Homeschool stereotypes and how we don't fit into them...
Summer left an interesting comment on a previous post:
A lot of people would rather believe the stereotype than actually get to know someone as an individual.
I've been contemplating this a lot and have a few reactions to it.
My first reaction: Yes! I actually hadn't had the opportunity to develop a 'stereotype' before being asked to teach at ( Read more... )
A lot of people would rather believe the stereotype than actually get to know someone as an individual.
I've been contemplating this a lot and have a few reactions to it.
My first reaction: Yes! I actually hadn't had the opportunity to develop a 'stereotype' before being asked to teach at ( Read more... )
I didn't see any comments from non-homeschoolers. Perhaps some of you could answer an appropriate version of these questions to further the "mixing." Something like: "Why do you send your children to public school?" etc.
My answers:
Why do you homeschool?
We started because our son's needs were not being met. He was in K and already reading and, after endless testing and meeting, it was agreed he was bright. Duh! :) So he'd be allowed to walk up the hall and read with the 2nd graders. Too little, too late. We started hsing, loved it, continued. That was 10 years ago.
What technique or curriculum do you use? Do your kids work above or below grade level (or both!)?
We are unschoolers. No grade levels.
What is your educational level? Do you feel this has an effect on your teaching (both limits and abilities)?
My husband and I both attended a couple of years of college. I was a great student. He was a horrible student. None of that seems to have anything to do with what we do with our kids. We are older parents, so that may mean something when it comes to our ancient school experiences.
What does your daily schedule look like?
It's different every day. The kids figure out what they want to do and we try to do it. DS prefers a regular schedule for his Tae Kwon Do classes. DD has started taking some courses online but they don't have to be done at any particular time of day.
Are your kids always polite and ready to learn? (*snicker*) Do the kids (or you!) get frustrated?
Yes, we are just like actual humans and have different moods at different times.
How has this affected your parenting?
It has made it more enjoyable as I get to spend more time with my children.
How much free time do they have? What do they do during their free time? What hobbies do they have?
They have as much free time as they like. DS likes video games and DD is a big reader.
What difficulties and challenges do you have with homeschooling?
Can't think of any right now. Maybe my old car having too many miles put on it. :)
What makes homeschooling enjoyable?
Doing what we like with our days. Being as active or not as we like.
How do you get involved in the community? When do you have opportunities to interact with public or privately schooled children? Would you like more of these opportunties? How can they be created?
We are out and about doing what we want and interact like everyone else. We see other children, not really knowing how they are schooled, during our outings or in the process of participating in one activity or another.
What is your least favorite homeschool stereotype? :-)
That we are all religious. This is more and more not the truth and it has never been completely the truth. There are a growing number of secular hsers or at least we are more vocal.
Nance
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