Hi everyone! So I just finished reading this great column online, that appeared in today's "Winnipeg Sun." It's by a writer named Lydia Lovric, and it discusses the benefits of homeschooling. It made me think of Mike and his wife and their son from this Dr. Phil episode. And all you other naysayers of homeschooling should take a gander and this. It may provide some insight.
Homeschooling has its benefits
By Lydia Lovric
To homeschool or not to homeschool. That is the question. OK, it’s not a question I have to answer any time soon. But before we know it, Delaney will be old enough to go to school and we’ll have to decide whether she serves her detentions here or in a formal school setting.
Unlike tofu, homeschooling is a movement that continues to grow in popularity. Our neighbours to the south are seeing a 15% to 20% increase in the number of kids being homeschooled each year since 2001. Canadian parents are also jumping on the homeschool bandwagon. But is homeschooling really best for children?
As a stay-at-home mom who only works part, part-time, there isn’t enough money for private school. Even if there were, we’re not sure that’s the best option.
Unfortunately, we don’t have much confidence in the public school system (which — for those who failed math class — is a whole lot cheaper than private school).
Looking back at my elementary school years, I would venture to guess that half my time was spent colouring something or other. Now that might be a noble pursuit if I planned on being the next Picasso, but for most kids, it’s overkill. I don’t know if the school boards have some kind of deal going with Crayola, but no kid needs to spend that much time doodling.
Another big problem with the public system is that teachers are forced to teach to the lowest common denominator. That leaves the brighter kids twiddling their thumbs, looking for new and interesting ways to express their boredom. Any love of learning will be quickly extinguished.
Finally, there’s the matter of bullying. When I was a kid, bullying consisted of taunts for the most part. Once in awhile, there was pushing or shoving capped off with the occasional playground brawl for good measure.
Bullying today takes on a whole new meaning. Littleton, Colo., Taber, Alta., Reena Virk. It’s enough to make a parent throw on a pair of penny loafers and begin teaching their kids at home.
But will homeschooling turn kids into freaks? That seems to be the main concern of many parents.
Even if I could remember what a hypotenuse is, will I be able to nurture the necessary social skills in my offspring so that they will one day be able to cope in the real world? In a word, yes.
In a 1992 blind study of homeschooled kids versus their conventionally schooled counterparts, psychotherapist Dr. Larry Shyers concludes that homeschooled kids have significantly fewer problem behaviours.
A more recent study (2003) by Dr. Brian Ray finds that children who are homeschooled get more enjoyment from life.
Yet another study (by Thomas Smedley) suggests that homeschooled kids are more mature and better socialized than public school children.
“In the public school system, children are socialized horizontally, and temporarily, into conformity with their immediate peers,” maintains Smedley. “Home educators seek to socialize their children vertically, toward responsibility, service, and adulthood, with an eye on eternity.”
As for academic success, research indicates there’s no place like home.
Homeschooled kids score, on average, 80 points higher on their SATs compared with students in public school and 70 points higher than private school students, according to Columbia University.
It’s hard to argue with stats like these.
Better brush up on my Pythagorean Theorem.
http://www.winnipegsun.com/News/Columnists/Lovric_Lydia/2006/03/06/1474690.html
(Original Airdate: 10/18/05) Would you rather be right or would you rather be happy? Stacey says she and her husband, Eddie, made a plan when they got married -- and it didn't have anything to do with Eddie's current goal of becoming an ultimate fighting champion. Now she's giving him an ultimatum: "Give up the dream or give up me!“ Then, an entire family faces off against a mother in a debate about the weight of her 8-year-old daughter. Plus, a 30-year-old virgin saving himself for his soul mate wonders if he made the right decision. And, Jylana is determined to home school her son, but her husband, Mike, says he'll miss opportunities and become socially stunted. What does Dr. Phil think? Talk about the show here.
