Encouragement to struggling homeschoolers

I am sure you know the stats by now.  Homeschoolers test better than public school students.  Homeschoolers are highly sought by colleges, especially Christian Colleges, and also Ivy League.  Homeschoolers seem to excel across the board.

But this is the average.  If there's a high, there's got to be a low.  What about in the case where the child HAD to homeschool because there was no way she was going to keep up in school.  What about the kid who left high school on an IEP that had him destined for hard labor at best. These kids may not come out at the top of the Standardized Test scale, but they still have redeeming value that makes them college material and successful business people thereafter.

This is a story of a young man in particular who had such an experience.  He went to public school through middle school, then had no choice but to homeschool for high school.  He started off behind the ball, so to speak. In four years, he had to re-learn everything he'd not learned in his formative years, while getting up to standard enough to prepare for college.  Ideally, he probably should have homeschooled for six years to be a strong college candidate, but that would have made him 20 by graduation.  So he did his best and submitted his applications, playing up his strengths to the best of his abilities.  Rejection letter, after rejection letter came, but ultimately, he found a match that was good for him and an asset for the school. (Being an Eagle Scout and doing lots of mission work is what probably won them over).

So I guess what I am saying is that your homeschooler does not have to be a rocket scientist to get into a good college.  Your child does need to have strong interests and passions and show that they are leadership material.   Even if college is not the goal for your child, it is important remember that leaders don't necessary hold the knowledge to do the job.  Instead they know how to put the right people in the right places to get the job done.


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Dear undocumented alien students:

I feel bad for you, the undocumented alien students who want to go to college, but is it really fair to demand entry into colleges without first taking steps to becoming legal residents?  

About 200 protesters rallied inside the Capitol to protest the state's new immigration reform law scheduled to go into effect on Friday. Many of the demonstrators said they were undocumented students at metro Atlanta high schools... "It is not OK for all these students to sit at home with all this talent and not be able to go to college," Guerrero said. "I'm not OK with knowing there are 74,000 undocumented students in the state of Georgia."   


Full story here 

My problem is not with these kids wanting a college education, but that they are undocumented.

Yes, your parents brought you into the country when you were young and you could not do anything about it.
Yes, you finished high school, and want to go to college.
Yes, recent rules are preventing you to do so.

But... why not take a year or two and go through the process of getting legal?  You are an adult now.   Make it right.  As the wife of a documented alien who became an American Citizen a couple of years ago, I know that there are many issues dealing with being an alien resident... and that's even for the people who are legal.  I can't imagine the stress that an undocumented alien goes through.

However, to demand entry into colleges and using public money to do so without becoming legal is unfair to all of the kids who were born in the country or whose families took the legal route and had them documented.  There are only so many spaces.  There is only so much financial aid.

If anything needs to be changed, there needs to be an easy process for 18 year old's who have been in the country for 4 or more years to go through the process of becoming a citizen.  It may take a year off of your education timeline while becoming legal resident aliens, and possibly citizens, but it is better than looking over your shoulder for the rest of your life.

The cost of educating legal and illegal aliens
Financial aid Ok'd for illegal students in Califorina



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Gnawing away at the umbilical cord

My son is spending the week at the SCAD Atlanta Summer Seminar program and living on campus.  He is only 20 minutes away, but to me if feels like he's on the other side of the country.  As he is a naturally quiet and shy person, I thought the transition would be rough.  Normally when he's away from home it is with people he knows, but this time, not a single person he has ever met before it with him.

I know he is doing well because he won't call and he won't write.  The most I am getting is one word text messages.

I text to ask "is everything cool?"  He answers "yes".
I text "are you having fun?"  He answers "yes".

I guess that's good.... probably very good. I'll take that.


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People Don't Want Teachers (part 2)

My last post on People Don't Want Teachers, I mentioned how in my area, there aren't a lot of parent run homeschool co-ops but instead hybrid schools so parents can essentially check out for a few hours or even for a full day.  I am not saying there is anything wrong with that, (especially since I live my child-free Mondays) it is just an observation that parents like to take advantage of the time the kids are with teachers, meaning these teachers also become babysitters.

In public schools, this is multiplied exponentially. I remember standing at the school bus stop back when my kids went to public school.  Mom's started debating year round schooling.  One mom insisted that it was necessary because parent's didn't get summers off and had to PAY for childcare during that time of the year.  She felt that if school was year round, then parents would be able to save money and not need childcare.  I was kinda floored. When I replied that childcare was not the purpose of school, learning was, she got annoyed.

I think of parents, we must learn to differentiate between education and childcare for our kids.  While the two things can and do overlap, we musn't fool ourselves that when our kids are not in our care, that someone else isn't parenting them.  We also musn't fool ourselves that all the time spent in school or in classrooms are spent actively learning.


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People don't want teachers

 People don't want teachers... they want babysitters.

My husband and I were just having a conversation about SKYPE.  He was telling me about someone he knows who got an online certificate to marry people and now he is not only marrying people, but he is doing it without ever leaving his home!... He just fires up his iPad, and he marries them virtually!

I know Skype is awesome I say, while the virtual officiant thing is stupid (IMOP). Too bad that would never work for homeschool teachers, is the next thing I realize.  Too many parents want to be able to leave and go take a break when their children are taking classes and tutoring.  They don't just want to person to impart knowledge to their kids... they want them to take full charge of them...to babysit them as well.

I think this is why homeschool co-ops aren't working in my area.  We had a great co-op once, but none of the parents wanted to teach or supervise.  Now, instead we are all paying private school prices for our kids to be in a homeschool-school one or two days a week, and taking a spa day for ourselves.

I can't condemn it is a horrible thing if I am doing it myself...  but it is an interesting realization.

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Things that blow me away about public school.

It blows me away when a parent does not know that their child is failing in school.

It blows me away when a parent somehow doesn't see report cards.

It blows me away that schools don't require face to face meetings when a child fails a class or two or three.

It blows me away that my local school charges parents for summer school classes... it almost seems like a racket.  Let the child fail with no intervention and then charge the parent an arm and a leg to take the class again.

Is it just me bothered by these things.


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Homeschooling does not have to be expensive.

Note:  The inexpensive curriculum I purchased for my nephew were "Teacher Wraparound" editions of public school textbooks.  These books have the same page the student's edition would have, but it is a bigger page with notes written on the sides and bottom to give the "teacher" information on presenting the material to the students.  A highly involved parent with average intelligence can easily teach from these books. 

Just search for "teacher wraparound" on Amazon.com with the subject you need.  Here's an example:

ps.  Older editions, USED, cost just a few dollars plus shipping. 


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After homeschooling

 Yeah, I am talking about homeschooling being almost over... a lot.  In watching the Today show, they featured a woman who had been a stay at home mom like most of use homeschooling moms are, and she decided to become a wedding planner after planning her daughter's wedding.  She was told that she was an excellent fit by the vendors she worked with and so moved forward to pursue her dream.

My dream has changed so much over the years.  I am first, and foremost an artist, but I so love working with my kids and I love writing and talking about homeschooling.  Will I stay involved in homeschooling, and market myself as an expert?  Will I go back to my artwork?  Will I find a happy medium where I do a little of both?

These are things that keep me up at night.


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Homeschool study hall?

I spent the bulk of last week in a coffee shop.  Since my daughter had to be in Atlanta this week for her internship, I found a nice place to work and play on my computer while I waited for her.

I also took the time to observe the people in the coffee shop, which by the way was jam-packed with people... young people... and older people too.  It kind-of reminded me of homeschooling.  All of these people co-existed together, all in each other's space, without anyone getting bent out of shape.

Well, actually, I got bent out of shape a little when someone put their dirty-used cup on a table I was using to eat a salad... That was annoying, but I merely lifted an eyebrow, and had the cup taken away.  As the week moved on, I found myself playing twister with people as we plugged in and unplugged computers, sometimes each-other's accidentally.  I found myself watching laptops for people as they went to the bathroom, and asking the same for myself. 

One time I looked up from the computer and observed everyone working shoulder to shoulder from front door to back door of the space.  It reminded me of the idea I once had to provide such a space for homeschooled teens... a place where they could get out of the house, and still get their school work done.  It would be kind of like a homeschool study hall. 

I wonder if something like this would work?



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Non traditional education, Tradtional graduation?

This New York Times article  almost suggests that homeschoolers are caving by having a traditional graduation after bucking the system and having a non-traditional education. 

Meanwhile, I am looking forward to my son's graduation next May and trying to figure out how to make a great big honking deal out of it.


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On Homeschoolers Promoting Homeschooling

I came across an article this week on homeschoolers promoting homeschooling, written by Sam Blumenfeld.  From what I can tell, he is a homeschool curriculum provider and speaker and homeschool conventions.  In the article, he suggests that Homeschoolers actively promote homeschooling through numerous channels.  They include having a homeschool book exhibit at the local library and  getting to know the local media, among other things.

I have to applaud his effort, but as a parent who has homeschooled for over 8 years, I suggest a different approach.  In my experience, nothing has won people over to homeschooling better than setting an example.  By simply homeschooling my own kids, appearing "normal", and having my kids thrive and turn into productive young adults, I have seen more people warm up to homeschooling and even consider it as a valid educational option. Sure it takes time, but it wins them over for good.

Sure, you can take promoting homeschooling on as a project, and try Mr. Blumenfeld's approach, but it seems very stressful, and you will need to do a lot of work to convince others to homeschool and to keep them on board.  Furthermore, it will take precious time away from your children's homeschool journey.


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I've been hit with a sunshine award.

Happy Elf Mom aka Mrs C. just gave me a sunshine award today.  Isn't it purty?

There are certain rules (though non mandatory) associated with said award and it includes telling 7 things about yourself and linking to other bloggers, thereby passing on the reward.

Trust me.  You really want to read Happy Elf Mom's entry... it is side-splitting.  I hope my is at least half as entertaining.  Here goes.  7 things about me:

1.  I'm bi-polar.  No, not in the diagnosed, institutionalized,  crazy kinda way, but in the "dang, that girl is moody" kind of way.  In the true sense of being a Gemini, I have moods, and my moods have moods.  You can't get to know me in one meeting, or even in a week.... you need a full year's exposure.  Still mostly I am happy because I choose to be... my reactions are just widely varied from "easy goes it" to "WHAT THE HAY!!!!!".

2.  My kids are as crazy as I am.  The girl may break into song and dance at any moment, or she may ignore you completely.  The boy is a little more balanced, he will either happy-grunt or annoyed-grunt.  I find it entertaining.,

3.  I love being around my kids.  I like sitting next to them.  Rubbing their arms, playing with their hands, and twirling their hair.  Every time I do it I realize that this may be the last time the let me... as they are growing up.  Sure they swat at me sometimes, but I have quick reflexes.

5. I am happily married for 19 years.  My husband deserves and award.

6.  I love learning.  This is probably why I am such a good match for homeschooling. I am thinking of going back to school when I am done homeschooling the kids... maybe get a Masters or PHD in education. ... or Pursue my art.  Maybe both... (observe the bipolar tendencies)

7.  I live in a big house, but that doesn't make me rich.  Every middle class family in Georgia has a big house.  When the kids are gone, I plan to sell it (if the market will move) and get a Condo in the city.

Now for a list of my favorite bloggers.

I would list Happy Elf Mom, but we could end up bouncing the same award back and forth forever.

I adore Sprittibee.  Her blog makes me giddy.  She's a homeschooling mom, but also has a life.

Rants from Mommy Land keeps me in stitches.  I kinda like a gal who's not afraid to cuss.

Darla at My Snellville Blog is my very special real life friend.  Her blog is hyper local and totally awesome.

MamaJulep likes to keep it real.  I never knew complaining about kids could be so entertaining.

So there it is... now you know me and you know who I like.  Guys it's your turn to pass on the sunshine award, but only if you want to.

(so nice I had to post it twice... I accidentally posted this at my Freehomeed blog by mistake.)
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Considering the track record...

Back when I started homeschooling, I looked around at nieces, nephews, and children of friends who were in school.   From what I could tell, too many of them were failing or had fallen behind in school.  I did not want to add to that statistic.

Today, I did a count of children in the family that are still in school.  Out of 10 children, less than half are thriving, some of them barely.  Still, homeschooling just seems crazy or is out of the question.

I just don't get it.

~The definition of insanity:  Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

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The Jolie-Pitt's: How they homeschool

I recently mentioned that Brangelina and clan are homeschooling. The Pitt family have confirmed as much in a recent interview.   Here's what is revealed about homeschooling according to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie:

1. They have no intention of sending the kids to school.
2. They have nannies and specialist teaches to do the work.
3. They live a nomadic, bohemian lifestyle which they feel is more educational than schools.
4. They feel that the current educational system does not match a modern way of life.
5. She likes the kids to get their schoolwork done so they can explore, play instruments, and read.
6. They use the international curriculum by the Lycee programme.  (It is a dual language program and it is pretty expensive for most of us homeschoolers.  They spend in one month per child what I spend in a year)

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Propaganda Vs. Reality

Just wanted to show off this video sent to me by a fellow homeschooler... gives a lot to think about.



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Atlanta Traffic Baffles me

 I am sitting in a very cool coffee bar in Atlanta called Octane.  It is near Atlantic station kind of in the warehouse district.  I am here because my daughter has an internship nearby with Fabrefaction Theater doing costuming.  In my mind, it doesn't make sense to drive down to Atlanta and back, and back again and then back home, when I always get more work done away from the distractions of my home. 

Anyway, here's what baffles me.  The kids have classes once or twice a week, about 40 minutes from our house, on the other side of our county.  It can take an hour to get there is traffic is difficult, but usually 45 minutes will do. (all street traffic with lots of stop lights)

What I discovered (or rediscovered today) is that it only takes 30 minutes to get into Atlanta if it is timed right.  Fortunately, my daughter's internship supervisor lives further northeast than we do, so she set times that made it super easy to avoid traffic.  yay. 

So all this time I have been whining and complaining about driving to Atlanta has just been noise.  It the traffic didn't make me so tense and leave my neck in knots, I could spend more time in Atlanta.  I know I am now open to finding more opportunities for my kids here.

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Marcia Gay Harden on Homeschooling (video)

As she sees it:

Children learn more in their travels
We cram too much information into children
What about family time?
Not against public school, but is enjoying the homeschool experience



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Late night vlogarama

Decided to do a late night vlog while watching late night TV.
~about making videos and graduating homeschoolers.


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Dear Sarah Burge.... Really?

Dear Sarah Burge, 

I just wanted to point out a few other things you could have done with the $10,000 voucher you just gave to your seven year old daughter for breast implants.  By the way, this kind of superficiality is the kind of thing that makes me so glad that we homeschooled. I'd hate for my girl to be infected with this bug.

1.  Start a college fund, so she can feel good about her mind and not worry so much about her body.
2. Buy her a treasury bond or put it in a high yield saving or stock account. Teach her how to invest and double her money.  That way she will grow to be independently wealthy and not need to use her looks to make money.
3.  Take her on a trip.  Tour Europe, Italy, or Africa so she can expand her knowledge of the world.  This will make her less superficial.
4. Donate the money to a charity in her name, or better yet, use the money to help her start a charity, so she will end up with a big heart instead of big boobs.

Get the point?

The only thing dumber than giving a 7 year old a voucher for a boob job is wasting good money on it.  It would be better to invest in her future mind and heart.  Not her future body.



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Dear Brangelina, Keep Homeschooling but.....

Dear Brangelina, Keep Homeschooling but..... Don't pick up the mantle as good will ambassadors for homeschooling like this article on the New American website suggests.

I do love the fact that more and more celebrities are trying homeschooling on for size, but to become a leader in the movement would add the issue of these celebrities laying out instructions for how to homeschool.  For example, Angelina and Brad homeschool with the help of tutors. ( John Edwards children were homeschooled similarly. )  While there is nothing wrong with hiring a tutor when you need one, the last thing I would like to see is for every homeschooler to feel pressured to hire a tutor to help with their kids.  This is financially impossible for many.  For others it is impractical as the child does not need thehelp.

I think I would dislike "homeschooling according to Brangelina" as much as I dislike HSLDA telling me how to vote. 

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Dear Judy Blume: Double Fudge is Double Dumb

Dear Judy Blume,

First of all, I love you.

I read my first book by you over 30 years ago, and have been a die-hard fan ever since.  In fact, I purchased a few book of yours for my daughter when she turned 11.  So imagine my surprise when I read the synopsis the book "Double Fudge".  Based on the synopsis, the book over exaggerates all of the worst stereotypes there are about homeschoolers from not having friends to not being "socialized. 

Really???

I am very disappointed.  May I suggest a new book looking at a realistic view of homeschoolers.  You are a writer, I would think you'd be a reader too.  If you were, you would know how much homeschoolers have accomplished, and how worldly they are.

Just as an example, right now, I am home alone as my almost 15 year old daughter is away for a week at the college she hopes to attend in the future.  While it may be a girl's college, she will be just turning 17 when she enrolls, and it is her choice (she's free to change her mind).  She had no problem walking away from us to spend a week with complete strangers, and has only texted me once the entire week.  My son (almost 17) and his two cousins of the same age are on an adventure as they went on a business trip with my husband who will be working, so they are exploring a new city.  Sure, my daughter bursts into songs spontaneously, but only because she is a singer with  plans of doing musical theater, and we have very few TV and electronic restrictions, so she is not mesmerized by the site of a TV.  My son has never licked or bit anyone.  Your portrayal of the homeschoolers in the book Double Fudge is downright insulting.  I'm hurt and disappointed.



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Homeschool Blogging A-Z: W is for Waving at the bus

When we started homeschooling many years ago, we also started a tradition of waving at the school bus.  At first, we would wave and smile while mumbling the word SUCKERS!  but my kids began to get rude about it, so I had to squash that part.  Now we just smile and wave and maybe say something like "better you than me".

Having ridden the school bus for 2 years before quitting school, my kids are truly glad to not have to crawl out of bed and onto a bus with kids, many of whom were not very pleasant, especially in the morning.

Speaking of waving at the bus, this kid (and his bus mates) must be the ONLY kids alive who enjoy riding the school bus, thanks to this wacky dad's antics. 


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Homeschool Blogging A-Z: V is for Videos

You know how people like to question homeschoolers saying "How do you plan to teach Algebra" or any other tough subject that you may or may not be familiar with or remember?  My answer is easy.  If my child is studying a subject that I can't or just won't grasp, I purchase a video.

For math we have used Teaching Textbook DVDs, DVD Tutor, Khan Academy and Yay Math online videos.
For history and science we have turned to hippocampus.org which teaches high school and AP level classes through video streaming.

For Spanish we have used the online video program, Destinos at Learner.org.

These are just a few of the video options we have used over the years, I wish I could use them all, but there are so many. 

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