My thoughts on the Homeschooling controversy

[RedRowsMommy]

This was my response to a deleted post response in one of my groups.

Don't get me wrong please, I thought I would put in my thoughts.

I plan on teaching after my degree.

In my experience I have seen very capable mother teachers homeschooling their children. I am also for parents as partners. The families I have known were dedicated to the children and didn't abandon them at 12 to a JrH. The children were well socialized and had all if not more of the qualities that the previous post stated. I never experienced compassion in JrH. It was only demonstrated amongst the 'outsider' niche to other outsider children. I was an outsider because I didn't grow up in that town. I experienced a vault of abuse ranging from severe sexual harassment and excessive social humiliation to intellectually demeaning teachers (not all but most). It was a manifestation of dog eat dog pack mentality amongst the children. Us outsiders stuck together and tried the best we could to support each other. We would seek out new outsiders so they wouldn't be eaten alive by the wolves and sharks. JrH was a holly terror. But not here. Not in Lawrence. It's different here some how. The children here don't feel the need to attack at the sign of weakness. That's probably a major reason I desire to raise my children here.

I hold myself to try my best not to make generalizations thus when I find myself generalizing I take that and research it fully so I better understand it. That said the percentage of failing HS mothers that you see has shaped your view of all homeschooling? My aunt home schooled her 3 children spiritually- non religious. She continuously educated herself. She involved her children in the community as much as possible. She used every opportunity to find the learning experience. They also had a small agricultural business, which further helped the children in there lessons. These children graduated at 16 and immediately went to collage and did very well with honers. Now they are well adjusted professionals and have families. My MIL was home schooled and went on to collage. She did very well and now is a retired state Librarian that through her career also educated in public school English and Music. When I was in JrH, I had neighbors that I played with (8 children) that home schooled. On my days off with PS I would stay with them. I got to see first hand what it was like. Even with children my age they held a wonderful homeschooling environment. They were religious which helped keep them involved with long lasting social relationships. Plus they were involved with homeschooling groups that would hire educators to do workshops with them especially with art and music. Further more The children were involved with lots of sports like soccer baseball and basketball. How can you blame the method when the delivery fails through a lack of commitment. I do not blame public school just because I was traumatized in JrH. I desire to teach and contribute to public school.

Children of the JrH age are sensitive and for a parent to change the situation like that should be criminal! Anytime I see a parent lack commitment to there child and fall short of their purpose, it breaks my heart. Thus, I see your point, but it seems slightly ill informed.

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=101388542&albumID=629172&imageID=2207274

That's My Cuz in the red white and blue sash in the middle! graduating with her Bachelors degree. 

[Kari777]

Nov. 20, 2008 at 2:46 PM

I am so sorry you had to go through that! How awful I'm glad you have found Lawrence so accepting.

[auntymeme]

Nov. 20, 2008 at 3:39 PM

Well said! I was never homeschooled, but went through a move to another city in JrH. It was awful and humiliating as I suffer from many of things you did. It's no wonder I was such a mess back then.

Oh and I too am a teacher.

[christianmom131]

Nov. 21, 2008 at 9:39 AM

Thanks for the article! I hold a lot of the same views.

[tzelvy]

Nov. 23, 2008 at 9:05 PM I was the one who had the deleted response. I just want to let you know most of my experience with homeschooled kids being brought into public was when I was teaching elementary, not jr. high. My response came strictly from my experiences as I stated, it's nice to hear some success stories of homeschooled children. To each their own, good luck on your degree.

[KrisiLW]

Dec. 1, 2008 at 2:01 PM

Interesting jounal post! I used to have neighbor kids who were homeschooled. They were hs age and had been homeschooled since kindegarten. Their mother was a brilliant teacher, and they were extremely bright and well adjusted socially. I'm sure there are a lot of examples like this. I think that as long as the parent is well educated themselves, homeschooling is fine. For some kids, it may even be best!