When I took my kids out of public school (for a variety of reasons that did include the “cookie-cutter” reality although that was not at the top of the list at that point) I went ahead and let them finish out the school year. It wasn’t until later on that I learned that I didn’t HAVE to let them finish out the year – a child can be withdrawn at any time, for the most part (although you’ll want to check your state’s specific laws and requirements on this one). So if you find things getting too difficult with your son, you might consider early withdrawal. That would have the added benefit of giving him time to “de-school,” the process of un-learning the notion that math can only be done between 9:25 and 10:05 am in THAT particular building and that home is only for playing, not learning. We had to take a full 9 months of very simplified schooling before getting a solid homeschooling routine that worked well, because the kids were so accustomed to the public school way of doing things. I believe that a few months of decompression are very wise, and probably the very best advice I got when I took the leap and pulled them out.

All that to say, even in this simple thing, you don’t have to comform if you don’t want to! :-)

Good luck with homeschooling!
Jodi

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My problem is that I hate working, love being a mom, but is there is something to be said about having to do something even if you don’t like it.

My husband is one of those super smart people that was bored in public school, but his parents did not have any other options. So now he works a good job, but does not have a college degree and he does not know how to really be a good student and so he is slow to return to college. He wants a degree but does not want to play the game because he never played it in grade/high school.

I am rambling. My point? All options have pros and cons and I hope that no matter what a parent and child decide that they are behind it 100% and are there helping as much as needed.

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Jessica
http://www.practicalnourishment.com

I’m geting ready to write a review of the book on my blog soon. He puts into words what I feel, and much more eloquently than I can. And he was a public school teacher for over 30 years.

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Ok…this is getting long so now I want to comment on the actually article. I loved it! I am going to forward it on to my friends. I thought that the 10 reasons to not like public school were very true. And Calvin is one of my favorite cartoons. :o)

Great post Tiffany.

Exactly. My husband’s mom is a college educated certified teacher in the state of Texas, and now that the kids are out of the house, she does teach in a school, and it FREAKS ME OUT! Super sadly, IMO, is that they were a part of a Homeschool Association, but they still did not get the help they needed in some subjects.

I have no problem with homeschooling. I know it does not work for me at this time, and those who can do it and do it well should be rewarded rather than chastised, but those who are not qualified and/or have weaknesses they are unwilling to admit create a bad image for those who are doing it well.

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I understand your point that not all parents are qualified to be their chidlren’s one and only teacher…kind of. But most homeschoolers I know…myself included…will outsource what we can’t do. My son loves math so if he wants to learn advanced algebra and calculus I know that I will not be the best person to teach him…although my hubby could. Sooo…I will get him a math tutor when that times comes. If he wants to learn to play the violin I will get him a voilin teacher. If he wants to learn Japanese I will hook him up with the resources he needs. MOST of the homeschool mamas I know would do the same.

IMO being a ceritified teacher doesn’t automatically make you qualifed to teach.

I don’t think the problem is the teachers or administrators for the most part. Often times they have to struggle with the same issues I mentioned above. In fact my son’s teacher doesn’t actually think my son is academically behind at all…but yet the standards she HAS to follow would require here to flunk my son out if his reading and writing doesn’t improve and fall in line with cookie cutter standards. That is her reality and she doesn’t agree with it. I feel for teachers who want to teach a certain way and can’t.

One last comment, your discussion with your son, wasn’t that bad, in my opinion. Telling your son it was his responsibility isn’t telling him that school is drudgery or doesn’t have to be fun. It is being a realistic mom and pointing out that sometimes we don’t want to do things but once we’re there it’s what we make of it. I don’t like to get up and change diapers and wash sippy cups but I love to play with my kids and get hugs and kisses and teach them. Sometimes you might not like to go some place but you like to see your friends and you like recess and you like math, etc. Pointing out the positives changes the entire conversation.

As always, great post.

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That being said, if our son is not thriving in that situation, we will pursue other options. No need for him to hate school/learning/etc.

Maria’s last blog post..Basketball mourning….

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