Awhile back Ann-Marie asked me why we homeschool. I gave her a vey short version, but promised a fuller explanation later. Well, Ann-Marie, here is your longer answer. This is Why We Homeschool-- 100 Reasons.
Maybe only other homeschoolers or people with no kids should read it. :-) It's like explaining why you're a vegetarian, except that when it comes to kids and schools, people get very very defensive...
I read some of it. The fact is that those reasons are true for you...but there are many homes where that would not be the case. So, it's personal. Everything about public/private schooling is not bad...even Ann-Marie's experience is not universal. Life teaches lessons no matter who the catalyst.
ReplyDeleteBut, well thought out!
Yes exactly my point. These reasons are true for us. They are my personal observations, perceptions, opinions. They don't necessarily apply to all kids, schools, families, teachers.
ReplyDeleteAnd some of my reasons are very general, while others are specific to our family. The statistics are fact, but the rest of the reasons aren't universal truths by any means.
And, yes, life teaches lessons... but which lessons do you want the kids to learn?
Hey, I didn't read the whole list but if thise isn't on it then I think you should add it: Homeschooling parents do not have to request records for students or experience the "joy" of recopying the vital information, home address phone numbers etc of each child two dozen times at the beginning of each year... and, while I'm at it, homeschooling parents do not have to trust the school to put their preschooler on the right bus... and the bus driver to get the child off at the right stop! If I wasn't a teacher I honestly think I'd homeschool. Really! I know it would be good for me. =)
ReplyDelete....don't have to take in the shot record....
ReplyDeleteThanks. Another three good reasons that I hadn't thought to include! I should have thought of the preschooler on the bus one, after reading your blog!!
ReplyDeleteOh, and how about the fact that I actually check my kids' school work. I know that many teachers just put a checkmark if the work is done, regardless of what the answers are. So those kids could be doing incorrect work for weeks and not even know it!
ReplyDeleteThe ever famous "completion grade". I don't care for that...and here's another one: you don't have to take in a check stub or inform anyone of your earnings for free and reduced lunch...even though they know you work at the school and have never been eligible! (on my task list for tomorrow; prove to the school how much I earn-- ugh!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading this Wendy. It's nice to see stuff in black and white. I'm a "book" learner, so I really appreciate this!
ReplyDeleteAnd no school dances to worry about!! Ha! :-)
ReplyDeleteWe also do not have to buy backpacks or spend hundreds of dollars on back-to-school outfits and shoes. (Although the curriculums can get pretty pricey!)
ReplyDeleteWhat you really need is a tax deduction for taking care of what the government can't seem to handle! That would cover your expenses...though it would be a pay cut for me =)
ReplyDelete