Dealing with Non-Homeschoolers

We started homeschooling in 2007.  It would seem by now, 7 years later, that I would not be constantly surprised by the people that do not understand what homeschooling is all about. 

The main problem we have had to deal with over the years is when others compare our education to that of traditional education, aka. brick and mortar schools.  It is almost absurd to compare the two, especially when you are like us and do not do "school at home".  We homeschool.  That is an important distinction between the two.  In our home we do follow lesson plans so that I can make sure we are on track to complete all, yes all our curriculum for the year.  But that is where the comparisons end.  I want my children to love the act of learning, to be life long learners that quest for knowledge.  That said, comparing the life of my homeschool child to one of a child that attends a brick and mortar school is unjust and small-minded. 

My kids do not technically have homework.  The reason being is they complete their lesson when it is given.  They are not limited to a small block of time.  Their lessons are thorough and in depth in each subject.  Glossing over is not really allowed, and the kids don't like it.  However, since we don't technically have homework many assume that we don't have to do school work in the evening, nights and weekends.  This is the farthest thing from the truth.  Since our lessons tend to take much longer than one in a school, we put in double the hours of most institutionalized students.  We also use those nights and weekends to learn through experience. We attend museums, concerts, historical fairs and whatever else we can find that goes along with our curriculum.

Homeschooling does offer freedom, which we love.  We can work around doctor appointments, funerals, family activities when needed.  The school work still has to be completed, it doesn't just disappear.  Sometimes we get behind due to illness, activities, work, family obligations, or just life in general.  When this happens I focus on the kids getting caught back up as soon as possible.  So when a my homeschoolers say they have to do school work instead of doing X, Y, Z, it is a legitimate reason.  Sometimes that is the only free moment they have. 

Finally, I have be asked over the years if I give my kids the answers to their tests, or if I don't really grade their papers and just give them an A.  Why would any responsible parent or teacher do that?  How would it benefit the child?  If my children score below 90% on any test, which happens very rarely, we look at what they missed, I re-teach the material and then retest.  But unlike the new rules at many schools, where they go into a test knowing they can retake it, they do not go into the test thinking well if I blow it I can always retake it.  If mine really blow a test it usually only happens once.  The reason is that they must work through all the material again along with all their other lessons and then retake a different test on the material.  My focus is mastery of the material. Mastery in my home means that you know the material, and can apply the material, not just regurgitate it back to me. 

I know the comparisons will not end, but I would be nice if the parents of traditionally schooled children would take the time to understand that not all homeschoolers are the same anymore than all families are the same. 

Wow LONG time since I posted...

Yes it has been a very long time since I posted.  Lots has happened, mainly life.  The kids have been active as ever in dance.  Poogie danced 6 days a week last year and T danced 5.  I lived in the studio and on the road going to and from. 

We had to move during the summer, a real bummer.  We were renting hoping to buy the house we was living in.  However, the landlord decided to put it up for sale for way, way more than the appraisal.  We moved and guess what, it didn't sell.  It's now a rental house again.

We only had a few weeks to move so I had to find something quick.  Finding a 3+ bedroom with a carport or garage for our Harley's was a job.  I ended up getting a townhome.  It is ok, but I miss my house and my garage.  But, its only for a year. So I can manage.

Homeschooling is going great.  A little bumpy at first (will post later about my horrible curriculum blunders with Poogie this year).  We now have found our niche' and are moving along well.

While away from my blog I mostly stuck to posting on Facebook and instagram.  I find that Facebook has become  political and a place for bullies.  Instagram is ok, but not really my thing.  It's funny how I always come back to my blog.  So I hope to post at least 3 times a week and to share my journey in life with those who would care to follow.  Till next time.