She talks about how part of her motivation to homeschool was selfish as she was tired of the evening tortures of their homework routine, and how she wanted the time to be spent on work she valued and not busy work. Again I can relate to that and amazingly the "homework struggles" disappeared once we began homeschooling. I realized that much of the struggling had been due to being on someone elses timetable instead of our own.
She mentioned going to college with Grant Colfax whose parents, David and Micki Colfax wrote Homeschooling for Excellence. She also read The American Scholar by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Laura Brodie maintains that all good parents are homeschoolers. I disagree with the wording she used as I don't think parents who send their children to public or private schools should refer to themselves as homeschoolers, but I agree with the sentiment behind her statement. All good parents do seek out opportunities for their children to grow and learn. These parents share teachable moments with their children when they have the chance, no matter what educational choice they have chosen for their children.
Even though she had no intention for homeschooling for more then a year she acknowledges that many of the benefits of homeschooling emerge only after several years of work.
She gained inspiration from John Stuart Mill's Autobiography.
Brodie maintains that "Small class size is crucial for the one-on-one attention needed to teach writing, which is why many American schools fail miserably in that area." and points out that many Titans of today's homeschooling movement started out as disaffected public school teachers. Another book she read Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense by Guterson advocated a community based education where the student learns from real life encounters. The one thing that bothered her was the lack of information about the daily struggles of homeschooling by the authors of homeschool books. I do think the privacy of their families has something to do with the lack of information. And in my experience homeschool Mother's/Father's need to make time for themselves. No one can devote themselves to something 24/7 without getting burned out. But homeschool Mom's/Dad's don't have to be with their kids "ALL DAY" as some homeschool critics imagine.
One point I DISAGREE with Laura Brodie on is regulations. She actually is for North Dakota's strict requirements although admits that the moderate regulations her state requires made it convenient for her. I question why she thinks homeschooling should be made inconvenient for other parents.
She was also pleasantly surprised by how positive the news of her decision to homeschool Julia was greeted by the majority of Julia's public school teachers. One teacher even recommended writers: Avi, Susan Cooper, and Natalie Babbitt for Julia to read.
She mentions a friend Todd who homeschooled his son for six weeks and who stated "I was demanding, But as I pushed, he resisted, and the results were very unpleasant". This reminds me of the fantasy I started out homescooling with. Since my husband is GREAT at Math, I thought he could teach that one subject while I handled the rest. The kids mutinied, they begged me to take over as they hated having Dad as their teacher. For the sake of family harmony I took over the Math Classes, even though Math is my weakest subject and I really had to work at it. Some parents just aren't cut out to homeschool and don't get me wrong my husband is a great guy who has provided many wonderful field trips and educational opportunities for his children and without whose support my homeschooling wouldn't have been possible. He was just to demanding for the day to day work and got frustrated when the kids didn't grasp what he was trying to teach right away.
I have just started reading Chapter 4, so stay tuned for further reviews.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Homeschooling & Unschooling Not the Same Thing
Momania is pursuing the Should we be ‘Unschooling’ our kids? topic.
Personally I am getting fed up with all the whiny anti-homeschoolers who refuse to recognize that there is a difference between homeschooling and unschooling. The Good Morning America show was obviously edited to make unschooling look as bad as possible in order to stir up controversy. In fact the same couple are guest on The Joy Behar Show and present a much better picture of unschooling.
One of the interesting things I have noticed about the anti-homeschooling crowd is that a majority of them insist that homeschoolers are STUPID, DUMB, LAZY etc. , when presented with evidence to the contrary they start screaming THAT HOMESCHOOLERS ARE ELITIST.
As a retired Homeschooling Mom (both my children are now in college) I really resent That's called Laziness' attitude. Homeschooling certainly isn't the path of least resistance and if anything it involves MORE WORK, then simply shoving your child out the door and sending them off to public school. There are lesson plans to develop, educational field trips to plan, papers to grade as well as researching which textbooks to use, researching what different colleges require and maintaining transcripts and other paperwork. We choose to homeschool because we wanted our children to receive the BEST education possible. Our eldest son started college at 16 and is now working on his Masters in Computer Science, our youngest son is a freshman in college, and both work part time. They are both happy successful young adults.
Typical those of us with smart children capable of doing advanced work should just leave them to stagnate in the public schools. How dare we take them out and homeschool them so they can reach their full potential. If we insist on "giving them more" we should be content with limiting it to the few hours we see them after public school or during public school breaks. Baloney homeschooling is a valid educational choice and those parents who are willing to put in the time and effort to homeschool should be allowed to do so without having to put up with the blatant disrespect and harassment of the anti-homeschool crowd.
Personally I am getting fed up with all the whiny anti-homeschoolers who refuse to recognize that there is a difference between homeschooling and unschooling. The Good Morning America show was obviously edited to make unschooling look as bad as possible in order to stir up controversy. In fact the same couple are guest on The Joy Behar Show and present a much better picture of unschooling.
One of the interesting things I have noticed about the anti-homeschooling crowd is that a majority of them insist that homeschoolers are STUPID, DUMB, LAZY etc. , when presented with evidence to the contrary they start screaming THAT HOMESCHOOLERS ARE ELITIST.
Why are kids falling behind in education? Because people today who have kids are not parents, they are caregivers and buddies. It’s tougher to set rules and to be consistent and guide your children by those rules and dole out punishments and rewards when necessary. It’s so much easier to just placate kids with time-consuming (and mind-numbing) alternatives like video games and television, most of which has no redeeming educational value whatsoever.
Posted by That's called "Laziness"The parents who are choosing this option are those who got tired of calls from the schools, from teachers and administrators, and chose the path of least resistance (and least work) and “home schooled” their kids. It also allows an easy out for one parent who doesn’t want to burden themselves with a job and real world responsibilities, so they come up with this crap as a viable excuse to stay home.
As a retired Homeschooling Mom (both my children are now in college) I really resent That's called Laziness' attitude. Homeschooling certainly isn't the path of least resistance and if anything it involves MORE WORK, then simply shoving your child out the door and sending them off to public school. There are lesson plans to develop, educational field trips to plan, papers to grade as well as researching which textbooks to use, researching what different colleges require and maintaining transcripts and other paperwork. We choose to homeschool because we wanted our children to receive the BEST education possible. Our eldest son started college at 16 and is now working on his Masters in Computer Science, our youngest son is a freshman in college, and both work part time. They are both happy successful young adults.
I’m sorry, but you two sound like “those parents.” You know, the ones who think that since their children are SO smart, they must not be challenged enough by the lowly curriculum, teacher, etc., etc., ad nauseam.
I also want to point out that being bored is NOT an excuse for misbahavior or bad grades. In the event that your child is stuck in a class that is truly beneath him or her, he or she must learn how to deal with it and still come out on top. Being bored is NEVER an excuse for any type of negative response–whether it is physical or academic. If that’s your attitude, then your children are in for a shock when they enter the real world. “Oh, I’m sorry, Boss. I didn’t do the work because it is beneath me and I was bored.”
We’ll see how that one works out.Posted by V for Vendetta
Typical those of us with smart children capable of doing advanced work should just leave them to stagnate in the public schools. How dare we take them out and homeschool them so they can reach their full potential. If we insist on "giving them more" we should be content with limiting it to the few hours we see them after public school or during public school breaks. Baloney homeschooling is a valid educational choice and those parents who are willing to put in the time and effort to homeschool should be allowed to do so without having to put up with the blatant disrespect and harassment of the anti-homeschool crowd.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Book Review ~ Love in a Time of Homeschooling Chapters 1 & 2
I was asked to review Love in a Time of Homeschooling by Laura Brodie. A lot of Laura's reasons for homeschooling Julia were the same reasons I had for choosing to homeschool my boys. The only difference was while Julia returned to public school after a year we were hooked and continued homeschooling until the boys started college.
Julia reminding me so much of my youngest son. I laughed when Laura was describing Julia's exploits.
She mentions the monotonous pile of worksheets the public schools send home with the students, and the burden it created for Julia. This certainly resonated with me. When my children were in public school they were overwhelmed with homework, usually on nights when we had somewhere to go. This lead to us having to choose between attending the event; church, scouts, soccer practice and keeping the kids up past their bedtime so they could do their homework or missing the event in order to get the homework done. Homework that was often boring and repetitive.
This is one of the homeschooling stereotypes that infuriates me the most, it's so not ME! In fact the whole time I was reading the book I found myself nodding in agreement with something Laura Brodie wrote. I felt as if I was meeting a kindred homeschooling spirit.
True! so true. My eldest son's fourth grade teacher was the one who suggested I homeschool as he was ahead of his class.
That was the same situation we faced.
I believe this too. Which is one reason I get so upset when anti-homeschoolers suggest holding homeschoolers to the same standards as the public schools.
What a novel idea. I honestly believe to much pressure to preform is put on children today. I am so happy I was able to homeschool and give my children time to enjoy their childhoods.
I am really enjoying this book and encourage all parents to read it. I'll pick up my book review with Chapter 3.
Julia reminding me so much of my youngest son. I laughed when Laura was describing Julia's exploits.
She mentions the monotonous pile of worksheets the public schools send home with the students, and the burden it created for Julia. This certainly resonated with me. When my children were in public school they were overwhelmed with homework, usually on nights when we had somewhere to go. This lead to us having to choose between attending the event; church, scouts, soccer practice and keeping the kids up past their bedtime so they could do their homework or missing the event in order to get the homework done. Homework that was often boring and repetitive.
"Some people imagine homeschoolig moms as ultra clingy zealots who refuse to relinquish control of their children but that's not me."
This is one of the homeschooling stereotypes that infuriates me the most, it's so not ME! In fact the whole time I was reading the book I found myself nodding in agreement with something Laura Brodie wrote. I felt as if I was meeting a kindred homeschooling spirit.
"The public schools aren't for everyone"
True! so true. My eldest son's fourth grade teacher was the one who suggested I homeschool as he was ahead of his class.
"In our small town there are few alternatives to the public system. For most families in our area, private education means homeschooling."
That was the same situation we faced.
"The Standards of Learning are the monster that is devouring our public schools. In the end one local principal explained, the SOLs make great teachers good and good teachers bad"
I believe this too. Which is one reason I get so upset when anti-homeschoolers suggest holding homeschoolers to the same standards as the public schools.
The 1930s and 1940s witnessed a growing movement for the abolition of homework, as doctors and educators emphasized the need for healthy joyful children who spent plenty of time playing outside.
What a novel idea. I honestly believe to much pressure to preform is put on children today. I am so happy I was able to homeschool and give my children time to enjoy their childhoods.
I am really enjoying this book and encourage all parents to read it. I'll pick up my book review with Chapter 3.
Schools urge parents not to take kids to work
From Arizona to Illinois to Texas, educators are alerting parents that between high-stakes standardized testing in some areas and the H1N1 virus that kept thousands of children home earlier in the school year, the timing of "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day" doesn't make sense.
"This year, of all years, to have a student miss a day for something like this that could be done anytime - it just seems the focus should be on students and their learning here," said Guy Schumacher, the superintendent of Libertyville Elementary School District 70 in suburban Chicago.
Schools urge parents not to take kids to work - Nation Wire - SunHerald.comWednesday, April 21, 2010
Unschooling: The Ultimate in Lazy Parenting
The Good Morning America clip sparked yet another discussion on unschooling at Momlogic Unschooling: The Ultimate in Lazy Parenting
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Daily Buzz Questions Unschooling
Good Morning America did a segment on unschooling and now the Daily Buzz is abuzz about unschooling.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Graduation Ceremonies and Homeschooling - It's Not Oil and Water! By Camille Rodriquez
You can read the article here.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Homeschoolers Leery of Bill White
With a strong homeschool supporter like Bill White running for governor, why are homeschoolers less then enthusiastic about him?
Well first he wanted homeschoolers counted as dropouts. Then fearing he would lose the VOTES of homeschoolers and homeschool supporters he came out saying he is a strong supporter of homeschooling.
Let me get this straight. The public schools are the ones falsifying data but Bill White blames homeschoolers and says it's their credibility that is at stake. Mr. White if you truly supported homeschooling you would place the blame where it belongs on the public schools that are falsifying data and would acknowledge that it is the public schools credibility that is hurt. After all the public schools are the ones who arelying falsifying data.
The public schools are suppose to be accountable to the taxpayers who support them therefore they are measured and tested. Homeschool parents on the other hand (who do not receive tax money to support their homeschool endeavors) are not accountable to the state but it sure sounds as if Bill White wants homeschoolers TESTED, and that he wants homescoolers to be accountable to the state.
I can see why homeschooler in Texas are leery of Bill White. He certainly doesn't sound like a homeschool supporter to me.
Recent comments about the dropout rate and Bill White's position on homeschooling have been dramatically distorted for political purposes.
Bill White is on the record as a strong supporter of homeschooling, and as governor he will protect the rights of parents to make educational choices for their children.
Well first he wanted homeschoolers counted as dropouts. Then fearing he would lose the VOTES of homeschoolers and homeschool supporters he came out saying he is a strong supporter of homeschooling.
In recent months, a number of reports have exposed public schools that falsify records in order present a lower than actual dropout rate. In many cases, students who have dropped out are falsely declared transfers or homeschooled students. When a public school falsely declares a child who has dropped out as a homeschool student, it hurts the credibility of all parents who choose homeschooling.
Let me get this straight. The public schools are the ones falsifying data but Bill White blames homeschoolers and says it's their credibility that is at stake. Mr. White if you truly supported homeschooling you would place the blame where it belongs on the public schools that are falsifying data and would acknowledge that it is the public schools credibility that is hurt. After all the public schools are the ones who are
Bill White believes in accountability and results. If you care about a result, you measure and test it. Many homeschooled children in Texas are held to rigorous standards by their parents and teachers who share this belief.
The public schools are suppose to be accountable to the taxpayers who support them therefore they are measured and tested. Homeschool parents on the other hand (who do not receive tax money to support their homeschool endeavors) are not accountable to the state but it sure sounds as if Bill White wants homeschoolers TESTED, and that he wants homescoolers to be accountable to the state.
I can see why homeschooler in Texas are leery of Bill White. He certainly doesn't sound like a homeschool supporter to me.
Homeschool and Etc.: Bill White for Texas Governor!
Read Mrs. C's delightfully snarky post.
Homeschool and Etc.: Bill White for Texas Governor!
Homeschool and Etc.: Bill White for Texas Governor!
Thursday, April 08, 2010
W&L Professor's Memoir Offers Insight into Short-Term Homeschooling
Read W&L Professor's Memoir Offers Insight into Short-Term Homeschooling. I will have a chance to review her book soon.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
223rd Carnival of Homeschooling: Open House
The Nerd Family is hosting the 223rd Carnival of Homeschooling: Open House. I can't wait to drop by for a nice long visit.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
52 Totally Awesome Science Experiments You Can Do At Home
Are you looking for Science experiments you can do at home? check this site @ Phlebotomy Technician Schools out.
Monday, April 05, 2010
If you ask stupid & insulting questions don't expect to be treated with kid gloves
A rather immature blogger posted a list of homeschool questions some offensive, some plain stupid and some seemed to be serious questions. Then she got in a huff when homeschoolers didn't answer them the way she wished them to be answered. What is the point of asking questions about a topic if you aren't willing to listen to all the answers?
7. What does a HSing parent do if they don’t understand something they’re supposed to teach? I’m serious here. I could never teach, oh, calculus, for instance.
Legitimate question and she managed not to be insulting.
20. If you homeschool, would you do it again or recommend it to a friend? Please explain your yes or no.
Great question.
My answers to her questions can be found here. At one point they were approved and showed up in her comments and then the next day they were gone. Not sure what she found insulting about them.
It is too bad she got in a huff and deleted comments. There was a chance for a honest and open dialog between homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers. Unfortunately since the blogger was too immature to handle answers that didn't pander to her prejudices that chance it gone. And bloggers if you genuinely want to learn more about homeschooling homeschoolers will be glad to answer your questions but don't ask insulting questions and expect to be treated with kid gloves.
1. Why do homeschoolers choose homeschooling? Do the kids get a say in this choice?
This question was fine and seemed to be motivated by a legitimate desire to learn more about homeschooling. But why don't we ever ask public school parents why they choose to send their children to public school and if their kids get a say in the choice.2. How do HSers (homeschoolers) know they will be good at homeschooling?
Again this question is fine, but why don't we ask public school teachers how they know they will be good teachers, or public school parents how they know they will be good parents? 3. What are the benefits of homeschooling?
Good question but again why don't these bloggers ever question the benefits of public schools or private schools for that matter.4. Okay. Seriously. If parents are stupid — as in, not all that bright from an academic perspective – should they homeschool?
OK, this question is insulting. Why not ask if a couple isn't all that bright should they have kids? And if she means that they weren't top of their class straight A students, has she talked to any public school teachers. Most of them were average students who made B's & C's especially those who teach the elementary grades.5. If parents are stupid, do they know they’re stupid and perhaps shouldn’t homeschool?
Another insulting question. 6. Or are the available curricula (check me OUT) so amazing that they render anyone a teaching genius, so it’s okay if you start out dumb — or dumber?
OK, this could be a legitimate question about curricula, but it is worded to insult. Why not just ask if the available curricula makes it easy for anyone to teach it?7. What does a HSing parent do if they don’t understand something they’re supposed to teach? I’m serious here. I could never teach, oh, calculus, for instance.
Legitimate question and she managed not to be insulting.
8. Why does it seem a disproportionate number of homeschooled kids become obsessed with Ren Faires and crossbows and Celtic music and pan flutes and penny whistles, etc.?
OK, this question was insulting and STUPID and apparently no one ever taught her that if you ask a stupid question you are bound to get some stupid answers. 9. Uhm, is there a pan flute and penny whistle curriculum?
Again STUPID AND INSULTING. 10. Do many homeschooled kids think TV is the devil and therefore don’t watch it?
Another slightly insulting question and apparently she is assuming that all homeschoolers are Fundamentalist. Why not ask why some public school kids aren't allowed to watch TV?11. Where/how/in what ways do homeschooled kids hang out with kids other than their siblings?
A rather stupid question, but giving the blogger the benefit of the doubt perhaps she was clueless and really did want to know.12. Do most homeschoolers belong to a network of homeschoolers who share their “worldview”?
Again she seems to be making assumptions and unaware how diverse the homeschooling community is.13. If so, how do homeschooled kids get exposed to other worldviews and learn independent thinking skills?
Again another stupid question. 14. I mean this question quite sincerely because I don’t know the answer, but is there such a thing as a secular homeschooling curriculum or does most HS curriculum contain religious elements?
This was a legitimate question and is worded fine. But if she was really interested why did she delete many of the comments that answered her question. I gave specific examples of secular boxed curriculum in my response.15. Is homeschooling an anti-culture choice or a hope for a better educational choice or both?
Legitimate question. 16. Does a HSing parent really have to come up with 5 or so hours of lessons every day? How do you handle the disparity of ages in children?
Another good question. 17. Do homeschools offer Christmas, Valentine’s, or Sadie Hawkins dances? What about senior proms?
This question was fine.18. So how do boys and girls learn to interact with each other?
Another stupid question.19. What about sports teams, drama clubs, etc.?
Some people do seem clueless about all the many opportunities homeschoolers have so I consider it a legitimate question.20. If you homeschool, would you do it again or recommend it to a friend? Please explain your yes or no.
Great question.
My answers to her questions can be found here. At one point they were approved and showed up in her comments and then the next day they were gone. Not sure what she found insulting about them.
It is too bad she got in a huff and deleted comments. There was a chance for a honest and open dialog between homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers. Unfortunately since the blogger was too immature to handle answers that didn't pander to her prejudices that chance it gone. And bloggers if you genuinely want to learn more about homeschooling homeschoolers will be glad to answer your questions but don't ask insulting questions and expect to be treated with kid gloves.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Questions for Homeschoolers
Tracy at beyond the pale has some questions for homeschoolers. Go to her blog and answer them by posting a comment to her post.
Obviously I can only answer these questions as they pertain to my family. Homeschoolers are a diverse bunch.
11. Where/how/in what ways do homeschooled kids hang out with kids other than their siblings?
For younger kids homeschool groups usually get together for park days and field trips. Older kids hang out with their friends at the same places public school kids do; the mall, Internet cafes, sporting events, the movies., each others homes, etc.
Obviously I can only answer these questions as they pertain to my family. Homeschoolers are a diverse bunch.
1. Why do homeschoolers choose homeschooling? Do the kids get a say in this choice?
We choose to homeschool for several different reasons. First my eldest son was way ahead of his class. His fourth grade public school teacher suggested I homeschool after she had spoken to the principal about promoting him a grade level and was told the School Board wouldn't sign off on it as they had a vested interest in keeping children in school for as long as possible for the "funding". We also did not agree with the Mandatory Public School UNIFORM policy the School Board implemented. And yes, my kids did get a say when we decided to homeschool.2. How do HSers (homeschoolers) know they will be good at homeschooling?
How do you know you will be good at anything? Parents of preschoolers probably have some idea if they would be good at homeschooling. Have they successfully taught their children how to behave? Do they enjoy spending time with their children doing educational things? If so they will probably be successful homeschoolers. For those with children already in school they can ask themselves how they fare with homework? Do they enjoy helping their children with their homework? Do they enjoy spending time with their children? While homeschooling isn't like "doing homework" some of the same personality conflicts and frustrations would occur in both activities.
3. What are the benefits of homeschooling?
OK, This one has LOTS of answers and I am sure to leave some out. But a few of the benefits. My eldest son was able to start college at 16, since homeschooling allows you to move at your own pace. Homeschooling allowed us to take several fabulous vacations as we weren't tied to the public school calendar and could travel when the opportunity arose. We were able to spend more time together as a family. The kids were able to pursue subjects they were interested in that were not offered at the public schools in our school district.
4. Okay. Seriously. If parents are stupid — as in, not all that bright from an academic perspective — should they homeschool?
Talk to some public school teachers most of them will tell you they didn't do that well in school. In fact a majority will tell you they were B & C students, not the high achieving A students.
5. If parents are stupid, do they know they’re stupid and shouldn’t homeschool?
You don't seriously expect an answer to this question do you?
6. Or are the available curricula (check me OUT) so amazing that they render anyone a teaching genius, so it’s okay if you start out dumb — or dumber?
I am choosing to assume you mean a parent may not have knowledge pertaining to a certain subject. I think it is perfectly permissible for Homeschooling parents to learn along with their kids. For example I learned Japanese along with my children by using Power Glide.
7. What does a HSing parent do if they don’t understand something they’re supposed to teach? I’m serious here. I could never teach, oh, calculus, for instance.
- There are homeschool co-ops where parents who do understand calculus will teach your child calculus while you teach something that you are proficient in.
- If you have the money you can hire a personal tutor for your child.
- There are online courses your child can take.
8. Why does it seem a disproportionate number of homeschooled kids become obsessed with Ren Faires and crossbows and Celtic music and pan flutes and penny whistles, etc.?
Wouldn't know as none of the homeschoolers I know are interested in these things. My kids obsessions are Digimon and Halo.
9. Uhm, is there a pan flute and penny whistle curriculum?
Not that I know of.
10. Do many homeschooled kids think TV is the devil and therefore don’t watch it?
NO!!!!!! Since we don't have Cable TV (a decision based on finances) my kids usually prefer spending time on the Internet to TV viewing though. We also have a large selection of DVD's.11. Where/how/in what ways do homeschooled kids hang out with kids other than their siblings?
For younger kids homeschool groups usually get together for park days and field trips. Older kids hang out with their friends at the same places public school kids do; the mall, Internet cafes, sporting events, the movies., each others homes, etc.
12. Do most homeschoolers belong to a network of homeschoolers who share their “worldview”?
No, We belong to an inclusive homeschool group, Parent Educators and Kids (PEAK).13. If so, how do homeschooled kids get exposed to other worldviews and learn independent thinking skills?
Even the homeschoolers who belong to exclusive homeschool groups are out in their communities. They use public libraries, they shop at local stores, they eat out.
14. I mean this question quite sincerely because I don’t know the answer, but is there such a thing as a secular homeschooling curriculum or does most HS curriculum contain religious elements?
Yes, there is secular homeschooling curriculum available. If you want a boxed set you can use Oak Meadow, Calvert, K12, etc. I personally loved creating a personalized study program and picking out textbooks in which case you can select from a wide array of textbook publishers including the same ones the public schools use.15. Is homeschooling an anti-culture choice or a hope for a better educational choice or both?
In our case it was a better educational choice. 16. Does a HSing parent really have to come up with 5 or so hours of lessons every day? How do you handle the disparity of ages in children?
Honestly there is so much to learn, and when you are really enjoying the experience 5 hours flies by. My children are pretty close together age wise (22 months) so it wasn't really a problem. I did some classes with both children, in subjects where their abilities were further apart I worked with the eldest in the morning and the youngest in the afternoon.17. Do homeschools offer Christmas, Valentine’s, or Sadie Hawkins dances? What about senior proms?
Some homeschool groups do. It all depends on what is important to the members of the group.18. How do boys and girls learn to interact with each other?
You have to be kidding! The same way public school students do.
19. What about sports teams, drama clubs, etc.?
My children took part in recreational soccer, there are various other recreational sports children can participate in. Some of the larger homeschool groups have their own sports teams and drama clubs. There are also community theater groups homeschoolers can join. Many museums offer educational opportunities which homeschoolers are able to utilize. My children took an Art History Class for Homeschoolers at the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art. 20. If you homeschool, would you do it again or recommend it to a friend? Please explain your yes or no.
Having successfully completed our homeschooling journey, both my children are in college, (My eldest son is working on his Masters and my youngest is a college freshman) I certainly recommend homeschooling as a valid educational choice. My only regret is that I didn't homeschool from the beginning. If I could go back we would have been a homeschooling family from Kindergarten.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Why Homeschool: Homeschoolers in the News
This was one of the interesting submissions to this weeks CoH Why Homeschool: Homeschoolers in the News. Drop by The Homespun Life to read more Carnival of Homeschooling Submissions.
I agree with Janine here I doubt if Jarred Mitchell Harrell had attended public school or private school it would have been mentioned in this article. I would also like to know who did the so called homeschooling and when.
You would have thought his bizarre upbringing mentioned in this article would have been of more interest.
I agree with Janine here I doubt if Jarred Mitchell Harrell had attended public school or private school it would have been mentioned in this article. I would also like to know who did the so called homeschooling and when.
You would have thought his bizarre upbringing mentioned in this article would have been of more interest.
Mississippi court records describe a bizarre series of events that found Jarred and his sister bounced between their mother and Harrell (their father) for parts of their young lives.
Annis got custody of the children. Harrell got them back three years later following the events outlined in a judge’s 1990 order in the case.
Shortly before the Harrells separated, she was working as a secretary for Joe Newman, a married, eccentric local inventor. The two became lovers with the knowledge of Newman’s wife, while Annis still had custody of the children, the judge’s order states.
In February 1989, Newman publicized what the order states is a 17-page “news release” in which he announced he was married not only to his wife, but to Annis Harrell and her 8-year-old daughter. The order does not indicate why the release was issued or how, but the order says Newman described himself as a prophet of God and that his wife believed him, among other things.
Alerted to the public statements, state child welfare officials sought to take the children from their mother, who officially married Newman in September 1989. During a court hearing in the custody matter, Newman said his marriage to the daughter was spiritual, not sexual, and that he would debate with God whether to consummate the marriage, the order states.
Annis divorced Newman and tried to get her children back, though a judge called her attempts manipulative and refused. But in 1993 about five years after Harrell got the children, he gave them back.
Announcement
Figures in Motion will be giving away two copies of Dinosaurs on the Move - by Cathy Diez-Luckie just leave your information on the contact page to enter.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Recommended Geek Dad's How to Teach Physics to Your Kids
Worried about teaching Physics to your kids?
However, as luck would have it, I recently got the chance to interview Union College physics professor Chad Orzel. Orzel is a blogger, a dad, husband of fellow sci-fi/fantasy fan Kate Nepveu and owner of a very intelligent German Shepherd mix named Emmy. And thanks to a couple of entertaining dialogues with Emmy about the mysteries of quantum physics, Orzel is also author of a new book called How to Teach Physics to Your Dog.wired.com, How to Teach Physics to Your Kids, Mar 2010You should read the whole article.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Secular Homeschoolers Don't Owe the Fundies Anything
Could the author of Darwin Has a Pity Party (and I about have an aneurysm) at least read Charles Darwin's The Orgin of Species before she starts bashing him and if Creationist actually understood the meaning of a SCIENTIFIC THEORY, it would be nice.
Here are some terms used in Science and their definitions.
Evolution is not "just a theory". Any scientific theory must be based on a careful and rational examination of the facts. Creationist look reallystupid learning impaired when they use the "just a theory" argument. Newton's theory of "Universal Gravitation", is "just a theory" too but you don't hear Creationist demeaning it by saying "it's just a theory".
Scientist are not afraid of textbooks like those from Apologia, they just think they are full oflies false information. Let's put it this way so hopefully everyone can follow along. If some Christian Publisher choose to publish a science textbook claiming the Earth was flat and that the Sun revolved around the Earth and peddled it to homeschooers wouldn't we all agree that the book was worthless and full of lies?
And the arrogance of this Fundamentalist Christian is astounding.
Homeschooling was not started by Fundamentalist Christians and my freedom to homeschool wasn't earned on your back. Fundamentalist Christiansstole co-opted the homeschooling movement in the 80's.
From Homeschooling: Growing and Thriving in the 21st Century
So maybe you should take your own advice honey and remember homeschoolings roots. Modern Day Homeschooling was started by a bunch of SECULAR hippies and homesteaders. Why don't you try showing us a some RESPECT.
Here are some terms used in Science and their definitions.
- A hypothesis is an educated guess, based on observation. Usually, a hypothesis can be supported or refuted through experimentation or more observation. A hypothesis can be disproven, but not proven to be true.
- A scientific theory summarizes a hypothesis or group of hypotheses that have been supported with repeated testing. A theory is valid as long as there is no evidence to dispute it.
- A law generalizes a body of observations. At the time it is made, no exceptions have been found to a law. Scientific laws explain things, but they do not describe them.
Evolution is not "just a theory". Any scientific theory must be based on a careful and rational examination of the facts. Creationist look really
Scientist are not afraid of textbooks like those from Apologia, they just think they are full of
And the arrogance of this Fundamentalist Christian is astounding.
I have a message for secular homeschoolers. We welcome you into our ranks. We're glad you're here. Nobody is happier than I am that you have decided that the government run school system is broken and you want your kids out of it. But please remember, your freedom to homeschool was earned on the back of fundamentalist Christians.
Homeschooling was not started by Fundamentalist Christians and my freedom to homeschool wasn't earned on your back. Fundamentalist Christians
From Homeschooling: Growing and Thriving in the 21st Century
Many people who are just now beginning to homeschool are not aware that the modern homeschool movement began as something of a cultural phenomenon. In the late 1960s, researchers estimate that the number of homeschoolers in the U.S. was between 10,000 and 15,000.2 These early homeschoolers were often considered the rebels. In Home Schooling: From the Extreme to the Mainstream, a paper published by the Fraser Institute, the authors state, "Although the contemporary image of homeschooling parents depicts a homogeneous, deeply religious, socially conservative sub-group of the population, back in the 1960s and 1970s, most homeschooling parents were members of the counter-cultural left, principally advocates of New Age philosophies, hippies, and homesteaders."3
So maybe you should take your own advice honey and remember homeschoolings roots. Modern Day Homeschooling was started by a bunch of SECULAR hippies and homesteaders. Why don't you try showing us a some RESPECT.
Monday, March 22, 2010
I wish Elijah Friedeman was kidding
I don’t understand the shock that is expressed when homeschoolers teach that God created the earth. It would be one thing if public schools offered a perfectly fair and balanced view of science, but as it is a public school education will teach you that evolution is the only acceptable explanation for our existence. So why is it suddenly outrageous that homeschoolers teach creationism? I recognize that the criticism for all things homeschool won’t go away for a while, if ever, but the continued misrepresentation of the facts and the double standards are completely unacceptable and should disturb even those who don’t homeschool.
I don't think the problem is that parents are teaching their children that God created the earth, the problem is they are teaching it as Science. Creationism/Intelligent Design DOES NOT stand up to the scientific method, and has no place in a science classroom. Although IF Fundamentalist want to teach it to their kids I support their right to do so.
I don't support Fundamentalist acting like they are the only homeschoolers. There are plenty of homeschoolers that TEACH EVOLUTION! My ire is raised when Elijah Friedeman and others lump all homeschoolers together as anti-science buffons.
FYI: HOMESCHOOLERS TEACH EVOLUTION!!!!!!!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Highly Recommended
I highly recommend The Starbuck Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell if you are looking for historical fiction on The War Between the States aka The Civil War. He treats both sides fairly and does a wonderful job explaining the motivations that lead to the war. The only problem with the chronicles is HE HASN'T FINISHED THEM.
Texas church bans child's photograph of Passion
Jackson was assigned to portray the seventh Station of the Cross, where Jesus fell for a second time while carrying the cross to the site of his crucifixion. The home-schooled fifth-grader, who is taking a class on religious symbols in art at a Catholic church, decided to do a modern depiction of Christ being beaten by a Roman soldier.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
In Search of American History
In my search for the Perfect High School American History Course, I have stumbled across some interesting info.
On my parents bookshelf I discovered The Federal Union by John D. Hicks (Third Edition), which covers history from 1492 until 1877. It's wonderful! I also found Government and Politics in the United States by Harold Zink (Third Edition). My Father used both books when he was in college. I plan to have Lord Epa read both books before we start using the official classroom textbook. Which thanks to Tracy I now have. We will be using Glencoe's History of a Free Nation. While it's not perfect it does a good job of presenting different viewpoints and it has a TON of resource material. Many thanks, Tracy
Scott Powell also suggested several books that I plan to have Lord Epa read, they are:
1. Woodburn, Moran, and Hill, "Our United States"
2. Montgomery, "The Leading Facts of American History"
3. Harlow, R.V, "Growth of the United States"
4. Bassett, J.S., "A Short History of the United States"
5. The American Heritage Pictorial Atlas of United States History
Scott, thank you so much for the book list.
Speaking of Scott Powell, he has developed A Remote History Program for Children offered by VanDamme Academy which will be available to homeschoolers. This new program is the same curriculum Scott uses to teach his students in the elementary grades, and will be offered as a teleconference, like A First History For Adults.
And now for a brief interview with Scott Powell
(Alasandra)What lead you to develop the Remote History Program?
(Scott)The basic reason is I love to teach history! I am a historian working at fantastic private school, but to this point I have not been able to specialize in the one area where I truly feel a passion for teaching. I was driven to create the "Remote History Program" because I want to teach history, and only history! By reaching out to the homeschooling market, I hope to make that possible and to provide a product that students and their parents will really love.
(Alasandra)Can Homeschoolers receive credit for it?
(Scott)That is an interesting question. If I understand the question, let me try to answer it this way: At VanDamme Academy we have students up to 9th grade, so we usually face questions of accreditation when it comes to the acceptance of our students into high school. Typically, our students are so well prepared that it's not a problem. (The more academic the school, the easier it is for our students. Public high schools are far more rigid, and, quite frankly, irrational.)
(Alasandra)Are there textbook and test to go along with it? If not how would I asses my child's progress in the course?
(Alasandra)Are there textbook and test to go along with it? If not how would I asses my child's progress in the course?
(Scott)That's an easy one. I provide tests, quizzes, small homework units, and writing assignments as part of the course. I also provide grading keys to everything. So every aspect of the course is taken care of in that area. Also, I offer bi-weekly "teacher-teacher" conferences so that parents can get tips on implementing the program from me, and get answers to other questions.
(Alasandra)What makes your program different from the others?
(Scott)There are many important differences between this program and others typically available to homeschoolers. For one, you get direct access to me, a specialist in the subject. The most important dimension of the program, however, is that it takes seriously the idea that history--and I mean history, not "social studies"--is accessible and indeed essential to the education of a child. What sets this program apart is that it covers all of Western civilization in three years. It is not a series of disparate units, but rather an integrated story, that shows children, on a level accessible to them, the most important people and events of the past, culminating in the present.
(Alasandra) Thanks Scott, and good luck with your Remote History Program For Children.
This is an old post but I thought it would prove useful to those of you looking for an American History book.
Other additions:
The Making of America by The National Geographic
Chronicles of America
Chronicles of America Series
A People's History of the United States
Any textbook you can not buy directly from the publisher can be purchased from The HomeSchool SuperCenter or Amazon.com
Friday, March 19, 2010
Alasandra, The Cats & A Dog: Contest ~ Easter Theme
Alasandra, The Cats & A Dog: Contest ~ Easter Theme:
"We are doing another contest, this one has an Easter Theme. You can win a great prize, there is stuff for home bars at All Barstools.com as well as lots of other stuff at the other CSN Stores. You may pick a prize from any of their stores for $100 or less if you win. We like their Pet Store. To enter click here and post your entry ..........What Easter means to you, A funny Easter picture, How you Celebrate Easter, whatever you want just have fun with your entry. We will accept entries all the way until midnight Easter Sunday (April 4th) Monday (April 5th) we will set up a poll and you can vote for your favorite entry. Oh we forgot to mention you has to live in the United States or Canada.
The login is osso (at)cableone(dot)net
and the password is Latimer 2009
Remember the L is Latimer is capitalized.
~AFSS"
"We are doing another contest, this one has an Easter Theme. You can win a great prize, there is stuff for home bars at All Barstools.com as well as lots of other stuff at the other CSN Stores. You may pick a prize from any of their stores for $100 or less if you win. We like their Pet Store. To enter click here and post your entry ..........What Easter means to you, A funny Easter picture, How you Celebrate Easter, whatever you want just have fun with your entry. We will accept entries all the way until midnight Easter Sunday (April 4th) Monday (April 5th) we will set up a poll and you can vote for your favorite entry. Oh we forgot to mention you has to live in the United States or Canada.
The login is osso (at)cableone(dot)net
and the password is Latimer 2009
Remember the L is Latimer is capitalized.
~AFSS"
Homeschoolers Go to College
Read about Grown-Up Homeschoolers and College Admissions - MIT Student Kristina Bjoran Applying for College Without Transcript.
Public School Student Defends Homeschoolers
Public School Student Maria Tomlinson wrote Viewpoint: Before criticizing homeschooling, get to know the people involved..
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Highly Recommended
Laura Brodie, Ph.D. shares her experience as a short term homeschooler in Short-term Homeschooling: Why Bother?
Group decries public school textbooks on Islam as inflammatory
A series of children's textbooks on Islam contains misleading and inflammatory rhetoric about the religion, inaccurately portraying its followers as hostile and deserving of suspicion, according to a Muslim civil liberties group.
Group decries public school textbooks on Islam as inflammatory - Nation Wire - SunHerald.com
The Pennsylvania chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations is set to begin what it calls a public awareness campaign Wednesday against the "World of Islam" books by Mason Crest Publishing.
Group decries public school textbooks on Islam as inflammatory - Nation Wire - SunHerald.com
DeSoto County public school crossing guard arrested
A DeSoto County public school crossing guard is free on bond after being charged with two counts of sexual battery only days after being arrested and posting bond on drug charges.
DeSoto County public school crossing guard arrested - Regional Wire - SunHerald.com
DeSoto County public school crossing guard arrested - Regional Wire - SunHerald.com
Drunk PUBLIC SCHOOL teacher allegedly bites man's ear in attack
A middle school teacher was accused of biting off part of a man's ear during a confrontation at a St. Paul diner.
Drunk PUBLIC SCHOOL teacher allegedly bites man's ear in attack - Weird News - SunHerald.com
Drunk PUBLIC SCHOOL teacher allegedly bites man's ear in attack - Weird News - SunHerald.com
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Public School teacher pleads guilty to sex crime
Former Bay High School teacher Steven Seth Tadlock has pleaded guilty to sexual battery of a teen, though the alleged victim asked the courts not to prosecute him, according to Jackson County court records.
Former Bay High teacher pleads guilty to sex crime - Crime & Courts - SunHerald.com
Monday, March 15, 2010
Talk Radio & Homeschooling
Tuesday Thom Hartman will interview Professor Jerry Coyne
A better question would be why is the religious right dumbing down kids. Public School Students aren't immune from the rights agenda, just look at Texas.
The Huffington Post Texas Textbook MASSACRE: 'Ultraconservatives' Approve Radical Changes To State Education Curriculum
History's first draft: Newt Gingrich but no liberals Textbooks being written for Texas students appear to lean to the right
The Rehabilitation Of Joseph McCarthy? Texas Textbooks Process Grinds On
Texas Textbooks
Glen Beck, Texas Textbooks, And The Erosion of Separation Between Church and State.
If you think science textbooks in Texas fared better think again Texas Board of Ed Neuters Science Textbooks' Global Warming Language
A setback for science education in Texas
Maybe the focus should be on the textbooks Texas is adopting instead of the textbooks a minority of homeschoolers choose to use to teach their students.
Hour Two: Why is the religious right dumbing down homeschooled kids? Thom talks with Professor Jerry Coyne of the University of Chicago about the missing link in textbooks…evolution
A better question would be why is the religious right dumbing down kids. Public School Students aren't immune from the rights agenda, just look at Texas.
The Huffington Post Texas Textbook MASSACRE: 'Ultraconservatives' Approve Radical Changes To State Education Curriculum
The Board removed Thomas Jefferson from the Texas curriculum's world history standards on Enlightenment thinking, “replacing him with religious right icon John Calvin.”
History's first draft: Newt Gingrich but no liberals Textbooks being written for Texas students appear to lean to the right
The Rehabilitation Of Joseph McCarthy? Texas Textbooks Process Grinds On
What's at stake here is not just what Texas students learn in high school. Because the state represents one of two largest markets in the country, publishers tailor their books to the Texas standards. Those same textbooks are then sold in smaller states around the country.
While amendments to the history standards may be easier to understand, McLeroy and the rest of the conservative bloc are at least as passionate about leaving their mark this time around.
He told the Washington Monthly (in a lengthy feature very much worth reading):
"The secular humanists may argue that we are a secular nation. But we are a Christian nation founded on Christian principles. The way I evaluate history textbooks is first I see how they cover Christianity and Israel. Then I see how they treat Ronald Reagan--he needs to get credit for saving the world from communism and for the good economy over the last twenty years because he lowered taxes."
Texas Textbooks
Glen Beck, Texas Textbooks, And The Erosion of Separation Between Church and State.
In tomorrow’s New York Times Magazine, Russell Shorto has a story that looks at the battle over the soul’s of the Founding Fathers and how the Texas School Board and affiliated organizations (the Legal Right) work to establish that not only was the country founded on Christian principles but that the US’ laws are Biblical in origin. Barton makes an appearance, below. In the article, Shorto writes that like last year’s battle over “intelligent design,” this year’s battle over the religious birth of the nation has a long history:
If you think science textbooks in Texas fared better think again Texas Board of Ed Neuters Science Textbooks' Global Warming Language
A setback for science education in Texas
At its March 25-27, 2009, meeting, the Texas state board of education voted to adopt a flawed set of state science standards, which will dictate what is taught in science classes in elementary and secondary schools, as well as provide the material for state tests and textbooks, for the next decade. Although creationists on the board were unsuccessful in inserting the controversial "strengths and weaknesses" language from the old set of standards, they proposed a flurry of synonyms — such as "sufficiency or insufficiency" and "supportive and not supportive" — and eventually prevailed with a requirement that students examine "all sides of scientific evidence." Additionally, the board voted to add or amend various standards in a way that encourages the presentation of creationist claims about the complexity of the cell, the completeness of the fossil record, and the age of the universe.
According to a 2008 study ["Evolution and Creationism in America's Classrooms: A National Portrait" from PLoS Biology 2008; 6 (5)], 16% of US science teachers believe humans were created by God in the last 10,000 years."
Maybe the focus should be on the textbooks Texas is adopting instead of the textbooks a minority of homeschoolers choose to use to teach their students.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Public School Teacher accused of sex crimes against student
Public School Teacher accused of sex crimes against student - Crime & Courts - SunHerald.com
A $60,000 bond was set Friday for a St. Martin teacher accused of engaging in sex acts with a minor girl who attends the school, Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd said.Robert Griffin, 39, of Ocean Springs, was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of molestation of a child under the age of 16. On Friday, sheriff’s investigators charged Griffin with an additional count of sexual battery for allegedly having sexual relations with the student.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Public School District computer technician faces child porn possession charges
Public School District computer technician faces child porn possession charges - Crime & Courts - SunHerald.com
A computer technician for the Jackson County School District has been arrested on a charge of possession of child pornography, with additional charges pending, according to Jackson County sheriff’s investigators.
Those Fundie Public Schools
Betcha thought I was going to say homeschoolers. While some liberals are wasting their time harassing homeschoolers the Fundamentalist are taking over the Public Schools.
Guess IF you want your child to get a liberal education in Texas you will have to homeschool. Read the rest of the article here.
The Texas Board of Education on Friday approved a social studies curriculum that will put a conservative stamp on history and economics textbooks, stressing the superiority of American capitalism, questioning the Founding Fathers’ commitment to a purely secular government and presenting Republican political philosophies in a more positive light.
The conservative members maintain that they are trying to correct what they see as a liberal bias among the teachers who proposed the curriculum. To that end, they made dozens of minor changes aimed at calling into question, among other things, concepts like the separation of church and state and the secular nature of the American Revolution.
Cynthia Dunbar, a lawyer from Richmond who is a strict constitutionalist and thinks the nation was founded on Christian beliefs, managed to cut Thomas Jefferson from a list of figures whose writings inspired revolutions in the late 18th century and 19th century, replacing him with St. Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin and William Blackstone. (Jefferson is not well liked among conservatives on the board because he coined the term “separation between church and state.”)
Guess IF you want your child to get a liberal education in Texas you will have to homeschool. Read the rest of the article here.
Alasandra's Place: Dog Murdered for Defending His Home
Alasandra's Place: Dog Murdered for Defending His Home:
Don't POLICE OFFICERS have to knock and wait for someone to open the door? What right did this Police Officer have to invade someones home and kill their pet????????"
"The officer was at the home investigating a complaint of children not attending school and was trying to find a parent when he went to the door of the house, Wallace said.
While investigating, Wallace said, the officer was told a 2-year-old was possibly inside the home unattended. When the officer opened the door to go inside, the dog bit him.
The officer then fired his weapon and killed the dog, Wallace said. It turned out there was not an unattended child inside the home.
Don't POLICE OFFICERS have to knock and wait for someone to open the door? What right did this Police Officer have to invade someones home and kill their pet????????"
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Are public school teachers stressed?
Sound Off of the Day for March 11
“The stress level among faculty members at school is going through the roof. Elevated blood pressures, migraines, chest pains, hives and exhaustion are taking a serious toll on both administrators and teachers. Educational professionals: Please get your rest and take care of your health.”
Miss. school prom off after lesbian's date request
A northern Mississippi school district decided Wednesday not to host a high school prom after a lesbian student demanded she be able to attend with her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo.Read more @
Miss. school prom off after lesbian's date request - Regional Wire - SunHerald.com
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Lesbian battles to take her girlfriend to high school prom ACLU has threatened litigation if she’s barred from attending - Education - SunHerald.com
Lesbian battles to take her girlfriend to high school prom ACLU has threatened litigation if she’s barred from attending - Education - SunHerald.com
The anti homeschoolers are always talking about how public schools are more like the "real" world. What struck me from reading this article was this
In the "real" world how many of us work at the same place as our date/spouse. I remember awhile back a girl had to fight for the right to take her fiancee who was in the Army to the prom. The public schools are clearly in the wrong and I hope the girl is allowed to wear a tux and take whoever she wishes to the prom. I also hope that students who are involved in relationships with people from other schools are allowed to take their significant others to the prom without jumping through hoops. It is ridiculous you have to "ask" permission to take someone to the prom if they don't go to your school.
The anti homeschoolers are always talking about how public schools are more like the "real" world. What struck me from reading this article was this
Biloxi Superintendent Paul Tisdale and Gulfport Superintendent Glen East said it’s the same in their districts. They added you have to be a student at the high school to go to the prom or get permission if your date attends another school.
In the "real" world how many of us work at the same place as our date/spouse. I remember awhile back a girl had to fight for the right to take her fiancee who was in the Army to the prom. The public schools are clearly in the wrong and I hope the girl is allowed to wear a tux and take whoever she wishes to the prom. I also hope that students who are involved in relationships with people from other schools are allowed to take their significant others to the prom without jumping through hoops. It is ridiculous you have to "ask" permission to take someone to the prom if they don't go to your school.
Not your stereotypical homeschoolers
Musings, Thoughts, and Ponderings: Why I Do and Do Not Homeschool
Pioneer Woman ~ Homeschooling: Why I Homeschool, and What My Approach Is
The Chicago Tribune paints a more accurate picture of homescooling in their article Co-op creates community for home-schooled kids.I too belong to an inclusive homeschool group (PEAK) that embraces all beliefs and life style choices.
Pioneer Woman ~ Homeschooling: Why I Homeschool, and What My Approach Is
The Chicago Tribune paints a more accurate picture of homescooling in their article Co-op creates community for home-schooled kids.I too belong to an inclusive homeschool group (PEAK) that embraces all beliefs and life style choices.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Homeschool Report Finds: 80% were homeschooling for non-religious reasons
A poorly written and researched AP article Top Homeschool Text Dismiss Evolution spread across the Internet like wildfire bringing the anti-homeschoolers out in droves.
The comments at Think Progress were particularly nasty. On the other hand the debate at Pharyngula's was extremely interesting and for the most part civil. I have to say I was surprised by PZ Myers stance on Homeschooling.
For some reason I expected him to be a homeschool supporter, oh well at least he can sing. And who knows maybe after reading the comments from the secular homeschoolers he will change his mind.
The big hang up for a lot of the anti homeshcoolers was the result of this poorly worded survey
Also the study was preformed by the National Home Education Research Institute which is linked to HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association run by the Evangelical Fundies). See Milton Gaither's post Brian D. Ray and NHERI, part 2 for more information on the link between NHERI and HSLDA
Another survey Tapestry of Homeschool Survey Report paints a far different picture of homeschoolers.
The sources the AP article cited are
Apologia Educational Ministries: http://www.apologia.com
Bob Jones University Press: http://www.bjupress.com/page/HS+Home
Jerry Coyne's blog, "Why Evolution is True": http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/
Jerry Coyne is a scientist and his only contribution to the article was to give his opinion on the textbooks. I personally think he was to kind to the publishers as their textbooks are truly awful in my opinion.
Apologia Educational Ministries and Bob Jones University Press are two Christian Publishing Companies that have a vested interest in convincing people that if they homeschool they must buy their products. Did the AP reporter really expect them to say "Oh, some homeschoolers do use textbooks from Secular Publishers"? Why were no Secular Publishers who cater to the homeschooling market interviewed. Saxon a well know Publisher of Math Textbooks has a site just for homeschoolers Saxon Home School.
Now thanks to sloppy reporting by the AP many people have come away with a false sense of what homeschooling looks like. I can just hope the truth about how diverse the homeschooling community truly is will travel across the Internet as quickly.
The comments at Think Progress were particularly nasty. On the other hand the debate at Pharyngula's was extremely interesting and for the most part civil. I have to say I was surprised by PZ Myers stance on Homeschooling.
I'm one of those people who thinks we ought to be consistent and require everyone to attend an accredited school, public or private, and that private schools ought also to be required to meet certain secular standards, such as that their science education ought to address the evidence reasonably.
For some reason I expected him to be a homeschool supporter, oh well at least he can sing. And who knows maybe after reading the comments from the secular homeschoolers he will change his mind.
The big hang up for a lot of the anti homeshcoolers was the result of this poorly worded survey
Federal statistics from 2007 show 83 percent of home-schooling parents want to give their children "religious or moral instruction."As one of the Atheist commentators (LadyShea) pointed out even Atheist may have checked this answer because most parents want to provide their children with some sort of moral instruction. So it didn't necessarily mean that 83% of homeschoolers were religious zealots as most of the anti homeschoolers assumed.
Also the study was preformed by the National Home Education Research Institute which is linked to HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association run by the Evangelical Fundies). See Milton Gaither's post Brian D. Ray and NHERI, part 2 for more information on the link between NHERI and HSLDA
Another survey Tapestry of Homeschool Survey Report paints a far different picture of homeschoolers.
- 90% of the respondents were married, 4% were single, a little over 3% were in domestic partnerships.
- 80% were homeschooling for non-religious reasons.
The sources the AP article cited are
Apologia Educational Ministries: http://www.apologia.com
Bob Jones University Press: http://www.bjupress.com/page/HS+Home
Jerry Coyne's blog, "Why Evolution is True": http://whyevolutionistrue.wordpress.com/
Jerry Coyne is a scientist and his only contribution to the article was to give his opinion on the textbooks. I personally think he was to kind to the publishers as their textbooks are truly awful in my opinion.
Apologia Educational Ministries and Bob Jones University Press are two Christian Publishing Companies that have a vested interest in convincing people that if they homeschool they must buy their products. Did the AP reporter really expect them to say "Oh, some homeschoolers do use textbooks from Secular Publishers"? Why were no Secular Publishers who cater to the homeschooling market interviewed. Saxon a well know Publisher of Math Textbooks has a site just for homeschoolers Saxon Home School.
Now thanks to sloppy reporting by the AP many people have come away with a false sense of what homeschooling looks like. I can just hope the truth about how diverse the homeschooling community truly is will travel across the Internet as quickly.
Another Teacher Sounds Off
Makes sense
I am a local public school teacher. Cutting five days off the school year would work. After we take our state-mandated MCT2 tests in May, we have five to six days left of school. These children’s minds are now closed. We have poked, prodded and done all except take blood from them. After the “tests,” they don’t hear a thing except how many days are left before their summer vacation starts. As long as the “tests” were given the last days of school, removing the five days would work.
Monday, March 08, 2010
A ? Answered
Marlis said...My answer is probably going to surprise Marlis. IF I had young children and they were in PUBLIC SCHOOL I would be in favor of the 4 day school week. Mainly because my husband has a 4 day work week and I just think it is easier for families if everyone has the same schedule. When my husbands company went to the 4 day work week our homeschool went to a 4 day week too. Although if we didn't get the work done Monday through Thursday due to sickness or a field trip we used Friday to catch up.
http://www.principalspartnership.com/fourdayschoolweek.pdf
Alasandra, there is an interesting article about a 4 day school week being considered in some areas to combat dwindling budgets. The above link appears to be over all convinced that it is a positive change which wouldn't affect students at all. Admittedly I skimmed over it since I haven't found enough time to read it yet. I wanted to forward this to you since I found this so entirely appalling. Let us know what you think about this.
That being said I really hate the 4 day work week. By the time Friday rolls around my husband is so exhausted from the 10 hour days and shortage of sleep that Friday is basically spent recuperating. But I do see how a 4 day work/school week would be better for the environment, save a company or school district money and provide workers/students with a day to keep business & doctors appointments. So I think it would be a matter of some families would like it and others wouldn't. There would be some drawbacks but there would be some advantages. Like much of life there would be pros and cons. Unfortunately public schools are not able to do what is best for each individual child and must make their decision on what is best for the community as a whole. Parents who choose to homeschool are free to tailor their child's schedule to suit their families needs.
Teachers Sound Off
According to one retired Coast teacher.
Test scores rule
Another teacher critizes the budget cuts
Cuts will cost
Another retired teacher offers a solution
Cut administration
Test scores rule
As a recently retired Coast teacher, I can tell you that the only motivation for superintendents and their districts is test score results. Teaching children to think and be creative is not an issue. Teaching for the spring test begins the first day of the school year, and that is the yearlong learning theme of all classrooms. The joys of teaching, and the joys of learning, have been taken away.
Another teacher critizes the budget cuts
Cuts will cost
I am a local public school teacher and worry that parents don’t realize the effect the budget cuts will have on our children. Possible cuts could include the loss of lead teachers, assistant principals, resource officers, teaching assistants, special education programs, extracurricular activities, and school days. There are between 27 and 30 children per room in most schools and these numbers are expected to increase. These cuts are coming. I don’t need to have technology, chalk boards, books, paper, pencils or desks, but is that how you want your child to learn? Is your child going to be safe when there are no security personnel on campus? This kind of school was OK when you were a child, but in today’s society I would wonder. What do you want for your child? You no longer have a choice, because this is what your school is being forced to become.
Another retired teacher offers a solution
Cut administration
I was a teacher for 25 years and the “cuts will cost” Sound Off hit home with me. Perhaps for the wrong reasons. When began school there was a teacher in every classroom and each school had a principal and a secretary. That’s all. I don’t remember the number of people in the superintendent’s office but I don’t think it was more than five. There were about 30 children in each classroom and by all indications, our teachers did a fine job of educating students. Now there are lead teachers, assistant principals, resource officers, special education program directors and heaven knows the multitudes in the superintendent’s office! The schools today are over-administered. Perhaps a budget cut will cut some administrative positions.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Secular Homeschool Textbooks Not That Hard to Find
According to Dianna Narciso
Well at least she realizes all homeschoolers aren't Christian Fundamentalist (sigh). But no, we don't have trouble finding secular textbooks just do a Google search for Secular Homeschool Textbooks and voila.
I have to agree that I did generally wind up using the same textbooks public schools used or at least the same publishers. But ..................it really wasn't a problem, and yes the books were pricey. But I am perplexed by the people who seem to think it is nearly impossible to find secular textbooks to use for homeschooling. I do agree that there is a market for secular homeschoolers and it is growing every day, perhaps some bright young homeschool entrepreneur will fill the niche.
Atheist, secular, and religious homeschoolers who have no argument with evolution, struggle to find homeschooling books that accurately present science. Unfortunately, they often have trouble finding textbooks in all subjects that aren't saturated with Christian doctrine.
Well at least she realizes all homeschoolers aren't Christian Fundamentalist (sigh). But no, we don't have trouble finding secular textbooks just do a Google search for Secular Homeschool Textbooks and voila.
I have to agree that I did generally wind up using the same textbooks public schools used or at least the same publishers. But ..................it really wasn't a problem, and yes the books were pricey. But I am perplexed by the people who seem to think it is nearly impossible to find secular textbooks to use for homeschooling. I do agree that there is a market for secular homeschoolers and it is growing every day, perhaps some bright young homeschool entrepreneur will fill the niche.
The Raw Story Gives Homeschoolers A Raw Deal
According to The Raw Story Top US home-school texts dismiss evolution. REALLY!!! What is the top homeschool text? Homeschoolers are a diverse bunch and I assure you we do not all use the same textbooks. Far from it, the beauty of homeschooling is we can search out the best text to fit our children's needs.
Christian based materials do not dominate the growing home-school market contrary to what is stated at The Raw Storey. Many homeschoolers choose to buy textbooks from mainstream publishers. The same publishers that furnish textbooks to public schools. Also while 83% of homeschoolers my want to give their children "religious or moral instruction" the 83% are not necessarily Christians; Muslims, Pagans, Buddhist and those of other religions also homeschool and wish to pass their "beliefs" on to their children. Also MANY Christians Homeschoolers do believe in evolution and teach evolution to their children.
First off I doubt the majority of home-schoolers self identify as evangelical Christians. H$LDA has a vested interest in promoting this fallacy. I also fail to see why any homeschool parent should feel isolated or frustrated while looking for a textbook.
Secular Homeschool Curriculum
Saxon Math
I was very happy with Amsco School Publications, Inc. for Science and EMC Publishing for Literature and Language Arts. For those publishers who do not sell directly to homeschoolers most textbooks can be found at the Homeschool Supercenter or Amazon.com.
What another Homeschooling Mom has to say on the subject Homeschooling and Evolution.
Home-school mom Susan Mule wishes she hadn't taken a friend's advice and tried a textbook from a popular Christian publisher for her 10-year-old's biology lessons.As a Homeschool Mother I reviewed each textbook I choose for my children, I didn't just blindly buy a book because so and so said I should. When I asked for advice concerning textbooks I asked people whose educational philosophy was similar to my own. There is no way I would have used Apologia Educational Ministries for anything. And how could Susan Mule not know what was in the book if she was preparing lesson plans for Elizabeth. You don't blindly stumble into a chapter, when you homeschool you prepare for the chapter in advance.
Mule's precocious daughter Elizabeth excels at science and has been studying tarantulas since she was 5. But she watched Elizabeth's excitement turn to confusion when they reached the evolution section of the book from Apologia Educational Ministries, which disputed Charles Darwin's theory.
Christian-based materials dominate a growing home-school education market that encompasses more than 1.5 million students in the U.S. And for most home-school parents, a Bible-based version of the Earth's creation is exactly what they want. Federal statistics from 2007 show 83 percent of home-schooling parents want to give their children "religious or moral instruction."
Christian based materials do not dominate the growing home-school market contrary to what is stated at The Raw Storey. Many homeschoolers choose to buy textbooks from mainstream publishers. The same publishers that furnish textbooks to public schools. Also while 83% of homeschoolers my want to give their children "religious or moral instruction" the 83% are not necessarily Christians; Muslims, Pagans, Buddhist and those of other religions also homeschool and wish to pass their "beliefs" on to their children. Also MANY Christians Homeschoolers do believe in evolution and teach evolution to their children.
"The majority of home-schoolers self-identify as evangelical Christians," said Ian Slatter, a spokesman for the Home School Legal Defense Association. "Most home-schoolers will definitely have a sort of creationist component to their home-school program."
Those who don't, however, often feel isolated and frustrated from trying to find a textbook that fits their beliefs.
First off I doubt the majority of home-schoolers self identify as evangelical Christians. H$LDA has a vested interest in promoting this fallacy. I also fail to see why any homeschool parent should feel isolated or frustrated while looking for a textbook.
Secular Homeschool Curriculum
Saxon Math
I was very happy with Amsco School Publications, Inc. for Science and EMC Publishing for Literature and Language Arts. For those publishers who do not sell directly to homeschoolers most textbooks can be found at the Homeschool Supercenter or Amazon.com.
What another Homeschooling Mom has to say on the subject Homeschooling and Evolution.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Friday, March 05, 2010
Book Review: the Raindrop by Brian D. McClure
the Raindrop by Brian D. McClure Illustrated by Buddy Plumlee
The Illustrations by Buddy Plumlee are great. I loved just looking at the pictures. It is really nice when children's books have lovely illustrations so the children can enjoy looking at the book when the adults don't have time to read to them.
I loved the way Brain D. McClure explained the water system in a way a small child could understand. I also appreciated the underlying message that no matter how small we are, we are part of a greater whole and can accomplish great things together.
Lovely Book, I highly recommend it if you have small children.
A list of books by Brian D. McClure can be found here. To learn more about Brain and the Universal Flag click here.
The Illustrations by Buddy Plumlee are great. I loved just looking at the pictures. It is really nice when children's books have lovely illustrations so the children can enjoy looking at the book when the adults don't have time to read to them.
I loved the way Brain D. McClure explained the water system in a way a small child could understand. I also appreciated the underlying message that no matter how small we are, we are part of a greater whole and can accomplish great things together.
Lovely Book, I highly recommend it if you have small children.
A list of books by Brian D. McClure can be found here. To learn more about Brain and the Universal Flag click here.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Political Asylum for Homeschooling?
Ronda Kaysen @ Momlogic doesn't think being forced to send your child to a government school amounts to persecution Political Asylum for Homeschooling?
Her post of course brought out the anti-homeschool BIGOTS in full force one commenter had this to say.
What an ignorant and offensive statement. Homeschooling doesn't confine a child's knowledge, in fact homeschooling opens more doors then most public schools do as homeschooled children are treated like individuals instead of clones. Also homeschooled children have more opportunities to engage in their communities then most public school students who are stuck inside a classroom are offered.
Her post of course brought out the anti-homeschool BIGOTS in full force one commenter had this to say.
Why would any parent confine their children’s knowledge only to that which the parent knows, robbing those children of the diverse and expansive knowledge of professional educators? Furthermore, why should any society be forced to harbor such? Homeschooled children are denied the opportunity to learn incredibly valuable lessons about navigating social groups, working alongside those different from themselves, and being both a contributor to and participant in a larger community. To those who would argue that it’s a parent’s right to confine their children’s experience to that which the parents deign appropriate, I say that is neglect, abuse, and excessive control of precisely the wrong things. All the world needs is more religious wingnuts with zero knowledge of history, psychology, sociology, science. (eyeroll)
- Libby
What an ignorant and offensive statement. Homeschooling doesn't confine a child's knowledge, in fact homeschooling opens more doors then most public schools do as homeschooled children are treated like individuals instead of clones. Also homeschooled children have more opportunities to engage in their communities then most public school students who are stuck inside a classroom are offered.
Most homeschool parents seek out resources; including the Internet that allow themselves and their children to explore the world. They are actively involved in their communities and interact with a far wider range of people then public school students will ever encounter in their classrooms.
I am really tired of bigots like Libby who know nothing about homeschooling harassing, bashing and insulting homeschoolers.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Teaching the Bible for Cultural Literacy
Deborah Markus weighs in on Teaching the Bible for Cultural Literacy. I have got to go check out the LOL CAT Bible.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Certified teacher joins home-school world
Amy Travis explains why homeschoolers don't need government regulations in Certified teacher joins home-school world.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Much Ado ............. in the Public Schools
No public school coach or teacher should be promoting his/her religion to their students. If it was reversed and a Muslim coach was trying to convert the students, you can bet the Christian parents would be up in arms. But the question here seems to be was it a coach or one of the team members parents.
Now if ALL parents could attend meets and practices, I don't see how the coach was suppose to keep one parent from attending.
OH Please!!!!!! Freedom of speech and Freedom of expression doesn't just mean speech and expressions Christians don't find offensive. Did the teens exercise poor judgment and bad taste. CERTAINLY but it should have ended at the school doors.
But now the Conservative Media have decided to use it as an example of poor persecuted Christians can't express themselves but Muslims can.
Spunky ask
Well yes, I do. This is what happens when you have Zero Tolerance policies in place. I also remember other children who were victims of Zero Tolerance Policies but didn't seem to garner the same amount of sympathy from Christian Bloggers.
Trey's son, Paul Hancock, is a member of the Fordson wrestling team and so Trey Hancock would often attends meets and practices.
Now if ALL parents could attend meets and practices, I don't see how the coach was suppose to keep one parent from attending.
OH Please!!!!!! Freedom of speech and Freedom of expression doesn't just mean speech and expressions Christians don't find offensive. Did the teens exercise poor judgment and bad taste. CERTAINLY but it should have ended at the school doors.
At least nine Arab-American students on Monday sparked controversy at Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn by wearing sweatshirts with a design evoking the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
Administrators lectured the students and their parents, and one of the teens offered a public apology Tuesday night at a public meeting.
But now the Conservative Media have decided to use it as an example of poor persecuted Christians can't express themselves but Muslims can.
Spunky ask
Do you remember the second-grader in another state who was sent for a psychiatric evaluation for daring to draw a "violent" picture of Jesus on the cross at Christmas?
Well yes, I do. This is what happens when you have Zero Tolerance policies in place. I also remember other children who were victims of Zero Tolerance Policies but didn't seem to garner the same amount of sympathy from Christian Bloggers.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
N.M. Public School Parents Upset Over Porn in Classroom
Cliff High School students studying World War I history saw a few seconds of pornography during viewing of a video about the 1919 Treaty of Versailles. A History Channel program apparently had been recorded over a porn tape.
N.M. Public School parents upset over porn mix-up in classroom - Weird News - SunHerald.com
Carnival of Homeschooling
Super Angel over at The Daily Planet is hosting this weeks Carnival of Homeschooling.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Zero Tolerance = Zero Intelligence
"There is zero intelligence when you start applying zero tolerance across the board," he said. "Stupid and ridiculous things start happening."I couldn't agree more
Read all about Alexa Gonzalez, the 12 year old arrested for doodling here.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
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