Is that a compound word? Help! Here you go ladies. A forum to share everything you know home, or unschooling.

Thanks for being so accommodating, Dotsie.

Whether the word is home schooling or homeschooling depends on which end of the political spectrum you reside in. Strange, isn't it?

There is a certain legal organization that is invested in maintaining legal definitions that require a "school" be created as an entity in the home. They want to have all the perks of claiming their home is a "school", without all that silly separation of church and state stuff. So they culivate that delta between home and school as if it were holy ground.

Folks at the other end...not so much.

It's irrelevant in the natural world how the term is spelled. That group could have a point in the legal world, but I don't live there. I do see the "homeschool" more and more in the media, where in years past it was home school.

There are plenty of places to talk about unschooling and homeschooling, so I won't belabor anything here. For those who would like to know what unschooling is, here's a link to a page with all kinds of definitions.

http://www.unschooling.info/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7

It's one of those things that is kind of hard to pin down, exactly, and is more easily defined by what it isn't. I'm happy to answer questions, as long as I'm not attacked.

So, thanks again for starting the topic.

NMY

I would never attack a home schooler. I admire you for your courage and patience to educate your children. There are a fair amount of people who home school in this area. Soem home school because their children have learning disabilities, other because they don't want their kids mainstreamed with children who don't share their religious beliefs. Are thes the typical reasons?

I didn't think you'd attack a homeschooler. But one never knows who's lurking!

Those are typical for some people. How's that for a vague answer?

There is no one overarching reason, in my opinion. Lots of people start homeschooling for common reasons, but that is rarely the reason they continue.

For instance, I began homeschooling because my son was suspended from school for something I thought was unfair (he wasn't a problem child at all in school, never got in trouble--but this was an injustice). That's not the reason my youngest never went to school, though. We unschool because it's an lifestyle that flows naturally out of our relationship as a family. It's a more autonomous type of life for my sons, which allows them use their innate personal power to determine the course of their lives from an early age (birth, pretty much).

Some hs for religious reasons, some for philosophical, some academic, some political. We do it for entirely selfish reasons. We like our kids. We like being with them and enjoy their company. I only have one at home now, and as many of us know, time is short when raising kids. We blink and they're grown. So yeah, I'm selfish. Being selfish requires very little patience, because I'm doing exactly what I love to do! Be with my kid!

NMY

We liked being with our kids too. Our son was in junior high and our daughter in 4th grade when the unschooling started. Our son had one too many times of getting in trouble for reading ahead (really!) of the assigned number of pages. The last straw was getting his grade lowered for reading more than one chapter at a time of "To Kill a Mockingbird" when he'd already read it twice before anyway. One of the many reasons we unschooled was so they could go at whatever pace they felt like. They were also free to travel anytime, both with us and on their own and learned a lot from that. And the socialization bit--NMY, do you get a lot of flack for that? We always laughed when we got hassled for it. Our kids had plenty of friends, of all ages and different backgrounds. That was one of the most amazing things about gatherings of unschoolers that we observed: they treated each other equally no matter what ages they were. We hosted groups ranging from 13 to 21. And, we watched groups with vastly different backgrounds, religions and political ideas talk, debate and question each other with a great deal of curiosity and respect. I'm not saying they were perfect, but I've done a lot of programs and playing for musicals in the local high schools and I've never seen anything like that there.
Washington state law allows parents to issue a homeschool diploma so that's what our kids have. Our son's is a plain piece of paper with the pertinent information on it so his college could have a copy. Our daughter wasn't satisfied with that--her's is on gold paper and bordered by mythologica dragons. That's what her college got a copy of.

Dream of the Circle of Women
by Dahti Blanchard
published May 2004 by Spilled Candy Books
visit: www.dahtiblanchard.com

Yes, we used to get the socialization bit. It hasn't come up in a long time, though.

Did you see Dr. Phil yesterday? Some guy was against homeschooling his kid and he said "sure they do fine in academics but the don't do well in groups!" Idiot.

Dr. Phil was an idiot, too...he said studies have shown that there is no difference in socialization skills up to the "8th grade". Huh? He implied that kids should go to high school because they need that stuff. I don't know what his sources were, but what a blanket statement! Crazy.

I really love our unschooling lifestyle!

NMY

I only wish this had been an option for me when I was raising my boys. I think you are terrific for homeschooling your children. If I had it to do over, you can bet I would.

JJ

I admire those who home school. I believe there is a misconception by many that home schooling is done solely by the parents without any reaching out to others. I know this isn't the fact becuase I have a cousin and some friends who home school. They are involved in a home school association and their kids go to the Y, 4- H and other local groups to take part in learning.

My sister home schooled both her two children. She lives in Loveland Colorado where home schooling is taken seriously, she had to have special books and curiculum and she even received compensation from the state.... Her daughter is doing very well in college and her son is a father with his own cnstruction company. They are well rounded and wonderful adults.

I am so glad to know there are women here who have and are home schooling their children.

I home schooled my daughter from 6th grade through 12th. It was the best time of our lives. We started home schooling because the schools were causing problems telling me, because my daughter didn't like the rhetoric of the system, that I was a neglectful mother and could possibly turn me into the Department of Families and Children.

I had already heard about home schooling and was so mad at them for suggesting such a thing that I withdrew her then and there and put her on home school. She was never happier!

At the beginning of 7th grade I attached her to a Christian Academy that only housed her grades and told us what classes she needed to take to be in line with the state system. The school follows the state guidelines for classes so closely that they are listed as a private school. So she was able to get a diploma without any of the red flags popping up that some places do with home schooled kids.

She ended her high school years with a 3.98GPA. She received a state scholarship for her high grades and was able to attend univeristy with no problems.

I still get tired of hearing people put down home schooling and then to try the 'socialization' thing drives me over the edge. I saw Dr. Phil and was so irritated with it I went on his site and left my two-cents worth. My daughter had plenty of friends and socialization.

Glad you all are here. Love home schooling.
Sandpiper

Traditional learning isn't for everyone. Just think of the success some of the troubled kids might have if they were home schooled.

School systems want children to sit still, listen and learn thorugh their ears. This might work for some, but not the majority.

Home schooling tends to focus on all levels of learning, especially those who learn by doing.

I truly wish I had the ability to stay home and home school my son.

My friend, who has 7 kids home schools and they are the best kids I have ever met. They participate in group PE, nursing home visits etc.

My son goes to a parochial school which is the next step from home schooling. At least it is small and everybody knows everybody else. In our area the elementary school has 6 first grade classes and second and so on. The enormity of the school is incredible and as a child I would feel very lost in that large crowd.

My son asks to be home schooled all the time, just wish we could do it.

Lynn

Why can't you?

Usually it's economic reasons. If you have a partner who works, it is usually doable. But it would require lifestyle changes.

If you're the sole source of income, it can still be done. I know lots of women who do it on their own. That lifestyle is not for me, and not for everyone, but it's still possible to homeschool and stay home with your kids and make an income.

NMY

Oh, I just realized you're in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has the strictest homeschool laws in the country. They are unfair and they SUCK. I'd move before I tried to homeschool in PA.

NMY

NMY,

I don't know of any in home businesses that provide health insurance for the entire fmily. Hence, I work outside the home.

Lynn

There are private medical insurances that you can buy for your family if you own your own small business. My family did this for many years. If you make the deductible high it's more affordable--up through last December we paid about $300 per month to cover me, husband and son at 100% once our medical costs in a year were over $4500.

Lynn,
Both my husband and I worked outside the home while our kids were growing up and unschooling. It's not easy and not for everyone but we were really fortunate. We also didn't have much money, but it didn't take much money to homeschool. We really didn't ever do a home class where we sat down and taught them. We did take interest in whatever they were interested in and helped find books at the library, programs, tutors (the majority of whom taught for free), outside classes and field trips whenever possible. I worked in a library that allowed my kids to be there when they were young while I worked--I know I was way more fortunate than most people in that situation.
Are you working full time?
Also, remember that even if your child is in public or private school you are also "homeschooling" every day by your input and your interest in the things they're interested in. I am so happy we unschooled, but I've seen kids flourish in all kinds of educational settings particularly when they've gotten encouragement and love from their home life.

Dream of the Circle of Women
by Dahti Blanchard
published May 2004 by Spilled Candy Books
visit: www.dahtiblanchard.com

NMY,

In response to Lynn's post about health insurance. I just purchased a plan that gives deep discounts for health insurance. Don't know if you'd be interested in it.

The company where my hubby works offers health insurance but at a price tag of $600 a month per premiums. The the deductable is $1000.00 a year per person. So, needless to say, we cann't touch such a plan. That is why we found this new plan.

I just signed up for it. It covers all pre existings, dental, vision, hearing, mental health.

If you're interested, I'll send you information on it.

Sandpiper

I just read an article in the Sudnay paper about home schooling and sports. Seems as though home schoolers are beginning a fotball league of their own. Until they get enough teams they are playing any high school teams that will play them on the opponents turf because they don't have home fields. Apparently not many states allow home schooled children to play for the local public schools. Anyone know more about this?

Thanks for the insurance info. but unfortunatley, our families health situation warrants a bit more aggressive of a plan that is usaully offered without a group.

Dahti, you are right, schooling is 24 hours a day. (My son sleep walks ha ha!) We spend every afternoon on his homework for about 20 minutes and then telling about his lessons that day. He is also a cub scout and if you ahve had any inolvement with an active pack, you know that it is constant. Every week-end we are off hiking someplace and learning something. Collecting leaves for rubbings etc. Of course, the lesson is in the parental itervention and my son's pack is really phenomenal in their activites and involvement. My husban is an eagle scout and it fits very well with our lifestyle and beliefs I guess.

Yes, I will be working full time starting tomorrow. But off at 3:00 pm and only 10 minutes from home.

Dotsie, my last place of unemplyment played a football league that was home schoolers. They were pretty good and a lot of fun.

Lynn

Ten minutes from home will make all the difference in the world. There's much to be said for convenience...and work hours! Three sounds perfect since you have your little guy. Hope you have a great first day! I just said a little prayer for you on your first day.

I am not a homeschool mom (yet - anticipate my "free spirit" son will like something more conducive to his normal pace) and I definitely support homeschools, and even have a section on InspiredMoms.com dedicated to homeschool moms and their stories, tips and needs.

What I have found helps homeschool moms/dads is being part of a co-op with other homeschoolers. Most of the time it is referred to as a "Home School Education Association". I know here in Dallas/Ft. Worth we have several of these.

In fact, while my daughter, who attends a private school was on a field trip the HSEA was also on a field trip with their children.

The most successful HomeSchool grads I have seen were ones who got the exposure of many aspects of volunteer work, the arts (theater/music/ballet, etc.) and also participated in sport clubs/groups. In most of the areas in major cities like Dallas/Ft. Worth we have leagues for every sport known. In smaller more rural areas this is not the case and there may need to be some more options given to a HS child.

Whether a parent chooses to homeschool or use a traditional school setting, one thing is common - parents need to be more active and involved in the lives and education of their children.

Personally, I love being a room mom, and volunteering every chance I get at my daughter's school. I know all the staff on a first name basis and know exactly what kind of education my child is getting and what areas of "homework" I need to work on with my child.

It is not the schools job to raise my kids to be great kids - ultimately it is mine as a parent.

Dallas you speak the truth.

Ladies, please check out her site. She visits us often, but never promotes herself. And she should! The teens site is new this summer.

Dallas, I enjoyed being a room mom too. Seems like I did it forever, but I'm glad I did. It allowed me the opportunity to see what was going on at school, and to get to know my kid's frineds better. My youngest two are now high school seniors so there's no longer a need to be a room mom.