Comments on: Homeschooling: thoughts from a 17-year-old

By: Emily

Emily — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:49:53 +0000

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

By: Ali

Ali — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:10:58 +0000

Here, here! I, too, am a homeschooled senior.

By: Susanna Rose

Susanna Rose — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:51:22 +0000

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!

By: Joshua Keel

Joshua Keel — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:21:18 +0000

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?

By: Tori

Tori — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:13:43 +0000

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.

By: Anna

Anna — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:53:21 +0000

(Although no one knew until this moment that this commenter was a homeschooler…)

By: Kayla

Kayla — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:51:55 +0000

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…)

By: Kaysie

Kaysie — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:22:50 +0000

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!

By: Kelsey

Kelsey — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:14:39 +0000

As a homeschooled senior myself, I would have to agree