Topic : 11/24 Great School Debate

I just have to make a comment regarding the 26 year old who says she was socially retarded because of homeschooling and that she feels like an outcast. Feeling like an outcast happens all the time in public school. If you're not part of the in crowd or the popular crowd or just a little different, kids can be really cruel. I went to public school in New York and Florida and had two totally different experiences. My experience in New York was great, I was involved in many different activites and very outgoing up until 7th grade, when my family moved to Florida. First, I became very bored because we were learning things I had already learned in 5th grade. Then, most of the kids were just mean. I was picked on and called names and was an outcast from the in crowd. Because of all the teasing I became very shy and struggle with that today. I have trouble letting people in, because I feel I won't be accepted for who I am. Because of my experience I have chosen to homeschool my kids and have been doing it for 8 years. I am not against public schools at all, but there are good school districts and not so good school districts. I happen to live in the same school district I went to in Florida and I believe it is not good. If we lived someplace where the schools were good, then I would send my kids to school if they chose to go. I have a 13 year old and almost 9 year old. My 13 year old is traditionally homeschooled and just does not like school at all. It wouldn't matter if he were in school, because I know he would dislike it even more. He is a very hands on learner. On the other hand my daughter loves school and I have her enrolled in one of the virtual public schools and has been since the pilot 4 years ago and she loves it. She has asked about going to public school and I would send her if she wanted to try it. Both kids have a wide range of friends and are exposed to all ages, races and religions and do not have a problem getting along with anyone. So the whole socialization thing is probably the easiet thing for people to pick on about homeschoolers, unscoolers, etc.  The main thing about my kids is that they are kind. They don't judge others by the way they look, if they are heavy, orhandicapped in some way or different races or religions. They treat everyone with kindness. And if someone doesn't like them for whatever reason, they move on and know that it is not a reflection on who they are. There is so much more that I could say on this subject, but I will stop here, otherwise I could write a book lol.

I'm a teacher in the public school system and I fully support it!! I also understand that it is not perfect, but nothing is. Teachers under go tons of training in order to be able to teach. We have to have a master's degree in education and are always learning new ways of teaching.

 I believe that parents who choose to home school firmly believe that they are doing what is best for their child; however, they are cheating their children out of valuable life lessons. Yes, they will be exposed to bullying, yes they will be exposed to children out back sneaking a smoke, and they will have to learn something they don't have much interest in. They need to know how to react to all of these things and much more. The parent's and teacher's job is to teach them to make good choices when in these positions, but  ultimately it's up to your child to decide. If they aren't making good life choices in high school and middle school where there is still some adult supervision then they will be faced with making these life choices once they are out of the house and on their own.

My question to a home schooler or unschooler is - if your child was sick and needed medical care would you self medicate or take them to a trained professional? There are alot of of resources out there to help you choose the best way to treat the problem, but most parents would choose to take their child to a medical professional. Why would your child's education be any different?