning devotions each morning over breakfast before he left for work. He supported the school and his family. He helped with subjects that he was particularly adept at.
My thoughts: This is important to me. While I know the primary work of actually teaching the children would be my own, this is in no way "my thing". If we decide to homeschool, both of us have to make the decision and I know we will each have a role to play. A lot of the science stuff I just imagine naturally falling to Jeff as he invites the boys to the garage to help him with whatever interesting little experiment he's working on - you know he's already out there melting stuff anyway! I imagine the boys getting hands-on learning time with dad as they help him build a fort in the backyard and catch turtles on the side of the road.
10. How do you teach subjects that you aren't an expert in?
M's answer: There are lots of options - there are curricula that walk you through lessons, you can relearn/learn the material yourself, you can trade lessons with someone else (i.e. trading music lessons for yard work, etc.) As kids get older you can often teach themselves or take certain classes at the high school or community colleges. Co-ops also very often offer classes.
My thoughts: Another attractive aspect of homeschooling - the focus seems to shift from teacher to student to become more about learning together. After all, education is less about retaining information than it is about learning how to find answers to questions and think critically about what you are learning. I like the idea of studying alongside my boys. Sure, I'll prepare lessons. But I bet I'll enjoy learning the stuff just as much as they will and enthusiasm is often contagious.
11. What are the negative aspects of homeschooling?
M's answer: For her mother, the negatives were the amount of time it took to organize, the need for time alone, and critics of homeschooling. She didn't see any real negatives from her perspective as a kid. In fact, she mentioned that from time to time her mom would threaten to send them to public schools as a punishment.
My Own Processing: These things are the only downsides that I see at this point. Sure, there will be other things to consider and watch out for. But there are always things to consider and watch out for no matter where the kids go to school. Organization will take a lot of time. I'll probably need to use some preprinted curricula instead of just making it all up (which I would love to do!) just for the sake of time and sanity. Jeff's biggest concern is that the preparation for homeschooling would consume me and take up all my time. I agree that that is something I definitely need to be careful of. Still, I don't think it's enough of a negative to rule out homeschooling. I can see the need to find time away. The nice thing is that we could take a break whenever we needed and pick back up when we were ready. I could get away for a few days and things would still be ok.
I am concerned about critics. I know there will be people that won't like it just because it's weird - and I'll admit homeschooling is not a common choice, but that doesn't make it a bad choice. There will be others who will be genuinely concerned for our kids. I hope that they will do some investigating, read this blog, talk to us, and trust us. We want what's best for our kids. We would never ever do anything to cause them harm and we will not make this decision lightly.
It's so funny that going to public school was such an unwelcome idea for the kids, but it makes sense - homeschool and you can spend a few hours a day in academics, several hours playing, and do it from the comfort of your own home (even in your jammies if you want). You can take random field trips as often as you want. No cafeteria food. No homework. It already sounds like a set up for a pretty good childhood!
Thanks so much, M, for sitting down and talking with us! We greatly appreciate your perspective, help, and support!
6.22.2011
The biggest decision so far...
We've been parents for 4 years now and we've faced lots of decisions in that time. Paci or no paci? How much tv can the boys watch? How will we deal with bad behavior? Some decisions have been easy and others have required much more thought, but none come close to the decision we are about to make. Captain Silly Wiggles is 4 years old. Next May he will be 5 and it will be time for Kindergarten. That means we have 1 year to make a decision about where Cap will go to school.
It seems so odd to me that there is anything to consider. Before I had kids, I never would have considered any option aside from public school. When Cap was born I was starting to think about different options, especially as I considered the ways the current educational model fails boys and met the first homeschool graduate I have ever known. But I never really considered there to be an option for us besides public school.
Over the last year lots of things have made me wonder about the best educational options for our boys. Here are the options as I see them right now:
Public School: We currently live in a really good school district, but I'm not altogether sold on public school for tons of reasons I'll get into in another post.
Private School: Cap currently attends a preschool program that is part of a K-12 Christian school.
Homeschool: Again, it seems so strange to even consider! As I write, homeschooling is where my heart is. I've got some reservations, but the more I research the more comfortable I feel. I'm eager to find out more.
Some combination: I know the private school I've mentioned has a program that works in conjunction with homeschoolers. Also, I've heard of some cyber schools, where students work from home.
One of the reasons I began this blog was to discuss the big decisions in parenting. This issue was the one that drove me to start writing. As my family goes through the process of making this decision, I want to document the things I find and the research I complete. Maybe they can be a help to someone else with the same questions I have. But, mostly I hope they are a help to me as, at the end of this process, I look back over what I've learned and try to make the right decision for us.
This Sunday I am sitting down with a good family friend who is the oldest child in a family of, I believe, 6, homeschooled children. I am extremely eager to get her perspective, get some pointers on good resources, and ask lots of questions.
It seems so odd to me that there is anything to consider. Before I had kids, I never would have considered any option aside from public school. When Cap was born I was starting to think about different options, especially as I considered the ways the current educational model fails boys and met the first homeschool graduate I have ever known. But I never really considered there to be an option for us besides public school.
Over the last year lots of things have made me wonder about the best educational options for our boys. Here are the options as I see them right now:
Public School: We currently live in a really good school district, but I'm not altogether sold on public school for tons of reasons I'll get into in another post.
Private School: Cap currently attends a preschool program that is part of a K-12 Christian school.
Homeschool: Again, it seems so strange to even consider! As I write, homeschooling is where my heart is. I've got some reservations, but the more I research the more comfortable I feel. I'm eager to find out more.
Some combination: I know the private school I've mentioned has a program that works in conjunction with homeschoolers. Also, I've heard of some cyber schools, where students work from home.
One of the reasons I began this blog was to discuss the big decisions in parenting. This issue was the one that drove me to start writing. As my family goes through the process of making this decision, I want to document the things I find and the research I complete. Maybe they can be a help to someone else with the same questions I have. But, mostly I hope they are a help to me as, at the end of this process, I look back over what I've learned and try to make the right decision for us.
This Sunday I am sitting down with a good family friend who is the oldest child in a family of, I believe, 6, homeschooled children. I am extremely eager to get her perspective, get some pointers on good resources, and ask lots of questions.
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