Friday, May 15, 2009

Homeschooling?

Even though Lily is just barely a year old, I have been thinking about homeschooling lately. Now, I have several friends, family members and acquaintances that are both public and private school teachers. It is a very real possibility that I could be flogged by any one (or more!) of these dedicated professionals. My reasons for considering homeschooling have nothing to do with my perceived caliber of educators out there. I am sure there are some crappy ones, but I am willing to bet the house that a vast majority are dedicated teachers that do so not for the glory and riches of it, rather the true desire to shape future generations. See, so you can't all be totally pissed at me! It just seems that everywhere I turn, there is bleak and chilling news about the state of education (mostly public, though private doesn't seem to be immune)in this country. Layoffs, school closings, shortening the school week, increasing the class size, cutting resources and programs and on and on and on. Doesn't really make me want to sign my child (and hopefully future children) up.

And as far as what is taught in public schools, well, I don't know. I want my kids to be critical thinkers above all else. I want them to be able to decide for themselves what they think is true. I am all for learning evolution and creationism and intelligent design and that the world came to be because little green men thought earth looked like a nice place to take up residence. I think sex ed is important, but I am not sure to what degree. And I totally reserve the right to change my mind when Lily is approaching the age of The Talk. I'm not sure that any of the theories out there are wrong, or right. What I believe is what I believe. My kids don't have to agree, as long as they have sound reasoning. I don't want my kids homeschooled because I don't agree with what is taught in public school.

Of course, I am grossly under-qualified to be a teacher. I don't really know anything about teaching. Sure, I know I am teaching Lily things every day, but really, she is just one smart cookie. Give me a child of average intelligence and forget it...they wouldn't learn a thing. Just kidding...I know all parents think their children are brilliant...but mine really is...So why I am even thinking this is an option? I mean, realistically, a crappy public education, which isn't even necessarily what would be received, is bound to be better than what I can provide. Right? So why oh why has this been on my mind lately? No, really, seriously, I am asking.

I guess it may have to do with my little baby becoming her own person now. I can't imagine the day I will have to drop her off at school. Big, scary school. Which quite possibly will not be how my outgoing, friendly and independent child will view it. Heck, she will probably be happy to get away from me, if only for a few hours a day! I don't want to shelter her. Really, I don't. But scary things happen at schools across the country every day. That threat, along with the ever worsening conditions of schools lately make homeschooling look like a good option.

Oh what to do? What to do? Thank goodness I have a couple years...

3 comments:

Courtney said...

My son is 16 months old, and I have been having these exact same thoughts! I totally agree with you. The thought of sending him off to school completely freaks me out. But I'm with you....I am definitely not smart enough to be his teacher. I at least need to give the kid a fighting chance!

And when I mentioned this homeschooling idea to my husband, he was less than receptive. Homeschooling definitely seems like one of those things where you need lots of support from the hubby. But we've got a few years...who knows...

Alissa said...

This was on my mind for quite awhile too. I struggled with the decision as to whether or not I wanted to send my kids to public school. I had to decide whether or not it was MY issue... ie) I currently have control over every aspect of my kids' lives. I control what they eat, where they go, who they spend time with, make sure they're exposed to as few chemicals as possible, etc. At school I will have control over none of that. All the time and effort I've put into keeping my home toxin-free will go out the window at school, where the janitors will be cleaning with bleach and all kinds of nasty stuff. They will wash their hands with God-knows-what for soap. They will probably eat things that are not good for them. They may be taught things that I don't agree with. Basically everything I've worked hard to achieve at home will not carry over at school. But I think I've come to terms with that. I think the benefits will outweigh the risks. I think that if I do my job as a parent, they will be able to practice their critical thinking skills while they are at school, and not accept what they are taught at face-value. I hope that they challenge everything that they are taught, and do their own research. I think that public schools have lots of things to offer that I don't (like a teaching degree!). I want my kids to have lots of friends their own age, and be involved in team/group activities. I want them to go on class trips (and, of course, I want to go with them!) And also, when I consider how hard it currently is to juggle maintaining the home while also spending time with the kids, I honestly just can't imagine how I would find the time to teach them! (Unless I was un-schooling...). At least the teacher's only role during those school hours is teaching. Anyway, I still have a couple of months to decide, but for now I'm leaning toward sending them to school. That's not to say I won't change my mind! It's a tough decision, for sure!

Kelly said...

@Courtney - When I casually mentioned the idea to my husband, he was willing to discuss it, which is encouraging. I think over the next couple years, depending on where we are living and what is happening in the school district, we will have more serious discussions. But I definitely think spousal support is paramount!

@Alissa - I agree that part of my issue/concern probably has to do with control. And I also know that if I do a good job she will be able to make smart decisions, even from an early age. However, I don't agree that a teacher's only job is teaching. One of my main issues is that I have had many of the teachers I know tell me that they aren't only teachers, but sometimes parents, social workers etc. to 32 or more kids. And sometimes they spend so much time playing referee to unruly children that they don't get any teaching done. I understand that kids will be kids and unruly, etc, but when kids come from homes with poor parenting, with no sense of right and wrong, then the teacher's job becomes infinitely harder, and I don't want my child to end up in a classroom where little teaching is done because the teacher has such a huge class size and so many other "jobs".