What do you all think about homeschooling?

[2getherwewin]

Homeschooling is great!  I have homeschool for two years going on.  I really enjoy it.  That I can be apart of that progress in my childrens lives.  Just seeing how smart kiids are.  It is amazing and at other times it can be tough.

[bschumacher]

I think it's a good idea. I'm a public school teacher. I feel that school is too often a brutal, chaotic environment for children where decisions are made by people who don't know or care about the kids' needs. Also, lots of time is wasted on paperwork and testing that have nothing to do with helping kids learn. Add to that budget cuts that have increased class sizes, decreased money for field trips, and removed arts programs! I try my best, but this is a heartbreaking situation.

Never doubt that you're doing the right thing for your children. Just make sure that they spend some time playing with their friends once they have finished studying.

[dbongi22]

Homeschooling can be great because the kids get so much extra attention. However, make sure they either participate in sports or spend time with friends because it's important that they learn social skills as well.

[strumcat]

Where I grew up, homeschooling was frowned upon because it consisted of unprepared parents taking spoiled little Johnny out of school because the teachers were unfair to him. Never mind that Johnny was selling drugs in the hall, setting the library on fire, etc. I was surprised to come to the Pacific Northwest and see involved parents who teach what they can and follow the state homeschool programs for the rest. They really make sure the kids are doing the work and then some. 90% of the ones I have come into contact with do Running Start and have their Associate's Degrees by the time they graduate from high school. I am now a believer!

[wsydephatty]

I think it's great if you can be consistant enough to follow through.  Make sure your child has plenty of opportunities to socialize.  Lot's of field trips.
Anybody heard of unschooling?

[magsz89]

No matter how great of a parent you are there comes a time when the influence of the others around your child outweighs anything you say. That is why homeschooling is great. In elementary school it will keep your child from getting bullied. In middle school it will prevent them from getting cocky. And in high school it will keep them away from sex drugs and alcohol. I know by personal experience. I just recently graduated high school and these are the vices that plague public schooling.

[home_teachin]

Homeschooling is great!  I have homeschool for two years going on.  I really enjoy it.  That I can be apart of that progress in my childrens lives.  Just seeing how smart kiids are.  It is amazing and at other times it can be tough.

How old are your kids? I homeschool my 12 year old.

[briannajeanxo]

I was home schooled, but online. It was so much easier for me! I learned a lot quicker then when I was in public school.

[yolanda30]

i think home schooling is very important for those students that don't believe they can make it in the real schools.

[ro901]

I think it is great but also need to be sure kids get to socialize with other peers.

[gafee2001]

In general, I think homeschooling is a weak idea. For the most part, parents aren't informed enough or have enough time to help their children learn effectively, let alone having enough of a knowledge base of material to get their kids into good colleges.

[2getherwewin]

My children 6 and twins 5 years old.  They are growing like weeds.

[jcribb16]

  I homeschooled my 3 children for several years.  We were under an "umbrella" home school group.  We met weekly for chapel services.  Afterwards, they would take elective classes (Science Lab, Music, Photography, PE, etc.)  Then everyone gathered back together for refreshments, chatting, outside play, etc.  It made for a long, busy, but fun and rewarding day.  My children enjoyed homeschooling.  Also, I am a teacher, as well, who taught in the system before taking time to homeschool, and am back teaching now that they are adults.

[wsydephatty]

In general, I think homeschooling is a weak idea. For the most part, parents aren't informed enough or have enough time to help their children learn effectively, let alone having enough of a knowledge base of material to get their kids into good colleges.

Kids are tested regularly by the state
I think most public schools are a waste of time
But there are some parents out there that really shouldn't be homeschooling

[jugbear88]

I was homeschooled from Kindergarten thru 6th grade. I loved it, and I intend to homeschool my son. 
Public schools here in Oregon are a joke. If you want your child to be bilingual then yeah, but even then, your child wont have as much attention to their schoolwork as the Hispanic students. Dont get me wrong, I have no problem with ANYONE, I just feel that students should get an equal amount of attention in public schools. Afterall, those who pay taxes pay into the schools.

Homeschooling is a good idea for those who are okay with teaching. Some parents should not teach their children, as they dont have a clue to what they are doing. However, there are curriculums that take parents step by step through teaching, and most people can teach them just fine.

If you intend to homeschool, check your states laws, as most states require testing. Ususally testing accurs in 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7-12th.
Also I think its ok for parents to want to homeschool, but hire a private teacher to do the lessons.