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Isn't part of 'real life' having a job and hopefully a fulfilling career? And since we can't predict what careers our children will want IMO it's best to do everything we can to ensure that as many careers are open to them as possible.
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Isn't part of 'real life' having a job and hopefully a fulfilling career? And since we can't predict what careers our children will want IMO it's best to do everything we can to ensure that as many careers are open to them as possible.
I assume that if Shanti taught basic maths and found that her DD was in fact really in to maths then she would go into it more, not say 'no I don't think maths is important'.:
Not starting a war of words but just cause you don't think it's necessary what your your dd loves it? Or decides later in she wants to do something that needs some part of the ciriculim you thought wasn't necessary? Can I ask why you are really hell bent on not teaching everything? If your child loves learning wouldn't you want to teach them everything? sorry I am gunienelly interested.
look I totally agree school seems to squash individual spirits especially boys as its built into them to be out playing and climbing trees and not sitting still. But to be honest I really love it when DS is at school as much as miss him I know the teacher is giving him the stimulation he needs and I would go mental having him at me all the time. And like sara I want more kids and don't think I would be able to do it :-)
I would love to have the patience to homeschool as being with my babies everyday would be fun! But mummy needs her time too :-)
Yes that was exactly the governments intentions when schools were invented ;) but is it necessarily the best thing for every child? The industrialisation times was when schools were invented so that parents could work and children were taken care of and given an education at the same time. HS has ALWAYS been around. it's just that schools became the mainstream around that time.....:
What I love about HS is that the child has more time to follow their natural interests and to pursue those, that is how true learning can happen and how true careers can be formed too ;) who says you have to go to school to be successful in life? Albert Enstein was HS'd and so was Alexander Graham Bell (invented the telephone), creative people is what HSing can bring about too. :)
Oh dear I have opened a can of worms in this thread!! Again, I am NOT against schools whatsoever and one day my child may just go to one!
Someone mightn't be into basic maths at all but they might be into architecture. The problem is that without advanced maths they can't really calculate things like load so the path to architecture would be closed.:
a good school teacher will let their students pursue their own individual interests further too. schools are a lot more dynamic and vibrant than they were when we were at school.
Boomba, I never suggested that I was 'hell bent' on not doing every part of the curriculum. I just don't necessarily agree with every part of a curriculum that a government school may teach, kwim? I have no idea what I will teach, how or when, my DD doesnt need to go to school or HS until 2013 anyway. Yes there are many important aspects of curriculums which are important of course, for sure!! BUT there are other ways to HS not just sticking to a curriculum. If I was going to teach the same curriculum to my child that the local schools were teaching then I would probably just send her to school ;) right?:
Girls need to be outside playing and climbing trees too.
I agree we need our mummy time, and that is why I think 'gosh can i do this?' but as I said, taking it one year at a time would be a very important first step don't you agree? If I do go ahead..... and school is never cancelled out as an option.
I love my kids, like we all do, very much, and want to be around them as much as possible. Yes they can annoy me at times, don't they all?!? BUT there are plenty of other ways for me to have 'me' time..... yoga at night, weekends shopping alone, babysitters etc...... ;)
I am really happy for you that your DS is thriving in his environment that is what it is all about :)
You have not opened a can of worms and no one is attacking just bringing up different perspectives :-) and maybe I am working things out for myself t hs or not;-)
Sorry you just seem to keep going back to not teaching certain things and I thought this was your basis to home school
As for the girls need to climb trees too that is true but they also have better fine motor skills and hearing than buys hence why they tend to do things quicker and learn a little better at school a great book is raising boys which explains this in detail!
Albert Einstein was born over 100 years ago - at a time when homeschooling for the first years of education was the norm and then he attended school at the same age as his contemporaries (those who could afford it).:
Gosh I have a few pistols aimed in my direction right now don't I? All for wanting to look into HS my kids :hiding:
It's ok though, it's going against mainstream and that always attracts attention.
I don't agree, where there is a will there is a way. That's a really pessimistic attitude sorry.:
Even if you home school you have to be registered though right? And you have to meet certain standards. So they are going to be learning everything they need to. And research seems to show that HS are usually achieving at or above their grade level at school.
http://images.collegeathome.com.s3.a...domination.jpg
I wish my boys had got this memo because sometimes I wish they were a just a tiny bit more squashed :p:
I have no idea where the concept that children spend 6 hours a day chained to a desk comes from. When I'm at school reading the students seem to be in continuos(sp) motion.
Yep that's right Heaven :) thanks for that link to that vid too I haven't seen that one ;):
And you don't have to teach to any curriculum either.... a curriculum is in place for schools because it has to have some sort of 'standard' doesn't it? And I can understand that, thats how they have to run and operate it. But HS'ing is very different in terms of approaches to learning and super flexible.
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Of course but why make someone fight for something that could come easily with a well rounded education?
Im thinking I will *need* to HS my two older boys. They are both on the Autism Spectrum & struggle at school. My oldest especially, He is in yr 4 & falling behind due to his behaviours at school. He is not a naughty kid, he simply isn't coping & is doing all he can to avoid the situation.
I asked just yesterday, will he be repeated when we get to the end of the year? NO they no longer repeat kids. So that means he will continue to struggle year after year. He hates school with a passion.
My 2nd oldest does ok at school most of the time, but hates going also. So if 1 was to not go then both would not go. I couldn't fight with them every morning about that.
Yes and that's what Homeschooling can provide too :) I don't know why you are trying to convince me otherwise?:
Sorry to hear that Efjay. Unfortunately it's not uncommon for kids to struggle at school as it's generally a 'one size fits most' approach as the teachers simply don't have the time to be one-on-one with those kids that need extra help in some areas..... it's not the teachers fault. It's the way the system is designed. My Mum is a teacher of grade 3 and I have heard it all.....:
I'm sure you will be able to help them with HS, even if it's just for a year then you send them back to school? You will find after just 1 year of HS they will probably learn ALOT more and have that time to catch up..... :)
My DS one year older than your DD and he won't be starting school until 2014 (the year he turns 6). Why does she have to start next year at 4?:
I have been thinking Homeschool since about midway through his first year. Im playing out the rest of this term before I talk more seriously about it with DH. After all I have 5 kids, 3 with autism. Its not going to be easy. BUT neither is the sending my son to school to be miserable & a distraction to others.
You know, last term we had out parent/teacher interviews & his teacher had NOTHING to show me. All she could tell me was she didn't know what to do with him & hasn't the time for him. I put in a formal request to change his class this term. He is doing a little better so I thought but yesterday they told me he is still a problem. Its heart breaking.
Many kids don't get this properly though anyway, they slip through the cracks due to the number of kids and the time they have to share.. For many kids school is a struggle.:
Of course but why make someone fight for something that could come easily with a well rounded education?
There is a difference between 'natural learning' (unschooling) and home schooling...I have met many un schoolers and none of their kids are held back in anyway.. They are all intelligent articulate children that have the opportunity to expand on activities they love while being in an environment that is unrushed and nurturing.. These kids have a blast on home school camps where parents are able to share information and the children are exposed to different experiences and 'socialisation'.. I would love to un school however as a single parent I am not sure how I could at this stage, I'll have to work..
Children are sponges. They learn. They ask questions, you just assist them to find the answers and with the internet that is so easy! There are so many learning programs on the net too.. I think if you want to keep them home, do it and re assess every year. It's easier to put them the system than it is to take them out.. I can add you to a couple of FB groups if you want? Also, what about a steiner or motessori school if you want them at school, but not mainstream?
Different states have different names for things. QLD Prep is the first year of big school & kindy is preschool.:
NSW Kindy is the first year of big school & preschool & preschool.
My 3yr old who is 4 in november will go to Kindy next year. He doesn't have too though.
Oh that is heartbreaking Efjay :( Big :hug::
You're right Lenny, she doesn't 'have to' go to school then, it's just a guide.... she'll have just turned 5 the year 2014 if she starts then, she would be ready enough in 'school terms' however for me, to HS her, I would slowly start some sort of HS that year anyway but it would be very relaxed. I could even start her the following year 2015 and she would be fine too, as I said, there is no rush I think.... I meant as in her peers born the same year will be starting in 2014, as in if we go 'mainstream'..... as I said in a previous post, I am not 100% sure what I will do at this stage, but I'm very strongly leaning towards HS..... :):
We already homeschool now don't we? Each and every one of us? Well, I do. I am already teaching my kids at home. We talk about the sky, the birds, the trees and what they need in order to grow etc.... I'm a very involved parent and use every opportunity as a chance for my child to learn. She asks so many q's a day, why not?
:( That's awful Efjay. If only teachers had more 'time' to be able to help each child with their individual needs but they don't. Lucky for those kids who pick things up super fast and are fast learners and independent learners hey? But for those kids who need extra help in areas and are slower learners or have problems, then tough biscuits huh?:
That's so right BAL! I wasn't even going to mention the 'unschooling' in here and the difference between the two because I figured I would be confusing some of these PP's who don't know much about homeschooling as it is... ;):
The unschooling approach really fascinates and interests me too, thats what I briefly mentioned in one of my posts about the 'child led approach' which is a big part of the unschooling approach ;)
I have been reading, reading and reading, every night on these topics for the past few months.... so much to read!!!
Shanti, I just wanted to stick my head in without it being arrowed by other posters, but out of curiousity, have you researched the Reggio Emilia Approach to learning?
Have a look if not, its such a beautiful approach to young childrens learning and development. We do Reggio inspired learning activities at home now, and its something that I would want for my kids learning when they leave the home to learn in a more 'uniform' environment.
This is exactly my point..:
We already homeschool now don't we? Each and every one of us? Well, I do. I am already teaching my kids at home. We talk about the sky, the birds, the trees and what they need in order to grow etc.... I'm a very involved parent and use every opportunity as a chance for my child to learn. She asks so many q's a day, why not?
Another great point.. I strongly believe school isn't for everyone.. It wasn't for me, I hated it and never regret getting the hell out of there the second I turned 16.. I know I would have learnt in school, but it was very liberating for me to go to TAFE and study later when I was ready.. I am no further behind anyone who stayed at school the extra 2 years.. I still did what i wanted to do.. Did it make it harder? No, but it did take a bit longer. I had to do an extra 6 months study to get into the course, That's ok though, for me it worked out better than spending the extra 2 years in school.. Anyway, getting a bit OT...:
If only teachers had more 'time' to be able to help each child with their individual needs but they don't. Lucky for those kids who pick things up super fast and are fast learners and independent learners hey? But for those kids who need extra help in areas and are slower learners or have problems, then tough biscuits huh?
I was going to leave this alone but you were saying you felt attacked about hs and now you have just insinuated that some us know nothing, I think that's pretty harsh personally.:
We are just having an adult conversation yes some people are very pro hs or pro mainstream schooling. But I saw this thread as asking question and getting answers. Not to be saying some people don't know much about hs?
Can we just respect each others views and have a conversation with the pros and cons about homeschooling. Cause surely you don't just want all the pros?
I have no doubt that homeschooling can provide that but only when an educator is prepared to insist that a child learns something that they may not demonstrate any interest in or aptitude for. IMO a child being educated at home by a parent who is prepared to skip basic mathematical concepts or literacy skills because the child they are educating isn't displaying an interest will be handicapped for life. Children don't always know what is best for them. If it was up to my children to plan our menu they would have ice-cream for breakfast. If it was up to my children to plan their schooling they would have the educational equivalent of ice-cream for an education. There are days when DS2 doesn't want to do his Italian - too bad. I know the benefits of bi-lingualism so he has to do his work whether he likes it or not.:
Regarding socialisation, I'm curious as to how one ensures socialisation with people who are different. I think that homeschooling meeet-ups sound great but ultimately it's spending time with people who's values and way of life aligns with yours. What is a far more difficult skill is being able to socialise with people with whom you have nothing in common. How do you arrange to spend time with people who you don't like?
I respectfully agree with you Boomba, it should be kept 'fair' but to be honest, from the first page, I was questioned by others about my ability to homeschool and treated 'by some' as though i knew little about the topic and instantly this thread was put into a HS Vs Mainstream situation which is NOT what I wanted at all and it really upset me. As I am NOT against schools at all and have said that all along.:
If you take offence at my above post about those not knowing much about HS then I am sorry however it was not aimed at all of you, notice I said "some of these PP's", that doesn't mean all of you. But it's the truth, not everyone understands it yet feels they want to add their 2c in just because their kids go to school already.
I started this thread to reach out to other BB homeschoolers here, not to start an argument or a 'who knows more' debate. I respect others views just as I expect my views to be respected.
And TBH, there isn't a whole lot of cons to do with homeschooling.... mainly pro's.
You know what? I completely agree with you. Who ever said I would let my child do whatever the heck they want all day every day? No, there are certain things they have to sit down and learn, for sure!!!! absolutely!!! I never said I would always let my child lead the way or whatever, there are soooo many ways to HS and different styles too. If you like I can PM you some info? now I just get the feeling you're nit picking into everything I write and it's getting a bit boring TBH..... if you think school is great for YOUR kids then I am stoked for you, that's great. I'm feeling a bit bullied by your posts TBH. Yes you have your opinions thats wonderful but why do I have to keep defending my views/ideas to you? Its clear we disagree, so move on.:
Everyone has great points!! Im subbing this thread!! Its so awesome!! Thanks for starting it Shanti, I feel like i'm learning more about myself as a information giving parent and as a govt teacher :)
AWESOMENESS ALL AROUND!!
Thanks Sunny :hug: I will check it out! Sounds great.:
Wow. Just wow. I am bowing out, was coming in as a teacher who actually knows quite a lot about hs and has experience with assisting my sister who hs her kids for a few years, and also as a jaded teacher who wanted to set some fact straight about some huge generalisations that have been made about schooling in general. You want to HS? Go for your life but maybe get a few facts straight about mainstream schooling before you attack teachers and schools so harshly as many of the reasons you have given for HS instead of sending the girls to school simply aren't very true. As a PP mentioned kids aren't not chained to a desk for 6 hours a day and many many schools work bloomin' hard to individualise programs and work with closely to assist all students gain their potential. Do I see gaps in the system? yes but I think in a perfect world we would all be like Finland and unfortunately for now, we aren't, but are working hard to get closer to the ideal.:
That's so right BAL! I wasn't even going to mention the 'unschooling' in here and the difference between the two because I figured I would be confusing some of these PP's who don't know much about homeschooling as it is...
Funnily enough so do many many schools that use an inquiry based approach to teaching, especially Walker method schools. Not trying to convince you otherwise as you seem set on HSing, and that is fantastic but I guess I get defensive as a teacher when all schools are tarred with a "one size fits all" brush when it simply isn't true in all cases.:
The unschooling approach really fascinates and interests me too, thats what I briefly mentioned in one of my posts about the 'child led approach' which is a big part of the unschooling approach
Efjay that sounds terrible hun, I would be having huge discussions with both the classroom teacher and Prin to find out what is being done to help your child if they had nothing to show at the PT interview and if there had been issues up to now why haven't you heard about them earlier? Definitely isn't the norm.
You know what? I probably know as much about socialisation as you do. But I can tell you one thing that I do know..... is that in schools children are classed by their age group and forced to socialise with children for up to 6hrs in a day, do they get to choose who they have to sit next to all day or spend their lunch breaks with? Nope not really.... so how is that any different to homeschool kids socialising at a homeschool camp? or a homeschool park day? or a homeschool whatever?:
I'm not sure I understand your question to be honest? I don't see why it's seen as such a big deal that children who are home schooled are disadvantaged in terms of socialisation? It's the biggest stigma associated to home schooling. I will try to find you this article I read once it might explain it better :)
Tanstar, excuse me? Where did I say "kids are chained to desks for 6 hrs"? That was exaggerated by someone else. Those words were put into my mouth, if you go back to my previous posts I never even used those words!! But its true that kids are in a classroom environment for a HUGE chunk of their day. Isn't it true though? That 'some' of the people in this thread probably don't know all that much about HS and are quick to judge??? It's true!:
My Mum happens to be a teacher and I have not EVER said a bad word about teachers have I? Go back and read my threads. So I think you're incredibly rude to even comment this to me. I COMPLETELY respect teachers because they do a HUGE job teaching many children in one classroom, its definitely a job I could never do I admit that!!!! My Mum is one and I have always respected her for the very stressful job she has to do. (her words). As I said BEFORE, it's not the teachers failing the kids, its the SYSTEM (in some cases). I'm sure there are some EXCELLENT schools about!! We have two very good schools near us. (said that before too)
I'm fully aware of different types of schools, unfortunately steiner schools etc and the like are not in our vicinity so not an option for us.
Pffft, no matter what I say there will always be someone who takes offence..... even you said it, you'd love to HS your kids if you could?? So then be happy for me that I am in a position to do so.
I am, Shanti and totally think it's great that you are thinking about doing it, and I should have been clearer in the beginning of my post because I wasn't aiming this comment at you but at others who did say kids sit at desks for 6 hours a day, and all they do is learn and not socialise etc. although you even said it in your previous comment they spend up to 6 hours a day in a classroom socialising with just those kids, which again isn't actually true.
There are so many opportunities for kids to actually socialise with kids from other grades and levels as well as not being in a strictly classroom environment, but it's been a long day and my posts aren't making all that much sense.
I'm not offended at all, I guess all I wanted to do is clear up some of the misconceptions of what school is like because it's very different to what it was like when we were at school and the only thing I might have found patronising was the rolleyes comment about unschooling and confusing PP's. Guess that wasn't aimed at me though ;) so will politely take my leave now and spend some time with my chicklets!
Good luck researching! Google the parenting passage way - she HS's and has some religious bent on things, however lots of links to great HS blogs, and has a Waldorf approach which I think is fabbo and if I was able to HS I think I would definitely go a Waldorf/Steiner path.
Sorry Tanstar if I offended you. I certainly don't think all schools are the same. I am just concerned about how you know you've found a good one. You have to send your child for a bit before you can tell I guess and that's a bit scary! I really hope we have the option of sending my kids to a really good one.
I am really interested in learning more and hearing from others who homeschool and how it all works. Maybe we can leave this thread as that and start another one about the differences and pros and cons of HS vs mainstream?