Post by Libyan Sibyl on Dec 19, 2006 10:39:48 GMT -5
I found it ironic in another thread that homeschoolers were being bashed for taking on the responsibility of educating their children. This was in the same thread that people were complaining about the Borough's low test scores and overcrowded classrooms.
No doubt that teachers have a difficult job, especially in areas where schools are overcrowded and there are major budget concerns. Parents that take on the job understand the obstacles and rewards of teaching children. Before going further, there are many different methods of homeschooling, and so the following is a generalization, but I think it applies to most homeschooled children. Content and method of educational instruction is what differs.
Now, as to the arguments about socializing of homeschooled children, homeschoolers generally argue these points (I probably left something out).
1. the most important social interaction for children is within the family. Public education is a fairly recent societal phenomenum. Family interaction is natural, while sending your children to be educated by strangers is not. Many homeschoolers are religious and there is enough biblical support that it is the responsibility of parents to educate children.
2. Homeschoolers have networks, and therefore socialize with each other on a regular basis.
3. Homeschoolers are not chained inside, or only allowed to see other homechoolers, but will engage in "afterschool" acticities, such as sports, dance, music lessons, etc.
4. Homeschooling very often takes place outside of the home - more hands on learning, whether nature walks, museums, etc. (many homeschoolers are also charitable, as in visiting the sick or aged.) Homeschoooled children are exposed to a variety of people, and of all age groups (not just children). Therefore, homeschooled children not only learn how to socialize, but learn to socialize and interact with all sorts of people.
5. To the contrary, public school children learn to socialize only with their own age group. They are unfamiliar with socializing with any kids outside of the home that are older or younger than themselves. P.S. kids are more clique-ish. The school environment fosters a hierarchy of children - cool kids, not cool kids, unathletic kids, etc. Public schools foster unnatural socialization - in between classroom socialization - 5 minute interval socialization.
Lastly, I think that there is a misconception that homeschooling is all work and no play. There is a lot of down time simply because of the one-on-one instruction. Kids are free to play and be kids. Yes, if a family is being homsechooled, a children may have to play with his siblings while another is being taught. Such playing (for many homeschoolers) tries to stay away from television and internet, but focus on imagination or crafts.
No doubt that teachers have a difficult job, especially in areas where schools are overcrowded and there are major budget concerns. Parents that take on the job understand the obstacles and rewards of teaching children. Before going further, there are many different methods of homeschooling, and so the following is a generalization, but I think it applies to most homeschooled children. Content and method of educational instruction is what differs.
Now, as to the arguments about socializing of homeschooled children, homeschoolers generally argue these points (I probably left something out).
1. the most important social interaction for children is within the family. Public education is a fairly recent societal phenomenum. Family interaction is natural, while sending your children to be educated by strangers is not. Many homeschoolers are religious and there is enough biblical support that it is the responsibility of parents to educate children.
2. Homeschoolers have networks, and therefore socialize with each other on a regular basis.
3. Homeschoolers are not chained inside, or only allowed to see other homechoolers, but will engage in "afterschool" acticities, such as sports, dance, music lessons, etc.
4. Homeschooling very often takes place outside of the home - more hands on learning, whether nature walks, museums, etc. (many homeschoolers are also charitable, as in visiting the sick or aged.) Homeschoooled children are exposed to a variety of people, and of all age groups (not just children). Therefore, homeschooled children not only learn how to socialize, but learn to socialize and interact with all sorts of people.
5. To the contrary, public school children learn to socialize only with their own age group. They are unfamiliar with socializing with any kids outside of the home that are older or younger than themselves. P.S. kids are more clique-ish. The school environment fosters a hierarchy of children - cool kids, not cool kids, unathletic kids, etc. Public schools foster unnatural socialization - in between classroom socialization - 5 minute interval socialization.
Lastly, I think that there is a misconception that homeschooling is all work and no play. There is a lot of down time simply because of the one-on-one instruction. Kids are free to play and be kids. Yes, if a family is being homsechooled, a children may have to play with his siblings while another is being taught. Such playing (for many homeschoolers) tries to stay away from television and internet, but focus on imagination or crafts.
