Fredi said:
Those who choose to homeschool and those who choose to unschool are for the most part simply being combative and defencive in their positions in this forum. I am grateful for those who have taken the time to explain their motives and their efforts that are driving them in these choices.
Thank you all posters that weren't combative, and level headed enough to explain you methods. It's much appreciated by myself.
It is my hope that you will understand why most people that homeschool do what they do. I've tried to remain non-combative, as I don't feel like this would do any good. I want you (and others) to see why we DO homeschool, not why we don't send our kids to public school. There are pros and cons in all of the choices, we just do what we feel is best for our family. I worked as a preschool teacher for 10 years before ever having any children, and I just WANT to be with my children. I know how quickly they are growing up!
It is my humble opinion that many homeschoolers become what you might view as combative, because they are on the defense. We believe fully in what we do, and we don't want that right (and blessing) taken away. I think that's the basic fear in our minds - that somehow that right, liberty, and joy will be taken from us. This would be a travesty and a tragedy. I realize that there may be a handful of people out there that may not do as well as they should, but overall, homeschoolers love their children very much and want (and make sure they get!) what is best for them.
My heart fills with such joy when I see my child "get it!" To listen to my child reading, and then it hits me - "I taught him that!" Wow! To impart our children with knowledge and then hear them later "teaching" (telling) someone else what they learned is amazing and exciting!. Getting to run into other homeschoolers out on lunch break at McDonald's and our kids play together in the Playplace is so much fun! (happened to us to day - great surprise that made our day!) We get to eat every meal together - wherever we want! (we love getting to meet Daddy for lunch - it makes his day AND ours!) The world is our classroom...we can be found 'doing school' at the kitchen table, on the coffee table, on the living room floor next to our dog and kitty, on a picnic table outside (when it's warmer!), at the store, at the library, at a desk in our room, in the kitchen (cooking yummy stuff!), at Mamaw & Papaw's, with sidewalk chalk outside (for the younger ones), on a tv tray, on a porch swing, on a blanket in our yard, on our deck, in our minivan, wherever! Our kids are my favorite people - being together with them is wonderful, even on 'one of THOSE days!' We are able to learn every moment of every day - any moment can turn into a teaching opportunity. I love sharing with them on a daily basis and being a real part of their learning process. I enjoy watching them learn from each other. I love that I get to watch them blossom and see their self-confidence grow day by day. I like it that I can get a hug (or give a hug!) from my kids any time of the day. =o) I could go on and on... (oh wait! I DID go on and on! LOL) Anyway, this is what we love, this is what we do.
Parents want the best for their children, but what’s the best way to educate them? Dr. Phil’s guests face off in a debate about whether to school, homeschool or unschool. Dana and her husband, Joe, call themselves radical unschoolers. They say education happens as a side effect of life, and they don’t believe in tests, curriculums or grades. Are their three kids learning what they need to know? Then, RaeAnn says public schools are death traps and wants to homeschool her children. Her husband, Steve, says their kids are safer at school than they are at home. Can this couple reach a compromise? Plus, Nicole feels like an outcast at 26. She says she hated being homeschooled, and couldn’t relate to other kids. Share your thoughts here.
