What do you think about Homeschool?

[thehehe]

I am also European (Swedish), and was not as familiarised with homeschooling prior to coming to this forum. I've since done far more reading about it, and I agree with your sentiments here, completely. I've also talked with my uncle, who works in the Ministry of Education, about this more. I do not think it is healthy for a child to be raised in a homogeneous environment, where the only view of the world they have, is the worldview their parents create for them.

I couldn't agree more. To be raised on what you called "a homogeneous environment" is for me the best way to prevent a child to develop his own identity and personnality!

There was a thread, last year, about a homeschooling "prepping" family, where the parents kept their children cloistered from the rest of society, and were abusive. They horded materials, in preparation for an apocalypse or other disaster. They neglected their children's education; they were spanking the teenagers, which of course is demoralising and inappropriate; they allegedly exposed them to chemicals that were harmful.

That is horrible! I think every teacher noticed in his/ her life one of these situations and did something. Their intervention can really change the case! If nobody can help (because nobody knows), I prefer to not imagine the psychological health of the child after such a horrible childhood. I hope these children are well now.

I think properly accredited online schools, like the one Cimorene and Ella attend, that is quite different, as it still provides a structured, sound curriculum, and constant contact with other educated adults. This is more ideal, for teens, I believe, than primary school kids. Younger children benefit from attending schools, and socialising in person.

These online schools actually look pretty cool

And i just wanted to say that I love your language. Swedish is simply beautiful!

 

[The Portuguese Baptist]

I will no longer continue the debate but I will just say that: to study the Bible, just as studying the Quran or any religious text doesn't force any state to pronounce itself on religious matters. At the contrary. Religion is a part of the everyday life and I can't see why it should be a taboo subject at school. If I lived in a Muslim country, I would want to perfectly know the Muslim teachings and everything. Actually it could be very useful for the youth (we are the future adults of this world) through the Migrants' crise especially. I never talked about a catechism class but a RELIGIOUS class. To learn the main teachings of every main religion... Because I'm sorry, but I can't consider there are no problems when the person you are speaking to tries to defend Islam when "Quran"'s quotations that are actually Facebook quotations.. We can't pretend to take a position on the migrants' crisis if we don't have a perfect knowledge of their beliefs! And I can't see the point of what you are saying on Catholicism. Don't worry, I am not that pretentious and arrogant: I will never say that I am sure I know THE Truth, the only one, and that every other Christians are wrong. I don't believe it, I actually always thought every Christian had the same value as they believe in the same God of life and love. How could I say such a thing? And why so much aggressivity and confidence? I was just taking the example of cathedrals just as it's NORMAL to know when they were built: this is a part of our European culture and I CAN'T see why this is a problem. While saying it I didn't want your "objectives" (and actually very theoretical..) views on Catholicism.. I meant that this is normal to be interested in our own architectural history and to know when some of our most beautiful monuments were built! If I were living in a Muslim country, again, it would be a shame if I didn't know when the most beautiful mosques were built.. To have a solid religious culture is NORMAL and this is essential to control perfectly our own history: that what makes our identity. You will be sorry to learn that what I said just before are the exact words of my most atheist teacher who is very angry against Christianity.

Well, I have already left my thoughts, and I also think I have nothing more to add. I still believe that the state should not pronounce itself on religious matters, and that having religious classes could be greatly misleading and would be unnecessary. I also think we can take a stand on the migrant crisis without knowing what Muslims believe in.

In other words, I think that regarding these issues, Europe is fine the way she is! She is still better than America!

I will stop there and sorryfor this very long message while I promised I would be short

No problem! I think my messages were longer.

Oh! But, of course! I think you have not yet told me what you think about homeschooling, our primary issue here (seems we have been turning away from the issue): should it be legal or not? Is Europe doing well in banning it, or is America doing well is allowing it? What do you think, thehehe? (I think that it should be prohibited, and Europe is doing well in that.)

 

[Cimorene]

Does anybody here homeschool? Not going to online school but having your parents teach you.

 

[thehehe]

In other words, I think that regarding these issues, Europe is fine the way she is! She is still better than America!

I agree! Europe is the best!

Oh! But, of course! I think you have not yet told me what you think about homeschooling, our primary issue here (seems we have been turning away from the issue): should it be legal or not? Is Europe doing well in banning it, or is America doing well is allowing it? What do you think, thehehe? (I think that it should be prohibited, and Europe is doing well in that.)

I am definitely not convinced by homeschooling! To isolate a child in order to keep him "safe" is not a solution to me. On the contrary, it can be devastating: a child, or more likely a teen can't build his own personality and identity without observing how others behave. The school is not only a place where a child learns the fundamental basis, but also a "school of life". Like Aristotle said, "man is by nature a political animal" (by political he meant societal). We shall never forget it. Our old Europe is doing well to me!

 

[The Portuguese Baptist]

I agree! Europe is the best!


I am definitely not convinced by homeschooling! To isolate a child in order to keep him "safe" is not a solution to me. On the contrary, it can be devastating: a child, or more likely a teen can't build his own personality and identity without observing how others behave. The school is not only a place where a child learns the fundamental basis, but also a "school of life". Like Aristotle said, "man is by nature a political animal" (by political he meant societal). We shall never forget it. Our old Europe is doing well to me!

I agree with you entirely in all that!

 

[The Portuguese Baptist]

[…] Well I'm cool with you posting here but just as a heads up they'll sometimes delete your posts if you post in a section you're not allowed to. I think it's overkill tbh. All I did was compliment this guy on his music & he turned around & reported my post cause I wasn't supposed to be in that section! For real.

I disagree, Butterfly. ChristianForums has a strict set of rules against age restrictions, and we must respect it. They are absolutely entitled to enforce it, and we have to respect it. One time, I accidentally posted in the Singles section (which is 18+). My posts were deleted, I received a warning message and I deeply apologised for my mistake.

By the way, I am one of those guys who reports on anyone whom I find breaking that rule.

 

[JerushaC]

I think it depends on the reason for homeschooling and also on the Child.

Some Children don't do well in school. Example: My little brother is severely dyslexic and he needed a long specialized program to teach him to read. Since he is dyslexic he learns in a whole different style. So he would struggle much in a public school.

I am homeschooled too. I am homeschooled because my family travels to much to go to school. So instead of switching schools all the time, I just take my school work with me.

Homeschooling offers some opportunities that cannot be done in a public school. Each year I try to get all my school work done before spring so that I may work up in Northern Canada at a fishing lodge. Very few people my age get this type of work opportunity. I do realize though that the public school has things to offer that homeschoolers don't have access to. But hey, there's pros and cons to both.

I totally get why socializing is a big concern, and to be completely honest, I socialize better with people either older or younger than me and not as well with people my own age. I go to youth groups and I make sure I get out. It just takes a little more effort for socialization.

Although there is the possibility of children being taught propaganda when homeschooling, it is rare. There are many great well tested courses out there. Last year when I was in grade 10 I took the Canadian achievements test, which is a test meant to show you where you are at in your schooling. (public schoolers take it too) I scored at 12.5 grade level. There are bad courses out there, but for the most part there are many good ones out there.

When it comes down to it, it may be great for some but not so good for others. It really depends. There are some things I miss about public schools, but I love the working experiences I have obtained from being a homeschooler.

 

[Butterfly99]

I disagree, Butterfly. ChristianForums has a strict set of rules against age restrictions, and we must respect it. They are absolutely entitled to enforce it, and we have to respect it. One time, I accidentally posted in the Singles section (which is 18+). My posts were deleted, I received a warning message and I deeply apologised for my mistake.

By the way, I am one of those guys who reports on anyone whom I find breaking that rule.

Oh I do respect the rules. I posted there by mistake. I just thought the moderator who reported me after I complimented him on his music could have been a little more charitable, & just explained the rule to me instead of reporting me. I think most teens have gotten in trouble for posting in Singles. It's so easy to make that mistake. I stay out of that section now.

I was just saying that I'm fine with this lady having posted here by accident. She did apologize for it. We can have some grace for her I think. I'm surprised it hasn't been deleted cause in the Singles section they report you lickety split. Maybe there's not as many ppl who report others here.

 

[Cimorene]

I think it depends on the reason for homeschooling and also on the Child.

Some Children don't do well in school. Example: My little brother is severely dyslexic and he needed a long specialized program to teach him to read. Since he is dyslexic he learns in a whole different style. So he would struggle much in a public school.

I am homeschooled too. I am homeschooled because my family travels to much to go to school. So instead of switching schools all the time, I just take my school work with me.

Homeschooling offers some opportunities that cannot be done in a public school. Each year I try to get all my school work done before spring so that I may work up in Northern Canada at a fishing lodge. Very few people my age get this type of work opportunity. I do realize though that the public school has things to offer that homeschoolers don't have access to. But hey, there's pros and cons to both.

I totally get why socializing is a big concern, and to be completely honest, I socialize better with people either older or younger than me and not as well with people my own age. I go to youth groups and I make sure I get out. It just takes a little more effort for socialization.

Although there is the possibility of children being taught propaganda when homeschooling, it is rare. There are many great well tested courses out there. Last year when I was in grade 10 I took the Canadian achievements test, which is a test meant to show you where you are at in your schooling. (public schoolers take it too) I scored at 12.5 grade level. There are bad courses out there, but for the most part there are many good ones out there.

When it comes down to it, it may be great for some but not so good for others. It really depends. There are some things I miss about public schools, but I love the working experiences I have obtained from being a homeschooler.

That makes sense to me. One of the reasons I go to school online is so that I'm able to travel. My mom works in Europe a lot, and I enjoy being able to go with her. I have a whole set of friends there now, too. I like still having the structure of school but with a lot of flexibility since I'm taking all my classes online. Some of my friends go to the OHS because their families also travel frequently. One girl lives on a houseboat and has been around the world. Another has parents who teach for study abroad programs. There are also have kids who go to school online to have more time for things like jobs. My friend who told me about this site is a professional dancer who gets to travel for months at a time for performances. Another friend works for his family's business a lot. He loves it. I know there are also kids who homeschool because of medical or learning issues, or because they're gifted and there aren't enough challenges for them at local schools.

I don't think it's all that rare for kids to be taught propaganda in homeschooling, but I know that there are also many kids are being taught normally.

Are you also going to school online? If not, do you devise your own curriculum?

 

[JerushaC]

@Cimorene None of my courses we self or family devised. I am taking two online courses and the rest of my courses are all well tested programs such as teaching textbooks and apologia science.

It sounds like you have had some amazing opportunities as a homeschooler.

 

[Cimorene]

@Cimorene None of my courses we self or family devised. I am taking two online courses and the rest of my courses are all well tested programs such as teaching textbooks and apologia science.

It sounds like you have had some amazing opportunities as a homeschooler.

It sounds like you have great opportunities, too. How does it work with the teaching textbooks? Do your parents grade your assignments or do you turn them in to someone else? Sorry for being nosy.

 

[JerushaC]

@Cimorene

Teaching textbooks is totally computer graded. It's all computerized. Once you enter in a wrong answer you watch the lecture of the proper workout of the problem. My mom loves it, because all she has to do is check my grades every once in awhile.

 

[The Portuguese Baptist]

Oh I do respect the rules. I posted there by mistake. I just thought the moderator who reported me after I complimented him on his music could have been a little more charitable, & just explained the rule to me instead of reporting me. I think most teens have gotten in trouble for posting in Singles. It's so easy to make that mistake. I stay out of that section now.

I also posted there one time by accident; had I noticed I was in the Singles section, I would have never done it.

Regarding the reporting, he did the right thing; you broke the rule, so he reported it. The rule does not open the exception that you are allowed to post there if you do it by accident. Whether accidentally or deliberately, it is still illegal.

I was just saying that I'm fine with this lady having posted here by accident. She did apologize for it. We can have some grace for her I think.

I agree. But that does not prevent us from reporting it — which is what I did (and it is not the first time). The moderators do not want people posting in sections in which they cannot post, so we must report such occurrences, that such posts may be eliminated.

I'm surprised it hasn't been deleted cause in the Singles section they report you lickety split. Maybe there's not as many ppl who report others here.

It has now. I reported it as soon as I saw it. It just seems that the moderators take a while to see the report and react.

 

[Butterfly99]

I also posted there one time by accident; had I noticed I was in the Singles section, I would have never done it.

Regarding the reporting, he did the right thing; you broke the rule, so he reported it. The rule does not open the exception that you are allowed to post there if you do it by accident. Whether accidentally or deliberately, it is still illegal.



I agree. But that does not prevent us from reporting it — which is what I did (and it is not the first time). The moderators do not want people posting in sections in which they cannot post, so we must report such occurrences, that such posts may be eliminated.



It has now. I reported it as soon as I saw it. It just seems that the moderators take a while to see the report and react.

Um. OK.....

 

[Cimorene]

@Cimorene

Teaching textbooks is totally computer graded. It's all computerized. Once you enter in a wrong answer you watch the lecture of the proper workout of the problem. My mom loves it, because all she has to do is check my grades every once in awhile.

How does it work with your transcript for college?

 

[JerushaC]

@Cimorene
I'm not entirely sure what your asking but hopefully this covers it.

It gives me a final grade at the end of the year. Since it is a known reputable math program that has been extensively tested, most Colleges won't question the quality of the person's math. They will just accept the grade that was given. That's with most good homeschool courses. A lot of the courses out there have been tested and work. Courses that are not as common are little more questionable.

Most homeschooler will have to take a standardized test (which I have taken) to see where the students are in their schooling if they want to go to college. The test just shows that we learned what we are supposed to know. For a homeschooler that test is helpful in getting them into college.

 

[Cimorene]

Thanks for your post, @JerushaC I should have asked the question more clearly, but you answered it well anyway. I didn't know how it worked with grading when you're homeschooling, and if your parents are the ones who grade you. I didn't know how you get a transcript. I go to school online too but we have teachers, and we get the transcript from the school. I'd definitely think standardized tests would be important for homeschoolers when they apply to college.

 

[tfosriA]

I red a lot about it recently. This is not very well-known in Europe, so I wanted to know a bit more about that. It seems quite dangerous to me: how a child is supposed to integrate into his own society if he doesn't even attend a school with very different people? To me this isn't good for a child to grow up in a cocoon. Moreover we learn sociability in our first years. And every child needs friendship and to be confronted to someone else's eyes.

So basically I would like to learn the advantages of such a schooling and the reasons why it is so popular in America!

Well, I was put into home schooling because of how bad the bullying was getting. Towards the end of it, people were openly jumping me and trying to cause me harm. One kid even tried to knife me, another jumped up behind me to what I can only assume is break my neck. I teach myself now. I never really had anyone that wanted me anyway. The ones that were not outright hostile just tolerated me. I could finally be free.

I integrate fine. I am actually in the works of plotting my course for when I want to get older, I have a very avid love of politics. I don't care about all those standards of "culture", when my people are still suffering so much. When we refuse to accept problems right in our eyes because we're all afraid that things are not the way we want life to be. We humans, male, female, gay or straight, Bisexual or Asexual, religious or atheist, we have a duty to OURSELVES to make this a better world for our children to live in.

I never had friendship or anything like that, and I turned out just fine. Mabye a bit more depressed than most, but fine. Because of homeschooling, I'm no longer persecuted by those with dark hearts. I can be free. Yes I'm alone most of the day, but I'm used to it by now.

 

[Cimorene]

I'm sorry you were bullied so much @tfosriA

"We humans, male, female, gay or straight, Bisexual or Asexual, religious or atheist, we have a duty to OURSELVES to make this a better world for our children to live in."

 

[thehehe]

Then you have all the rights of the world to like better homeschooling. I am shocked by what happened to you. And the school did nothing?! I am sorry as well for what happened to you. I hope everything will stay fine for you.