Home vs. Public?

Question

School

Is it ultimately about choice, and having the freedom to decide

Answer 1

Home school all the way! What's the question?

Answer 2

Im homeschooled and i really enjoy it, sometimes it is kinda dificult and people constantly say i should go back to public but im not. Some people really dont like it, but it should be your choice!

Answer 3

I am a homeschool mom who majored in Secondary Education, but instead of teaching in a public institution, I chose to homeschool. I think that the general public is very uninformed about homeschooling today, and still relies on the old stereotype of the "shy unsocialized hermetic homeschooler" who never leaves their home and has no friends. It is so inaccurate. My kids are very social and anything but shy! We live in a suburb of Kansas City, and there are hundreds, maybe thousands of other Hschoolers in our small area. Nationwide, there are millions of us. We are active members of several local groups for homeschool famlies, and we take part in at least one social activity every day, outside of our home. Activities are set up and organized by moms through yahoo email loops. Our local homeschool groups offers the following activities to name a small few; Girl and Boy Scout troops, 4H, campfire, bowling, gymnastics, swimming, horseback riding, art, choir, and gym classes, holiday parties, book clubs, a 2 hour long recess time every week, plus park days, field trips, picnics and academic fairs. These are just a few of the many things we do while everyone else is in school). When we are not doing our lessons, we are always on the go, and it is ironic that we call ourselves homeschoolers since we spend so much time away from home! Homeschoolers have the advantage of one on one personalized attention educationally, and we also dont have to waste a lot of time on discipline, paperwork, and busywork. We can get our lessons done in a couple hours each morning, and then get on with enjoying our hobbies and friends. We also have the advantage of making closer more meaningful friendships because our kids have the time for more playdates and outings, instead of sitting, bored and institutionalized behind a desk all day. I find it ridiculous that public schools are thought of as a great place to socialize! How can kids socialize when they have to sit silently and listen for 8 hours a day?? Homeschoolers have the time to learn at their own pace, to spend time with friends, and just be kids, without the pressures and negative influences of public school. Homeschool kids are not hermits and they are not freaky nerds. They are just really lucky kids who get to enjoy life and learning every day. No child is left behind in a homeschool, and socialization is the best reason to homeschool. Public school creates a harsh artificial society where children are raised by their peers. Homeschoolers live and learn in the real world. For more info, read the book; "The Well adjusted Child; The Social Benefits of Homeschooling", by Rachel Gathercole,

or Dumbing Us Down; The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling, by John Taylor Gatto

Answer 4

My youngest son was home schooled for kindergarten and then we sent him to public school for first grade and found out that he was way beyond first grade academics.He was doing multiplication  while the other kids were learning how to add and  reading on a 4th grade reading level,the educational system could not offer him anything to advance his learning and so he was removed from public school.He was tested a couple of months ago and is on a 5th grade math level and a 7th grade reading level.I think we made the best choice for our son.

Answer 5

skl is for sociallising to make friends.

Answer 6

Is what ultimately about choice and having the freedom to decide? The argument for homeschooling? There are many reasons to be for homeschooling. Choice and freedom is just one of the reasons.

**Added**: Is the debate ultimately about having the freedom to decide? Maybe at its fundamental roots, now that I've thought about it more. Those who are most vehemently against homeschooling seem to be absolutely convinced that a parent can't properly raise a child--they won't be provided proper socialization, they won't be given a proper education, etc. They believe that this aspect of life needs to be controlled by the government or parents aren't going to do what's in their children's best interest. That parents *can't*, by and large, do what's right.

So, in that way, it is an argument about choice and freedom, but it goes beyond that to a deep-seated mistrust of parents, at least from the side of anti-homeschoolers. On the side of homeschoolers, yes, I'd say it really is about having the freedom to raise your children as you see fit.