Homeschooling Discussion & Experiences #1

[Shanti]

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.

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?

[Shanti]

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..

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!!!

[Sunny Love]

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.

[blessedatlast]

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?

This is exactly my point..

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?

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...

[boomba]

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... !

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?

[Phteven]

Yes and that's what Homeschooling can provide too I don't know why you are trying to convince me otherwise?

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?

[Shanti]

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 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.

[Shanti]

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.

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.

[Sunny Love]

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!!

[Shanti]

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.

Thanks Sunny I will check it out! Sounds great.

[Beach Mama]

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...

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.

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

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.

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.

[Shanti]

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?

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

[Shanti]

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.

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.

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.

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.

[Beach Mama]

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.

[Heaven]

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.

[Heaven]

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?

[Phteven]

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

Sorry for not being clearer. I'll try to explain again...... you're correct. At school they don't get to choose who sit next to in class. A lot of thought goes into arranging each desk so that they share with 3 other children who are on a similar level academically but not best friends with. Then in their PE and Arts rotations they work with children from other grades - once again chosen for them. At least once a week DS2 goes to the classroom with the autistic kids where he participates in group activities with them. Like most other schools in Australia the children come from a range of backgrounds - different cultures, different religions, different economic circumstances, different family shapes, different shaped minds, different ages, yada, yada.... as you say they are forced to negotiate and socialise with children who are very different to them.
As a homeschooler you can take them to homeschool camps but the demographic of homeschooling tends to be either religiously based (it's huge in the Muslim community) or middle class, 2 parent, white, families. It's easy to socialise with people from the same background as us but forging relationships with people who are unlike us is far more difficult. So....... how do you ensure your children spend a substantial amount of time with people that they have nothing/very little in common with?

I think that the reason that socialisation is the biggest stigma associated with home schooling is quite simple - if you can't work with people who are not like you and/or people you don't much like there is a good possibility that you will struggle to perform in your workplace and life in general.

[Shanti]

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?

Thanks heaven, that was exactly the point of this thread. Unfortunately there are people who seem to take offence over anything I say which is really upsetting and disappointing for me as I really was only after hearing from others who homeschool.

I don't feel like I should have had to justify myself for my reasons in this thread, should I?

That's cool though, I just brush it off because I know what is right for me and my family.