Homeschooling: thoughts from a 17-year-old
Guest post by Krista (my sister)
I just wanted to say a little something about the benefits of homeschooling. First of all, many people are under the illusion that homeschoolers do not get enough “social interaction.” Well, considering I have been homeschooled my entire school career, and I am now a senior, I have a few things to say about that. Why are crude language, classes which teach things that you don’t agree with, and immature high-school gossip and drama considered “social interaction?” Honestly. I have found that while a lot of high-schoolers don’t like to talk to adults or can’t relate to them, I, along with most other homeschoolers, can converse quite well with people those who are older than us, not just those our own age.
Being homeschooled also gives a person many opportunities not just to better themselves, but to better the community. I have been privileged to be able to volunteer in the emergency room at the hospital for over three years now, which I wouldn’t have been able to do all year long if I went to public school.
I also believe that those who are homeschooled have a much better opportunity to get a good education because they can study at their own pace, pick the curriculum that suits them the best, and have a quiet place in which to learn.
Finally, I am not saying that those who go or went to a public school are not as smart as those who do not. It definitely depends on how each person handles their situation. Some may be better off to go to public school because they do not study well by themselves, or for any number of other reasons. It depends on each individual student, but overall I believe that it is more beneficial to be homeschooled.
As a homeschooled senior myself, I would have to agree
Amen, Krista! I would have to agree with you. The whole “social interaction” thing is quite a misconception. My mom often tells people that we have to actually cut out “social activities” in order to get any school done! We get more than enough social stimulation.
Loved your post. Great thoughts!
My sister. Now there’s a malajoit. If I’ve ever seen a malajoit it’s her.
(Meant in the best possible way of course)
Now is that well-written blogger a homeschooler or what? (we won’t speak of this commenter’s grammar…)
(Although no one knew until this moment that this commenter was a homeschooler…)
Agreed! Very well put! People talk to us a lot about “social interaction” and how we must not be able to socialize because we’re homeschooled! That’s crazy talk! I have grown up around adults and adult conversation, but I also have many friends my own age and older (most of whom go or did go to public school) and I can socialize with children all the way up to elderly people. It doesn’t bother me at all! We’re not social misfits – we fit in just fine!
Some people’s view of homeschooling is way crazy…..but just like I want them to respect our opinion, I need to respect theirs.
While I’ve certainly met some well-adjusted public school graduates, I’ve also seen several serious cases of boring personality syndrome. Why is it that the closest thing to conversation I have with these people revolves around a brand of clothing, a musical style or a TV show?
I enjoyed this post! And I must add that you look a lot like Anna!:)
I was homeschooled for three years between stints in a Christian school and then Public School all throughout high school. So I’ve had a taste of everything I suppose! Honestly, I had a really negative view of homeschooling while I was in the midst of it and it did seem to me that the kids I was surrounded by were socially “different.” What I mean is that it seemed they were either ultra serious at a very young age or else giggling all the time about stuff I personally did not find funny.
But, as I look back, I think my negative experiences had to do with several factors, which included the fact that:
a)I was homeschooled in Canada and there was as of then anyways a much smaller homeschooling community than in the states. There were fewer activities planned and almost all the kids I knew lived in the country while we lived in the suburbs. Their parents did not let them play with non-Christian kids or anything. These factors alone create differences and also meant we did not live close to anyone. There was not much diversity.
b)I was hardened in my heart and felt superior somehow I think because I felt I knew more about “the ways of the world” then most of the homeschooled peers I knew. I knew how to dress stylishly and listened to current music, etc. Shallow things like that but things that back then made me feel I was superior.
c)I hadn’t met my husband yet. My husband was homeschooled all the way through like you and he had a very positive experience. I look at him and how intelligent and hard working he is and I know that much of that can be attributed to homeschooling. Also, he learns and takes in knowledge so much better independently than I will ever be able to do. His homeschooled friends are awesome. I have a different perspective now and we talk about homeschooling our kids!
Sorry if my honesty bothers anyone but if you read all the way through, you will see that my views of homeschooling changed drastically over the years! Now I really admire the movement and regret how I saw things before!
Here, here! I, too, am a homeschooled senior.
Hi, I loooved your post!! It was so good! I agree with you totally! I was in public school up into about 2 months of 7th grade and then got home schooled. Its the best thing in the world!! [For me, not everyone] but there are SO many benefits!! Thanks for sharing!
-Emily