Comments on: Seeking an Education

By: Brandygirl

Brandygirl — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:48:28 +0000

Hmmm...what an interesting post!! Well, back home, we don't have homeschooling. It's either public or private. And yes, it seems like it's the same in the States. The only thing lacking is the general way education is structured back home. It's really unfair and sad cuz it left a lot of other races, like us Eurasians, out of the whole education system and most of us have had to further our education in another country. Hmmm.. I'm digressing here. Ok, I have no assvice and no thoughts cuz I'm not there yet. But I do know when I do get there, I'll know who to call - YOU.!:) Brandygirls last blog post..Boobie Jokes Gone Wrong!

By: Margaret (Nanny Goats)

Margaret (Nanny Goats) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 05:33:25 +0000

I am completely useless here for you, so instead I will tell a nonsequitor joke. Two guys walk into a bar. Which is really stupid cuz you figure if the first guy smacked into it, the second guy would have seen him. Thanks, you've been a great audience. I'll be here all week and don't forget to tip your waitresses. Margaret (Nanny Goats)s last blog post..How to Attain the Elusive: Blog About It

By: HeatherPride

HeatherPride — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 23:41:29 +0000

We're lucky to live in an area that has really great public schools. I grew up in a tiny, one-school town and I discovered when I went to college that my education was lacking in many ways. I was so bored in school, that just killed me. Our school system here has gifted programs, which I love. I am not sure if either of my children are going to qualify as "gifted" - at this point I'm just trying to keep Logan's pants on when he's playing in the back yard! But I would have loved a bigger challenge than what was brought to me by my teachers, so I love that we have that in our school system. So we are going public here and I'm excited about it! HeatherPrides last blog post..Footsteps

By: stepping over the junk

stepping over the junk — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 23:43:18 +0000

I would go insane trying to homeschool. Maybe I'm too selfish. Our public school system sucks except that the elementary school where my girls are going is rockin'. So come 6th grade, may need to look in to school choice elsewhere or private. Araugh. I hate that I have to worry about it. stepping over the junks last blog post..Wonderbra…oh not so wonderful

By: thatcoolbroad

thatcoolbroad — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:38:53 +0000

We purchased our current home primarily based on what school district its in, because if we can avoid paying for private, we'd definitely prefer that. If we didn't have kids, however, we'd probably live in a more in-town neighborhood where the schools aren't great. So, unless there are future issues (i.e. one of our kids isn't performing well or the fit isn't working) we'll be doing public. I attended both good and bad public and private schools growing up so I don't have too many issues with public if they're good, but wouldn't hesitate to pay for private if the situation called for it. thatcoolbroads last blog post..Saving Seats: So Uncool

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:49:43 +0000

This little video was posted on a homeschool group today so I thought I would share it … I found it interesting!

Do schools today kill creativity? (Ken Robinson, TEDTalks)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY

And let me say that my children also will believe what other adults say over me most of the time and this is a HUGE reason that I continue to homeschool. They need to learn to find answers, so I make them prove it to me or prove me wrong. Once they start looking up answers themselves they realize that there is so much more to learn and start to listen more, even to parents. Honestly, I do not want them to blindly believe what every other adult tells them … this is what causes so many problems in education and society!

Again, just some of my thoughts! I have really enjoyed reading all the comments here!

Oh and one more thing … I think making the decision to homeschool is hard because we think we need to know it all or need to follow the models that we were taught by … and we frequently have to defend ourselves to the general public BUT I believe that I can provide the resources my children need to learn, maybe not all from me and maybe I am learning with them BUT I can at least find the resources (I know I can do that and I am willing, probably more willing than most public school teachers have time for).

Amys last blog post..IT ITCHES – A Poison Ivy Story!!!

By: gary

gary — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:37:17 +0000

OK. I have visited one or two of the best public schools on earth, and every kid should go to a school like that: clean, safe, small classes, intelligent teachers who love the kids. (Have I ever mentioned I worked as a graduate education researcher and also as a special ed and reading teacher for ten years?). BUT, I have visited many more schools where the lunatics run the asylum and the teachers are truly struggling. The smartest move on to other careers. The schools are dirty, the student body is unsafe, does anybody have a chance to learn? SO, if you live in a very good school district, you're all set. Otherwise, a private school should have small classes, well cared for students AND teachers and facilities, and kids who are dangerous or troublesome are kicked out! Yes, you are listening to a former teacher: if a kid's behavior is disruptive or dangerous or disrespectful, as a teacher, I want them kicked out so the rest can learn. I retired at the top of my game when I was 31--I wanted to have done a good job and left before I burned out. garys last blog post..Me and MY LADYFRIENDS Emily and Ellie, ooo lala!

By: Tricia

Tricia — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:30:20 +0000

Gary: come baaaaccckkkk. You forgot the most important part…the WHY

Marie: You’re right. We are lucky to live in a time with so many choices. Your suggestion of a hybrid has my attention and sounds really compelling. I have a friend who’s mentioned homeschooling coops several times. I’m definitely going to look into the hybrid model and see what I can learn. Great suggestions.

Lisa: Thank you so much for sharing some of your experience. I’m starting to see with my son some of what you experienced with your daughter…the whole idea that mom and dad are idiots but every other adult is apparently a genius. I’ve also heard great things about Waldorf. We’re currently in a Montessori preschool part time, and we love it. I also have an issue with standardized testing (my husband strongly agrees with testing), but we really need to learn more. I wish you all the best as you work through a move and the new educational choices. I hope you’ll share your insights along the way.

By: Lisa Milton

Lisa Milton — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:08:34 +0000

I’m sure I’m just here to confuse the subject further, but I feel your angst and many of us have been there.

I doubt there is one perfect solution for everyone and there are certainly pros and cons to each.

From the moment I knew I was pregnant, oh, some 11 years ago, I thought I would homeschool. I dreamed about learning together and stretching my kids further than where my public school took me, academically.

But my daughter really didn’t seem to take to my direction. Better put: I can say something 10x but another trusted adult’s word is believed instantly. I think it has to do with the mother/daughter thing and I worried that our relationship would deteriorate with friction, day in and out.

Now my son would readily take to homeschooling with me, but he is Mr. Social I LOVE SCHOOL boy, counting the days until he goes again. He loves the structure.

If we could find a school that was less dogmatic in their religious leanings or could afford Waldorf, I would have probably chosen that route.

Which leads me to where we are today. My kids attend public school (2nd, 5th grade) and overall, the experience has been good. I don’t agree with the testing system here in WA state, and they get virtually no time to eat, but they have had amazing teachers.

We are trying to move and with that comes stress over a new school and making the right choice again. I try to remember I can – though it would not be ideal – choose again if I need too. What works now, may not someday.

(Whew. Chatty much?)

You’ll find your way.

Lisa Miltons last blog post..hark! it’s the Great Pumpkin Patch

By: memarie lane

memarie lane — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:07:28 +0000

we're lucky to live in a time that we have so very many options. even among homeschoolers there are HUGE differences in the way things are done. one option you might look into is hybrid schooling, where you school under the umbrella of a public or private school that he would attend a couple days a week and homeschool the other days. this would give you an idea of what will work best for you. if you look into homeschool co-ops in your area you may be surprised at the huge array of activities and classes available. heck, my kids are learning bagpipes, and are planning to take a class in architectural modeling! we even have a full-time band director just for homeschoolers in our area. memarie lanes last blog post..Dear People in Charge of Distributing our 700Bil…