Just say the word ’’homeschooling’’ and watch everyone squirm. In participating in a couple of writing sites over the past year or so (as well as in day to day conversations), it has been interesting to see the variety of opinions and the animosity between groups. This issue often seems to bring out the ’’my way is right, yours is trash’’ viewpoint. (I would note, though that the opinions I’ve read here at MS seem to be balanced.)
So here’s one more opinion-more about the opinions than the issue.
First-we need to acknowledge from the first that there are good public schools, private schools and homeschools. No one group can claim 100% success. And no group can look at the others and claim they have 100% failure.
Next-no two children are alike. The parents I respect the most are those who use all the possible sources of ’’education’’ for their children homeschooling some and sending some outside. Some children who have special needs may need the assistance of specialists to be successful. Some children may do better taught by the parents others need a break from parents.
Third-It’s all about the parent participation. It doesn’t matter whether home, public or private schooling. Parent involvement is the key. You want to homeschool-you need to do the research. You also need to look carefully at your own abilities. Where do you need help? You’re sending your child off to public or private school? Your job doesn’t end with packing the lunch and waving at the bus. You need to be actively involved with the school. Volunteer if you can, read every word they send home. Sit with your child and review their homework. Monitor the curriculum. Provide learning experiences for your child at home. You’re actually probably doing this-you just don’t define it that way. Trips to the store, measuring ingredients for cookies, looking up information about a bird you see in your yard etc. These are all learning.
Fourth-Don’t demonize the ’’other side’’ Some homeschooling articles suggest that every objection that a public school teacher makes about homeschooling is out of fear of loss of jobs and that public schools are wastelands. Some educators write articles of gloom and doom about homeschooled children. Look around your community-there are fine examples of individuals who have come from every kind of educational system. Recognize the value in each possibility.