3 February 2010, 12:26 pm
As we approach college applications as homeschoolers, we are often asked to explain our choice in education. What follows is a personal essay for a particular student. I thought it might be helpful and enlightening.
Why we chose to homeschool and our homeschooling philosophy
Zack is the second of three children. His older sister attended school, affording me the opportunity to spend three plus years volunteering in the Kindergarten classroom while Zack toddled at my side and my daughter progressed through third grade. Over this period, I watched and learned how the children were taught to read and write, how mathematics was introduced. I observed firsthand the benefits children derive from school, as well as the drawbacks, in one of the top elementary schools in the City of Philadelphia.
The school environment certainly provided structure and ample intellectual and creative stimulation. However, there were also some unexpected byproducts of mass education which caused me to hesitate. This was a time when the label “ADHD” was on the upswing – children were routinely placed on drug regimens, especially boys. This troubled me. I was also alarmed by the aggressive and violent behavior displayed by young children both in the classroom and on the playground. The social ills of our society were like beacons of distress shining brightly in the schools.
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Filed under Homeschooling, Issues, Personal Experiences.
Tagged applications, colleges, education, educational, elementary school, FLVS, high school, home education, Homeschooling, philosophy, reasons, school choice, school violence
6 October 2009, 12:23 pm
I recently spoke with a parent struggling with her son over “schoolwork”. She entices his cooperation with the offer of participation in “enrichment” activities with other homeschool kids. It’s not working. He refuses to complete work and consequently, does not participate in many activities with his peers.
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6 October 2009, 12:15 pm
“I’m going to homeschool Hannah,” Valerie said, referring to our seven-year-old granddaughter. She said it very calmly, which is the way she announces significant decisions she has made. I couldn’t believe Valerie wanted to homeschool. Isn’t that the main purpose of kindergarten and grade school, to give a harried parent a few hours off to repair the wounds and get ready for the afternoon onslaught? I thought it was a crazy idea but I didn’t advise against it.
Continue reading ‘You are going to do what with my granddaughter?’ »
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Tagged Academy of Natural Sciences, alternative education, education, family, Florida Aquarium, grandparents, Homeschooling, learning, parents, Philadelphia, schools, students, teachers
