Posted by Validus (other posts) on February 11, 2014 at 08:25:29 Previous Next
In Reply to: Re: Hair History questions. posted by Michael ''Strong Bear'' Taylor on February 08, 2014 at 22:39:46:
The most common argument against home schooling has to do with socialization. In fact, my children are FAR more comfortable with and capable of socializing with a broad range of people, than are most other kids their age (who attend traditional schools). I believe attending school usually does more to hamper kids' ability to truly socialize than it does to help it. At best, most of these children learn to interact with others their own age, give or take a year or so, but have little-to-no ability to capably interact with people outside of their comfort zone (i.e., younger children, adults, elders, etc.). Worse still is the fact that, more and more, even their interactions with each other aren't really WITH each other, but with an electronic device. In my opinion, home schooling--done properly--beats sending your kids to a traditional school in every way, from academically, to socially, to physically... even nutritionally!
I understand how you might feel overwhelmed at the thought of home schooling your other son, though I doubt you will regret doing so in the long run. Have you explored the option of home-based charter schools, if they are available in your state? Our children are enrolled in one, which is technically a public school run by the state, but works like this:
At the beginning of the school year, we are allotted a budget for each child's curriculum (approximately $1,100 each). There are requirements that ensure our kids receive schooling in certain core subjects (Math, Science, Language, etc.), in addition to the Arts, Wellness, etc., but we are free to design their actual curricula based on their own particular strengths and interests. For example, my 13-year-old son is a big fan of Doctor Who and Star Wars; next school year, we will be tying these interests into his studies of science (physics and astronomy), art (prop and costume building), and history (The Doctor is a time traveler, after all!). We shop around and provide the charter school with a list of books and materials we would like to use (including things like art supplies and educational kits), and they use the money allotted to each child to purchase them. We pick up the materials from the school, and provide the education at home. Once the kids are done with them, any books or reusable items become a part of the charter school's lending library, and can be used by any other participating family. The curriculum money can also be used to pay for such things as music lessons, athletic team fees, and the like. The school also provides each family with a laptop computer. Four times per year, we meet with the school principal to show examples of the kids' work, tests, etc., and every three years the kids participate in the state's standardized testing. We have found both the financial and technical/educational support to be extremely helpful, and well worth the small hassle of having to jump through a few of the state's hoops.
I don't doubt that being home schooled has, at the very least, certainly lessened the pressure your son might otherwise feel to keep his hair short. Good luck in finding the best path for your kids' education. Feel free to contact me with any other questions regarding home schooling... I'd be happy to share whatever I can!
Cheers,
Val