for Home schooling: a better alternative?11/23/2012 c1 
2CampingUnderTheStarsXoxO
Hey there!
I've already read through the comments, so I know that many other homeschoolers have gone before me to type up a worthy defense of our education style. I also know that this essay is seven years old. However, I've decided to type up a review anyway. I've also decided that since my fellow homeschooled peers have gone before me and have written a better defense than I could hope to conjure up, defense of the homeschool education won't be the main focus of this review.
First of all, I would like to say that I was looking forward to reading this essay. I knew full well, from other experiences on this website, that the essay would likely be a negative showing of the homeschool experience, mostly from those who had never met a homeschooler in their life. However, your first paragraph was hopeful. It did say, after all, that you would be showcasing the pros and cons to homeschooling. I was slightly disappointed at the end to see that there was not a pro in sight. However, ignoring that, I still appreciated your essay. Why? Because you were not a raging idiot waging a war against a thought process contrary to your own. You were a student writing an essay. While I still wish that you had taken a different point of view, simply because that opposite point of view is my own, I appreciated the calmness in your essay.
I would like to point out at this point that your calmness, which I so appreciated, is likely why you are receiving so many replies on the defense of homeschooling. What many public schoolers don't understand is that we homeschoolers don't enjoy talking to them simply because of the incredible prejudices they have against us. Therefore, the reasonable tone throughout your essay, and even at the top when you said you'd welcome any comment, likely created a more accepting environment for these homeschoolers to speak up in their own defense.
I thought the entire essay was well written and phrased for your point of view, though I might have done a bit more research before you made some of your generalizations. For example, 'Statistics have shown that the crème de la crème often emerge from public and private schools and not from home schooling.' I know this has been pointed out before, but from my own research, this statement has been found to be totally false. Perhaps I only found it so because of my own opinion. It was what I wanted to find, so I found it. I can't be sure, but as far as I'm aware, the overwhelming majority of homeschoolers have been just as successful, if not more so, than public schoolers.
Finally, despite the lovely tone of your essay, I found the last paragraph to be a bit informal. Perhaps you meant it to be so, but generally in essays you don't want to be so casual with word choices. For example, you use the word 'bum' as a slang word for an unsuccessful person. Another example would be the phrase 'crème de la crème.' It is not an academic phrase that ought to be used in such an essay. Also, it should be noted that the final paragraph of an essay is not a place to bring in any new information. That can be seen with your sentance, 'Parents see other children growing up and becoming bums and they blame it on the school systems simply because that is the easiest way out.' None of that was addressed in your paragraphs above and, thus, should not be in your conclusion.
I hope I helped out, even if this is several years old and you're likely no longer interested in it.
Best wishes!
2CampingUnderTheStarsXoxOHey there!
I've already read through the comments, so I know that many other homeschoolers have gone before me to type up a worthy defense of our education style. I also know that this essay is seven years old. However, I've decided to type up a review anyway. I've also decided that since my fellow homeschooled peers have gone before me and have written a better defense than I could hope to conjure up, defense of the homeschool education won't be the main focus of this review.
First of all, I would like to say that I was looking forward to reading this essay. I knew full well, from other experiences on this website, that the essay would likely be a negative showing of the homeschool experience, mostly from those who had never met a homeschooler in their life. However, your first paragraph was hopeful. It did say, after all, that you would be showcasing the pros and cons to homeschooling. I was slightly disappointed at the end to see that there was not a pro in sight. However, ignoring that, I still appreciated your essay. Why? Because you were not a raging idiot waging a war against a thought process contrary to your own. You were a student writing an essay. While I still wish that you had taken a different point of view, simply because that opposite point of view is my own, I appreciated the calmness in your essay.
I would like to point out at this point that your calmness, which I so appreciated, is likely why you are receiving so many replies on the defense of homeschooling. What many public schoolers don't understand is that we homeschoolers don't enjoy talking to them simply because of the incredible prejudices they have against us. Therefore, the reasonable tone throughout your essay, and even at the top when you said you'd welcome any comment, likely created a more accepting environment for these homeschoolers to speak up in their own defense.
I thought the entire essay was well written and phrased for your point of view, though I might have done a bit more research before you made some of your generalizations. For example, 'Statistics have shown that the crème de la crème often emerge from public and private schools and not from home schooling.' I know this has been pointed out before, but from my own research, this statement has been found to be totally false. Perhaps I only found it so because of my own opinion. It was what I wanted to find, so I found it. I can't be sure, but as far as I'm aware, the overwhelming majority of homeschoolers have been just as successful, if not more so, than public schoolers.
Finally, despite the lovely tone of your essay, I found the last paragraph to be a bit informal. Perhaps you meant it to be so, but generally in essays you don't want to be so casual with word choices. For example, you use the word 'bum' as a slang word for an unsuccessful person. Another example would be the phrase 'crème de la crème.' It is not an academic phrase that ought to be used in such an essay. Also, it should be noted that the final paragraph of an essay is not a place to bring in any new information. That can be seen with your sentance, 'Parents see other children growing up and becoming bums and they blame it on the school systems simply because that is the easiest way out.' None of that was addressed in your paragraphs above and, thus, should not be in your conclusion.
I hope I helped out, even if this is several years old and you're likely no longer interested in it.
Best wishes!
2/7/2008 c1 la petite tourne-sol
I'm homeschooled, and happen to know that there are programs where homeschoolers can go for several days a week, and hang out with other kids. I attend one every few days. I take classes like an everyday middle or high school student. I have close to twenty friends who attend, and tons who I've met in other places. It's not like your parents lock you in the house, and you can't do anything. It's actually quite fun. You can choose a lot more when it comes to what you learn. Um, we're not hillbillies, we have internet! Haha, I laughed when I read parts of this, because you make it sound like we're anti-social, don't know as much, and are completely "behind the times". Umm, about not learning from others mistakes, again, it's not solitary confinement, we still have our families and friends.
As to not being a better alternative, it is. It's scientifically proven thnat most homeschoolers learn more than other kids their age, and have higher scores on state tests. My younger sister was taught third grade math for two years in a row when we attended public school, because her teacher didn't even teach her math! I don't know about you, but I think that creme de la creme emerges from a kitchen. Hahaha, I know what you mean, but I think it all depends on the person. My best friend attends a private scool, she's a complete genius. I'm homeschooled, and I have been told I'm the smartest person my age even before I started attending school, all the way to now, while I'm a teenager who is over-obsessed with studying. VERY well written, I think you should have taken another oppinoin too, though. Sorry I rambled like I did.
Good job!
Galatians
I'm homeschooled, and happen to know that there are programs where homeschoolers can go for several days a week, and hang out with other kids. I attend one every few days. I take classes like an everyday middle or high school student. I have close to twenty friends who attend, and tons who I've met in other places. It's not like your parents lock you in the house, and you can't do anything. It's actually quite fun. You can choose a lot more when it comes to what you learn. Um, we're not hillbillies, we have internet! Haha, I laughed when I read parts of this, because you make it sound like we're anti-social, don't know as much, and are completely "behind the times". Umm, about not learning from others mistakes, again, it's not solitary confinement, we still have our families and friends.
As to not being a better alternative, it is. It's scientifically proven thnat most homeschoolers learn more than other kids their age, and have higher scores on state tests. My younger sister was taught third grade math for two years in a row when we attended public school, because her teacher didn't even teach her math! I don't know about you, but I think that creme de la creme emerges from a kitchen. Hahaha, I know what you mean, but I think it all depends on the person. My best friend attends a private scool, she's a complete genius. I'm homeschooled, and I have been told I'm the smartest person my age even before I started attending school, all the way to now, while I'm a teenager who is over-obsessed with studying. VERY well written, I think you should have taken another oppinoin too, though. Sorry I rambled like I did.
Good job!
Galatians
2/6/2006 c1 Mlle. Verity
This was an interesting little piece to read, however, as a homeschooler, I disagree with your point of view. My father removed me from school after the first grade because he was already teaching me after school, what the school should have taught me. First, permit me to ask some questions: How many homeschoolers are you acquainted with? How familiar are you with various systems of operating a homeschool? Have you ever been homeschooled yourself?
"Whatever the reasons may be, every family has the right to decide the hows, whys and wherefores of their child’s upbringing." - Thank you for this statement. A disturbing proportion of people seem to consider homeschooling should be illegal - enough that it was actually so until 1988.
You make the statement that homeschooling does not offer opportunities for socialization. This would be dependent upon individual families. There are many options open to homeschoolers - not the least of which is the "homeschool group." Our own group offers play days for younger children along with multiferous activies and events for all ages (skating, track team, book clubs, band, etc.). Group classes are also arranged at a bookstore which caters to homeschoolers. In this way, we are exposed to a classroom setting. Motivation is provided by your parents, by knowing that they depend on you to do well and will be disapointed should you fail.
The latest information is not likely to have an affect on a manner of teaching which relies on an individualized system. We are permitted to create our own schedules and syllabus according to our intended field. There is also the opportunity to learn from others mistakes in that
Information from media, the same media which "just reports raw facts which give a vague idea" will emphasize the minute percentage of homeschools which do go wrong. They really cannot be blamed for this; success simply doesn't grasp our attention as easily as disaster. Violence and filth may be viewed at every hand; whether or not a child goes wrong is more strongly influenced by how strongly values have been inculcated than chancing to see some murderous film or come across a bit of trashy literature. Having a parent at hand may also help to counteract any damaging influence.
We disagree diametrically, but this was still quite interesting. Next time, I would suggest becoming more familiar with your subject. That will assist you in making more valid points.
SiaSialis, LilyWillow and Tschitquihilleu have all given a decent defense.
Verity (USA) If you are interested in talking, my e-mail is listed.
This was an interesting little piece to read, however, as a homeschooler, I disagree with your point of view. My father removed me from school after the first grade because he was already teaching me after school, what the school should have taught me. First, permit me to ask some questions: How many homeschoolers are you acquainted with? How familiar are you with various systems of operating a homeschool? Have you ever been homeschooled yourself?
"Whatever the reasons may be, every family has the right to decide the hows, whys and wherefores of their child’s upbringing." - Thank you for this statement. A disturbing proportion of people seem to consider homeschooling should be illegal - enough that it was actually so until 1988.
You make the statement that homeschooling does not offer opportunities for socialization. This would be dependent upon individual families. There are many options open to homeschoolers - not the least of which is the "homeschool group." Our own group offers play days for younger children along with multiferous activies and events for all ages (skating, track team, book clubs, band, etc.). Group classes are also arranged at a bookstore which caters to homeschoolers. In this way, we are exposed to a classroom setting. Motivation is provided by your parents, by knowing that they depend on you to do well and will be disapointed should you fail.
The latest information is not likely to have an affect on a manner of teaching which relies on an individualized system. We are permitted to create our own schedules and syllabus according to our intended field. There is also the opportunity to learn from others mistakes in that
Information from media, the same media which "just reports raw facts which give a vague idea" will emphasize the minute percentage of homeschools which do go wrong. They really cannot be blamed for this; success simply doesn't grasp our attention as easily as disaster. Violence and filth may be viewed at every hand; whether or not a child goes wrong is more strongly influenced by how strongly values have been inculcated than chancing to see some murderous film or come across a bit of trashy literature. Having a parent at hand may also help to counteract any damaging influence.
We disagree diametrically, but this was still quite interesting. Next time, I would suggest becoming more familiar with your subject. That will assist you in making more valid points.
SiaSialis, LilyWillow and Tschitquihilleu have all given a decent defense.
Verity (USA) If you are interested in talking, my e-mail is listed.
11/12/2005 c1 7Iron Pyrate
As you said several times, this is your personal opinion and I respect that. BUT there are some falsehoods. For one thing, some people just want to homeschool anyway, like my mom says she enjoyed "teaching" my sister and I and watching us learn so much that she didn't see why she should hand us over to some teacher with 30 other kids in a class where we wouldn't get any one-on-one time at all.
For another thing, there are plenty of homeschool activities around most states. In Eastern Prince William County alone, there are two homeschool theater groups, two homeschool bands, a girl’s basketball team, a soccer team, aside from the Teens At Play group and homeschool bowling groups and scores of other things. AND, if you think about it, where do public school kids socialize? Generally OUT of school at the mall, arcade, park, etc. I have to agree with "Tschitquihilleu" that homeschoolers do get along with people of different ages a lot more than public schoolers. For instance, I have an 11-year-old friend (I'm 15), a 14 year old, a 15 year old, and several adults I would consider outer-circle friends.
Thirdly, HSed (homeschooled) children don't need to be "motivated" by their peers to learn things, generally they WANT to learn because the natural love of learning hasn't been beat out of them by pounding times tables etc. into their brains.
Fourthly, there are plenty of people to learn from about making mistakes; kids can talk to their friends or other peers that they meet in any of the numerous classes, clubs, or other activities I mentioned before.
Fifthly, what exactly is wrong with wanting to protect a child from violence at least while they're young? And, if as you pointed out, a child finds/sees something violent on the Internet or TV, their parent is right there to help explain what violence is about. This is probably mostly for younger children, but still.
Lastly, there are thousands, hundreds at least, of successful, formerly HSed adults. Ever heard of Christopher Paolini? He published the first book in the Inheritance trilogy at age 15. Also Jason Taylor, NFL Defensive End for the Miami Dolphins, Todd Lodwick, member of the US ski team, Shannon Cavin, Air[wo]man in the US Navy, or David Beihl, 19 National Geography Bee Winner, to name a few. I will believe the "crème de la crème" statistics when I see them. If you've ever thought about it there are a lot more public and private school graduates than HSers, therefore there are a lot more opportunities for public/private school graduates to become famous or "crème de la crème." Statistically, there are more "successful" HSed graduates than public/private ones. Perhaps you should check out Homeschoolers' Success Stories, 15 Adults and 12 Young People Share the Impact That Homeschooling Has Made on Their Lives, by Linda Dobson, next time you are researching homeschooling.
7Iron PyrateAs you said several times, this is your personal opinion and I respect that. BUT there are some falsehoods. For one thing, some people just want to homeschool anyway, like my mom says she enjoyed "teaching" my sister and I and watching us learn so much that she didn't see why she should hand us over to some teacher with 30 other kids in a class where we wouldn't get any one-on-one time at all.
For another thing, there are plenty of homeschool activities around most states. In Eastern Prince William County alone, there are two homeschool theater groups, two homeschool bands, a girl’s basketball team, a soccer team, aside from the Teens At Play group and homeschool bowling groups and scores of other things. AND, if you think about it, where do public school kids socialize? Generally OUT of school at the mall, arcade, park, etc. I have to agree with "Tschitquihilleu" that homeschoolers do get along with people of different ages a lot more than public schoolers. For instance, I have an 11-year-old friend (I'm 15), a 14 year old, a 15 year old, and several adults I would consider outer-circle friends.
Thirdly, HSed (homeschooled) children don't need to be "motivated" by their peers to learn things, generally they WANT to learn because the natural love of learning hasn't been beat out of them by pounding times tables etc. into their brains.
Fourthly, there are plenty of people to learn from about making mistakes; kids can talk to their friends or other peers that they meet in any of the numerous classes, clubs, or other activities I mentioned before.
Fifthly, what exactly is wrong with wanting to protect a child from violence at least while they're young? And, if as you pointed out, a child finds/sees something violent on the Internet or TV, their parent is right there to help explain what violence is about. This is probably mostly for younger children, but still.
Lastly, there are thousands, hundreds at least, of successful, formerly HSed adults. Ever heard of Christopher Paolini? He published the first book in the Inheritance trilogy at age 15. Also Jason Taylor, NFL Defensive End for the Miami Dolphins, Todd Lodwick, member of the US ski team, Shannon Cavin, Air[wo]man in the US Navy, or David Beihl, 19 National Geography Bee Winner, to name a few. I will believe the "crème de la crème" statistics when I see them. If you've ever thought about it there are a lot more public and private school graduates than HSers, therefore there are a lot more opportunities for public/private school graduates to become famous or "crème de la crème." Statistically, there are more "successful" HSed graduates than public/private ones. Perhaps you should check out Homeschoolers' Success Stories, 15 Adults and 12 Young People Share the Impact That Homeschooling Has Made on Their Lives, by Linda Dobson, next time you are researching homeschooling.
8/5/2005 c1 LilyWillow
This comment will have nothing to do with the essay itself. I'd just like to give a plug for myself and my fellow homeschoolers.
For the first time in my life this past year, I attended public high school part-time. I ended that year at the top of all my classes and with a 4.0. I attribute that to my homeschool education, which enabled me to do well in public school also. (I was not impressed, by the way, with the majority of my fellow public-schoolers, who were, most of the time, contented with just passing a class with a C or D. I'm not saying all of them were like that, mind you, but a large number of them were.)
I scored well on both the PSAT and SAT, and have received letters from numerous colleges and universities across the country, and so have many of my homeschooled friends who took these tests. I'm also in the running for a National Merit Scholarship, among the top 3.8 percent of test takers in the country.
And lastly, I'd like to say that we homeschoolers have many extracurricular and social opportunities. I'm been in two fabulous youth groups composed mostly of homeschoolers, as well as two choirs, and take organ and piano lessons as well. My homeschool friends are intelligent, smart, and I couldn't think of any people I'd rather spend my time with.
Sorry if I sounded too "braggy" but I feel I need to defend my education.
This comment will have nothing to do with the essay itself. I'd just like to give a plug for myself and my fellow homeschoolers.
For the first time in my life this past year, I attended public high school part-time. I ended that year at the top of all my classes and with a 4.0. I attribute that to my homeschool education, which enabled me to do well in public school also. (I was not impressed, by the way, with the majority of my fellow public-schoolers, who were, most of the time, contented with just passing a class with a C or D. I'm not saying all of them were like that, mind you, but a large number of them were.)
I scored well on both the PSAT and SAT, and have received letters from numerous colleges and universities across the country, and so have many of my homeschooled friends who took these tests. I'm also in the running for a National Merit Scholarship, among the top 3.8 percent of test takers in the country.
And lastly, I'd like to say that we homeschoolers have many extracurricular and social opportunities. I'm been in two fabulous youth groups composed mostly of homeschoolers, as well as two choirs, and take organ and piano lessons as well. My homeschool friends are intelligent, smart, and I couldn't think of any people I'd rather spend my time with.
Sorry if I sounded too "braggy" but I feel I need to defend my education.
5/15/2005 c1 1alkin
It depends on how crap your education system is. If I had to live in America I might homeschool my kids. Their system is said to be awful. But anyway, school doesn't take up all day, home or public, so why not just send the kids out in the afternoons to meet others at the park or something?
1alkinIt depends on how crap your education system is. If I had to live in America I might homeschool my kids. Their system is said to be awful. But anyway, school doesn't take up all day, home or public, so why not just send the kids out in the afternoons to meet others at the park or something?
4/25/2005 c1 14arbysauce93
I entirely agree. I believe that public or private schooling is always the better alternative. However, I don't doubt that some people may recieve a better education at home than they would at school. Interesting points that you bring up. Keep writing!
14arbysauce93I entirely agree. I believe that public or private schooling is always the better alternative. However, I don't doubt that some people may recieve a better education at home than they would at school. Interesting points that you bring up. Keep writing!
4/17/2005 c1 ghost files
interesting. i go to a private school that is very boreing, and i've got a friend thats home schooled.
interesting. i go to a private school that is very boreing, and i've got a friend thats home schooled.
4/17/2005 c1 11splotchy
Yes I am public schooled.
If you bothered to look at the author's note I've written at the top you will realize that I said this essay was not meant to be politically correct and that it was my own personal opinion, not the view of the entire world. Besides that, I'm not from the US and my views would be related more towards the Asian way of handling things. It may be different overseas I do not know. All I know is it isn't very popular in my side of the world.
Anyway, thank you for your comments, I will do more research next time I write an essay.
11splotchyYes I am public schooled.
If you bothered to look at the author's note I've written at the top you will realize that I said this essay was not meant to be politically correct and that it was my own personal opinion, not the view of the entire world. Besides that, I'm not from the US and my views would be related more towards the Asian way of handling things. It may be different overseas I do not know. All I know is it isn't very popular in my side of the world.
Anyway, thank you for your comments, I will do more research next time I write an essay.
4/16/2005 c1 Tschitquihilleu
You were public schooled weren't you?
Maybe you should look into fact before you write, maybe find something that's actually true...
There are homeschooling communities all over the U.S. that provide the socialization that you claim that homeschoolers don't get, including three huge ones in Austin, TX.Homeschoolers integrate better with people of all ages, and they don't have the damned pack mentality that public schoolers seem to develop.
And if you bothered to do your research, you'd notice that colleges are ACTIVELY seeking out homeschoolers, just as much or more so than public schoolers and private schoolers.
Nice try, but do real work next time, you're evidence is as full of holes as swiss cheese.
You were public schooled weren't you?
Maybe you should look into fact before you write, maybe find something that's actually true...
There are homeschooling communities all over the U.S. that provide the socialization that you claim that homeschoolers don't get, including three huge ones in Austin, TX.Homeschoolers integrate better with people of all ages, and they don't have the damned pack mentality that public schoolers seem to develop.
And if you bothered to do your research, you'd notice that colleges are ACTIVELY seeking out homeschoolers, just as much or more so than public schoolers and private schoolers.
Nice try, but do real work next time, you're evidence is as full of holes as swiss cheese.
4/16/2005 c1 4serpent's fire
I agree, in ninth grade I made a friend who was home schooled untill she was13 this was her first year of interacting with other people. Dawn was ackward, unsure and willing to go along with what others thought was best.She was un able to talk or argue with anyone especially when they were emotional or loud. Fortunily our group was a rather good one. She was lucky, we were into music art, advanced classes band debate clubs and other good activies. I shutter to think that she might have found instead friends that were into drugs or alcholl or gangs. Home schooling just dosen't prepare children for the realities of life or give them oppertunities to make choices good or bad. It dosen't give them a chance to develop their world views and ablity to defend them.
4serpent's fireI agree, in ninth grade I made a friend who was home schooled untill she was13 this was her first year of interacting with other people. Dawn was ackward, unsure and willing to go along with what others thought was best.She was un able to talk or argue with anyone especially when they were emotional or loud. Fortunily our group was a rather good one. She was lucky, we were into music art, advanced classes band debate clubs and other good activies. I shutter to think that she might have found instead friends that were into drugs or alcholl or gangs. Home schooling just dosen't prepare children for the realities of life or give them oppertunities to make choices good or bad. It dosen't give them a chance to develop their world views and ablity to defend them.