Youth Leadership

Of Kings And Youth Leadership
By Daviyd Peterson

(Isaiah 11:6 KJV) The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

If ever there was a time for youth leadership development for our future, then that time is now. Homeschooling our children to give them a better education is the goal of every homeschooling parent and an additional goal should also underly your convictions - that your child be trained to lead others to follow in the right way.

For those who may feel that my child is too young to learn how to lead, let me refer you to more words of wisdom on training up a child. '(2 Chronicles 24:1 KJV) Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem.' Since our public schools are training up our children to not follow or lead in an ethical or moral manner then homeschooling parents have no choice but to take matters into their own hands. 'Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.' Others have challenged that we can't all teach our children to be leaders - and those wise enough beg to differ as we realize that a nation of leaders will have the same goals to follow those who will lead toward a more complete and moral life today and tomorrow.

Leadership is a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective and directs the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent. Leaders carry out this process by applying their leadership attributes, such as beliefs, values, ethics, character, knowledge, and skills. There are ways to simplify development of leadership skills in youth and home schooling is the right environment to apply what is needed for good character.

To place these goals on a child to where they will be able to accomplish them is to make them into habits that they become used to doing on a daily basis. For example, the leadership attribute skills for a 6 year old would be picking up his/her room as a habit that younger siblings would see and follow his/her example.

Simple goals made into habits can make a child used to doing small things which in later life will become great things, remember Proverbs 22:6. Let's look at Martin Luther King Jr. who was ordained as a Baptist minister at age 18. He entered nearby Morehouse College at age 15 and graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1948, He won a second-place prize in a speech contest while an undergraduate at Morehouse, but received Cs in two public-speaking courses in his first year at Crozer. Martin Luther King Jr. may not have had all the knowledge he needed at the time, but the knowledge he gained later made him into an orator with character. So don't get your feathers ruffled if some of the subjects your home schooled child learns at home

At the age of thirty-five, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement. An example of applying ones values to the organization.

Martin Luther King Jr. applied his beliefs and ethics to everything around and it lead him and others in the right direction. He directed the peaceful march on Washington, D.C., of 250,000 people to whom he delivered his address, "l Have a Dream", he conferred with President John F. Kennedy and campaigned for President Lyndon B. Johnson; he was arrested upwards of twenty times and assaulted at least four times; he was awarded five honorary degrees; was named Man of the Year by Time magazine in 1963; and became not only the symbolic leader of American blacks but also a world figure.

Set the example- We must become the change we want to see - Mahatma Gandhi

Leadership differs in that it makes the followers want to achieve high goals, rather than simply bossing people around.

Giving our children the Christian youth leader resources prepare them to have a proper path for vision and school leadership. The youth of the nation need better direction and home schooled children are in an environment to help lead others in the direction that will give our nation a greatness that history will be proud to chronicle.

Daviyd Peterson: 12-year consultant, instructor, trainer of digital divide solutions for both home and business. Helps African American and minority Small Business Enterprises bridge the digital divide by becoming wireless Small Office Digital Offices (SODO).

http://www.daviydthepencilpusher.wordpress.com/
daviyd@bluebottle.com

Home School Decisions

Home School Decisions
By Steve Brummet

Just thinking about taking your kids out of the traditional public or private school is terrifying, isn’t it? Being intimidated by moving forward to something new isn’t really about doing the new. It is more a fear of leaving the comfortable behind.





An old pair of shoes

Do you have a really comfortable pair of shoes? They may be slippers or tennis shoes. It doesn’t matter what kind of shoes, just so comfortable that you can slip into them like an old habit. These are the kind of shoes that you can’t wait to get into after a hard day of work. Like Mr. Rogers slipping on his blue pair of Keds. Won’t you be my neighbor?

I have a pair of shoes like that. They are so comfortable that I could probably fall asleep in them. And that may be the problem.

A new pair of shoes.

Do you remember when you were a kid and got the new pair of tennis shoes? I bet you felt like you could run faster and jump higher when you put them on. We recently bought my son a new pair of Batman tennis shoes. He took off! I didn’t even have to wind him up.

Comfortable habits like comfortable shoes are nice to have, but I want to encourage you to try on a new pair of shoes every once in a while. Trying something new, like a new pair of shoes, may be uncomfortable at first, but it will make you feel like you can run faster, jump higher and be just plain invincible.

The decision to homeschool is not as trivial as putting on a new pair of shoes. It may be one of the most important decisions you have ever made. Please carefully consider your options. Is it right for your children? Is it right for your family? I just want to encourage you NOT to make the decision based on comfort.

If homeschooling stretches your comfort zone and challenges your children, do it. If you know that homeschooling is the best option for your children, but you are pushing back because it might be uncomfortable, do it.

No one ever grew by staying put and staying comfortable. No parent ever raised their children to become excellent adults by taking the easy way. Go get a new pair of shoes today.

Steve Brummet is a communication expert, writer and speaker who works with all types of organizations to increase understanding of communication styles.

Better communication can help you and your organization reduce stress and increase productivity. For more information on one of our workshops, please feel free to call or write.

http://www.communicationspeaker.com/
steve@stevebrummet.com
972-548-6048
214-578-4172

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Homeschooling your child

How To Homeschool Without Making Your Child An Outcast
By Michael Nelson

If you are currently homeschooling or considering homeschooling your child, you probably know all the benefits homeschooling can provide. You’ll have more control over the curriculum, be able to customize teaching to your child’s personal learning style, and avoid the pressures and dangers of public schools. However, are you aware of the major mental and social damage you can cause if you don’t make the right choices?



Photo: seattlepi.nwsource.com

Children need friends. Usually, they meet their friends in school. Take a child out of school, and where will they meet potential play partners? What will the other kids think of your homeschooled child? Like it or not, children in public schools often think that homeschooled children are not in public school because of mental disorders, behavioral problems, or “freaky” parents. Your child might be made fun of or picked on because he isn’t considered normal. These challenges must be overcome if you want your child to have a positive social life and be able to function amongst their peers when they get to college.

By deciding to homeschool, it becomes the parent’s responsibility to find friendships for the child. This task is just as important as the actual schoolwork. The following tips will get you started towards placing your child on the track of a positive social life.

Know your neighborhood: Start with where you live. How many children close to your child’s age live nearby? Do you know the parents? If not, you need to. Seek out parents nearby. Let them know you have a child that you’d like to set up a play date for. Since you’re the one initiating these meetings, you’re also the one who needs to do the organizing. Have a party. Hire a clown. Invite all the local kids over. Invite other kids and their parents to a ballgame, fishing, bowling, or any other activity that children enjoy. Or even offer to baby-sit.

Sports are important: Next to school, sports teams provide the best environment for your child to form deep bonds with other kids. They spend a lot of time at practice and root for each other in games. Also, you’ll be meeting other parents while watching all the games. If your child has physical problems or would embarrass himself on a playing field, get them involved in activities like Boy/Girl Scouts or any other local organization for children.

Let Pop Culture into the Home: Some homeschooling parents maintain strict control over what their child is allowed to listen to on the radio, watch on television, and what they do on the internet. While it is important to keep them away from dangerous situations, it is also important to let them be exposed to the same influences as other children. Remember that your child is already facing an uphill battle to not be considered “weird.” Imagine how much worse it would be for them if they didn’t know any of the hot bands, cool TV shows, or what type of clothes other kids wear? Without being exposed to mainstream culture, they will have little to talk about with other children and will have a hard time relating to others.

To read a complete collection of Homeschooling articles, visithttp://www.homeschoolingsecrets.info/

The Laid Back Parents

The Laid Back Parents Guide to Teaching Your Child to Read
By Carrie Lauth

At first I thought of titling this article "The Lazy Parent's Guide" but then I realized that most parents aren't lazy, but they may have a slightly different philosophy about children and learning.


Photo: lilsugar.com

If you're a big reader yourself or if you're homeschooling, you're probably concerned about how to teach your child to read. Reading is one of the most important skills a person can learn, and a great joy in life.

My laid-back methods of teaching a child to read:

1) Be a reader yourself

Children naturally want to copy adult behavior. If your kids see you often with your nose in a book, they will probably begin to wonder what is so interesting about this activity.

2) Read to your kids

This is probably a huge no-brainer. Read to your kids early and often. And don't read in order to "teach your child how to read". I believe that the best way to teach your child to read is to NOT teach your child to read!

Read to your child because you enjoy it and it's fun. Some forward-thinking education experts believe that the teaching of reading is mostly what prevents reading. After all, don't adults read as a means to an end? Because they want to learn something or because they enjoy the act of reading?

3) Don't worry so much

Don't worry about a right or wrong way of reading to your child.

If your preschool-age child isn't interested in books yet, or won't sit still for more than 30 seconds to finish a story, don't fret.

If your 3 year old wants to point at pictures or turn to favorite pages and ask a million questions, don't fuss.

Children learn in different ways than adults do and I don't think anyone knows enough about the human mind to figure it all out. Make reading together pleasant, not stressful.

And don't worry about how old your child is when they learn to read. If they're reading at 3 or at 8, studies show that it makes little difference in their intelligence or ability by the time they reach middle school.

4) Pick topics that interest your child

My oldest son's interest in reading really skyrocketed when we started the Series of Unfortunate Events books by Lemony Snicket. We would sit for hours and read aloud together when he was only 5 or 6. Visit Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events for more information about these books.

These books were technically above his age level, but I advise you to forget all that.

John Holt, the legendary educator and author, has been quoted as saying:

"It’s nice to have children’s books, but far too many of them have too much in the way of pictures. When children see books, as they do in the family where the adults read, with pages and pages and pages of print, it becomes pretty clear that if you’re going to find out what’s in those books, you’re going to have to read from that print. I don’t think there’s any way to make
reading interesting to children in a family in which it isn’t interesting to adults."

So let your child pick books from the library or bookstore and don't concern yourself about whether the titles are "age appropriate".

Above all, have fun snuggling up with your child and enjoy reading together!

Carrie Lauth publishes an informative newsletter for Moms doing things the naturalway. Get your subscriber goodies at http://www.natural-moms.com/

Home Teaching Method

Which Home Teaching Method Is For You
By Mary Joyce

As a homeschooling parent you will be able to pick from one or any combination of home teaching resources that best fit your philosophical or religious beliefs. Much of the success of your teaching endeavor will depend upon integrating your teaching method with your child’s learning style. Hence the question, after you have committed to homeschool teaching …. How do you teach your children?


Photo: bonsfeather.com

Read everything about homeschooling you can … then read some more. Obviously books and articles, but in today’s world, online at home teaching information is abundant. Get a feel for what fits for you. Don’t forget about discussion forums on the web. Join them. They are a great homeschooling resource.

As a parent you obviously spend a great deal of time around your children. Now after spending some time reading and learning about various home school teaching methods and perhaps leaning toward one (or more than one), it’s now time to perhaps observe your child in a different light. Focus now on how your child learns. That’s right make notes. Maybe your child learns better by listening, maybe by doing, or perhaps the best teaching method may be more visual.

If you are just starting out, a more traditional school at home approach may be the easiest to get up and going. And this is fine. Remember being comfortable with the teaching methodology is a large part of the recipe. Using this technique usually means the expectation for the child is to learn certain unit studies and certain times.

There are many different types of school at home curriculum packages that you can choose from. Don’t worry if you don’t find any one that you feel perfectly matches your home teaching style. In fact, many home schooling parents use a combination of several different packages that they have, over time, modified and tailored to meet their specific family’s needs. What you don’t want to do is try to force a particular curriculum to work. Again, pick and choose what works for you and don’t forget about the many online homeschooling materials available to you.

Read. Read some more. Observe how your child learns. Pick and choose and co-mingle more than one homeschool curriculum if needed. Modify your home teaching methods over time for a best fit, and the chances of a resounding success for you and your child will be greatly increased!

Mary Joyce is a former educator, successful homeschool parent, and the primary contributor to the Homeschool-Curriculum-4u website. Please visit http://www.homeschool-curriculum-4u.com/ for a complete list of Mary's articles, resources on homeschool, ideas, and curriculum information. Also tips guides and how-to's to help you successfully teach your child at home.

Criticism

Opposition comes from varied sources, including organizations of teachers and school districts. The National Education Association – a teachers' union, and the largest labor union in the United States is on record as opposing homeschooling outright, though in recent years it has not been as outspoken.



Photo: acetutoringofusa.com

Opponents state concerns falling into several categories: academic quality and completeness; reduced funding for public schools; lack of socialization with peers of different ethnic and religious backgrounds; fear of religious or social extremism; that homeschool curricula often exclude critical subjects; that parents are sheltering their children, or denying them opportunities that are their right such as social development, or providing an unfair advantage over students whose parents lack the time or money to homeschool.

There are studies that conclude that homeschooled students do extremely well on average on standardized tests. However, these studies generally compare voluntary homeschool testing with mandatory public-school testing, because the study organizers cannot require testing. Some states require testing for homeschooled students and some do not; many that do require testing let homeschooling parents choose from more than one evaluation method. The demographics of homeschooling are difficult to compare to traditional schools, or even to define. Agencies, parents, and studies may disagree as to which students "count" as homeschooled. Some people have argued that homeschooled students, especially those who are likely to be tested, are an atypical group whose parents care strongly about their education and would also do well in a conventional school.

Some scholars see potential civic dangers in certain forms of homeschooling. Robert Reich, for example, writes that homeschool can potentially give students a very one-sided view of things, as their parents may, even unwittingly, block or diminish all points of view but their own in teaching. This may make students unable to think for themselves or to adapt to multiple points of view. He also argues that part of being a citizen is having something in common with fellow-citizens, and homeschool diminishes that by reducing students' contact with peers. In short, while homeschooling can be good, Reich warns that those practicing it must avoid these dangers.

Gallup polls of American voters have shown a significant change in attitude in the last twenty years, from 73% opposed to home education in 1985 to 54% opposed in 2001.

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Unschooling - Cost to families

There may be a financial impact on families in addition to the purchase of school supplies and curriculum materials, as one parent (typically the mother) usually refrains from employment outside the home in order to supervise the child's education. Some compensate by running a business as a family, working from home, or enlisting the help of friends or relatives during the hours in which the adults are working.



Photo: instituteforfamilies.org

The tangible costs associated with homeschooling are as variable as the reasons and philosophical approaches. Scholastic Achievement and Demographic Characteristics of Home School Students in 1998, Lawrence M. Rudner, Table 2.12, tracked expenditures running from less than $200 to greater than $2000, per student. Notably, the three largest categories were the lowest three levels of expenditure. Students in the $200 or less category were in third – 17.9% of all students – $400-$599 was second – with 21.5% – the largest single category, at 33.8%, was the $200-$399 range. The highest 5 expenditure categories combined – ranging from $600 to $2000 per student – amount to 25.1% of the total, and only 2% of homeschool students lived in households that spent $2000 and over.

All of these levels were well below the U.S. national average expenditure for public school students in 1998; $6200-$6500 per student. The majority utilized less than 10% of public school expenditures.

The study did indicate a relationship between the amount of money spent on homeschool students and academic achievement.

Independent School

An independent school is a school which is not dependent upon national or local government for financing its operation and is instead operated by tuition charges, gifts, and in some cases the investment yield of an endowment.



Photo: bced.gov.bc.ca

The terms independent school and private school are often synonyms in popular usage in the U.S. and in Canada. Independent schools may have a religious affiliation, but the more precise usage of the term excludes parochial schools and other schools with financial dependence upon outside organizations.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the more prestigious independent schools are known as public schools, sometimes categorised as major and minor public schools. Membership of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference is often considered as what defines a school as a public school, though this includes many independent grammar schools. When founded, such schools were indeed 'public', that is intended for those who could not afford education; they have long since lost their raison d'être. Detractors of present day public schools generally prefer the term 'private school'.

In Scotland, those schools which are not dependent on state funding are known as independent schools.

In Australia, where the term is also used interchangeably with private school, independent schools are the fastest growing education sector and over 85% of them have a religious or church affiliation. There are currently 1,078 independent schools catering for 491,000 students in Australia (as of 2006). Some independent schools are prestigious and enrolment highly sought after, with tuition fees to match, however since the 1980s the number of low-fee schools catering for 'average' Australians, and in some cases without any religious affiliation, has increased significantly. Independent schools in Australia make up nearly 15% of total enrolments while Catholic schools, which usually have lower fees, also make up a sizeable proportion (18%) and are usually regarded as a school sector of their own within the broad category of independent schools. Enrolments in non-government schools has been growing steadily at the expense of enrolments in government schools which have seen their enrolment share reduce from 78% to 67% since 1970. Australian independent schools differ slightly from those in the United States as the Australian Government provides funding to all schools including independent schools using a 'needs based' funding scheme based on a Socio-Economic Status (SES) score. The school's SES score is derived by selecting a sample of parent's addresses and mapping these to a Census Collector District from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census. The household income & education data is then used to derive an SES score for each school, which places it on a sliding scale of funding entitlement. On average, funding granted to an independent school is 47% of that required to operate a government school, the residual being made up by tuition fees paid by parents.

from: wikipedia

Home Education

Growing Socialization in Home Education
By Tawanna McDonald

Let me mention the subject of Home Schooling. What thought immediately comes to mind? There have always been many views of home schooling. There are varieties of opinions ranging from great parents to troublemakers. Most of the negative thoughts of home schooling are based on rumors and preconceived ideas. Out of all thoughts about home schooling, socialization is one of the first things that come to mind. The most debated topic among home schoolers and non-home schoolers is this issue of adequate socialization for home schooled children. Some think that home schoolers do not get enough socialization. They feel since the children are home for school this makes the child become socially deprived. Home schooled children are not socially deprived.



Photo: home-education-works.com

As a home schooling parent, and from my personal experience my children are more social at times than I am. Many studies support the home school academic benefit, but what about social aspect? Are home schoolers missing proper socialization? Is there a right solution for the socialization problem? Is there a socialization problem at all? With the growth of home schoolers seen recently are we bound to have future generations of socially deprived misfits?

What is home schooling anyway? Why is the choice a debated topic? Is it just a passing trend? Home schooling is home education. This educational decision is a parents' choice and right to teach his or her children one on one at home. This option is legal in all fifty states. Home schooling options have grown greatly due to many accredited curriculum providers targeting the large growing market of home schooling. These curriculum companies are providing parents with easy, different and even customized options for home schooling.

Home schooling just trend right? No. In 1999, the National Center for Education Statistics reported an estimated 850,000 students nationwide were being home schooled (10). The numbers are estimated to grow due to the popularity and the knowledge of home school benefits being explored. More parents are taking the home school route for the safety and academic achievements of their children. Home education is nothing new; it has been around for years. According to Home4schoolgear.com the famous Artist Leonardo Di Vinci, and Inventors Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison and few presidents of prestigious colleges were home educated along with many other famous trailblazers (Home4schoolgear.com). Only in recent years has home education been media news. Home schooling as shown its solid foundation in successful results through time. Still there are those that have debated the choice of home education.

Home education has grown so much that most cities have home school groups for support, courses, activities and much more. There is also Home School Legal Defense Association to support families with home school legal issues. There are home schooling magazines, clothing and more. Will the growth of home schooling have an effect on public schools? Some feel that home schooling directly effects the public schools. There have been arguments that home schooling can have an effect on public schools in positive or a negative ways.

Paul T. Hill, author of “How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education” says, “Home schooling limits public school enrollments, therefore it reduces the money provided to school districts. Home schooling also reduces growth in public schools, and decreases the pressure for new buildings and staffs”(Hill). The concern of money for public schools has been a raising issue for years. Home schooling does not have a major effect on it. The problem of public school money issues is caused by a number of factors other than home schooling. There have been various news reports of public school officials misusing the money, and the debates to cut unnecessary cost and create better options for public schools. From a concerned parents’ point of view the issue of money in public schools is not a brow raising reason to choose public schooling. For the quality of education provided at home government, money is no comparison.

Socialization is one highly debated topic for home schoolers. As a home schooling parent, I often answer socialization questions. “You can’t mention home education without the s’ word coming up,” says Doug Phillips, director of Federal Relations at the National Center for Home Education (3). People usually question the socialization because they do not under stand how home school works. Many feel that home schoolers do not socialize with their peers so they become “weird” or sociably immature. Although the stereotypes are heard and believed, parents are still choosing to home school their children for reasons reflecting the quality of socialization in public schools, such as peer pressure, violence, sexual harassment and many other problems.

David Wagner says, “In the seventies, Christians home schooled because secular values being promoted in schools. In the eighties, parents home schooled for no particular religious belief. Others are trying to drop out of the prevailing culture”(3). We chose to home school our children because of the poor quality of public schools in the area we lived in. We also saw frequent news reports of school incidents involving violence and even sexual acts. We saw the advantage of instilling morals and values with the use of home education that was not available in public schools. We liked the academic freedom of choice to including subjects forbidden at the public schools.

While socialization was a factor, our decision to home school was not based only on creating a social safe haven for our children, but rather allowing them to excel academically and having the advantage of academic freedom. Despite the reasons for home schooling, it is the parents’ deliberate choice to remove their child from public school social settings as they see fit. Considering that thought, Dennis Helming, an education writer, believes the most miss the point of whether the protection of children from bad influences can cause a backlash to rebellion (3).

I have found this false among home schooling teenagers. All of the home schooled teenagers I have observed and interacted with are pleasant and responsible. They see the danger in rebellion, and choose not to indulge in it. Home schooling parents also do not hide what they are protecting their children from; rather they take the approach to show them what they are keeping them from. Children naturally wanting to be safe, if given a choice usually end up choosing not to be around things that cause them harm such as peer pressure and violence. Aimee Howd, a home schooled child and author of Confessions of a home-schooled kid says, “Home schooling was once considered a choice for the antisocial but home school achievers are challenging the old stereotypes”(3).

Yes, most home schooled children do spend a lot of time at home, however it does not mean the door is barred shut and the child is forbidden to see anyone. As home schooling parents having the natural need to enjoy adult communication, that is not a desired option! The socialization provided to home schoolers is broader than the public schools can allow. While public schooled children are confined to their peers, a teacher and a classroom home schooled children are traveling and learning by visiting museums, and other educational centers.

Simply going to the grocery store is a lesson in teaching social manners, mathematics, nutrition, and more. Most home schooled children are involved in different activities and community groups. Randal Rockney, author of The Home Schooling Debate: Why Some Parents Choose It, Others Oppose It reports that 90 percent of home schooled children spent more than 20 percent per month in organized community activities (3). I have found that many including my own children are in various different extra curricular groups, which also is a supplement to education.

For instance during the school year our local home schooling group has a coop called Masters Lyceum this is a program with a variety of classes from ballet to science. Every Friday morning, we get dressed and head off to school like the public schooled children. Many children and parents participate in the coop. Children have their own class schedule for each semester. The Masters Lyceum is used as a time for our children get together to learn, to be a part of a group, and learn from other adults. During the summer our children are enrolled in a number of community fun programs like any other child.

Rockney also says, “Children tend to be less segregated by age when involved in home schooling activities.” (3). My children are around children of all ages. It allows them to mature in their communication. My children have friends in various grades, which allow them to socialize on different levels. They learn social boundaries by being around a mixed group of children. Nancy Gibbs, author of Home Sweet School: Seeking Excellence, Isolation, Or Just Extra “Family Time,” says, “ Home School parents agree that the socialization in public schools is not all healthy, it may be competitive, intimidating and violent (4).

I personally do not think that public school socialization is all bad, but I do think that the majority of socialization in public school is improper and stressful for children and therefore unhealthy. When a child comes home crying about the treats of bullies, it causes an entire home to be effected in some way. It is potentially disastrous in the future. We have seen this as one of the causes in the increase of violence in public schools. Who can ever forget the traumatic event of Columbine? There are tons of talk shows with disturbed adults confronting their childhood bullies. This is not the socialization I want my children to experience.

Despite personal debatable views, let us look at the research conducted on home schoolers. Most research studies conducted for finding out if home schoolers are socially equal to non-home schoolers have had different methods, yet similar conclusions. Very few recently conclude differently. In 1984, Tisard and Huges studied 4 year olds at home and in public schools. They stated that home schooled children could not learn how to get along with other children, to be a member of a group, to separate from their families and to relate and communicate with strange adults (Van Galen 6). Our home schooling coop alone proves this statement untrue. This provides all of the educational needs that Tisard and Huges argued that home schooling parents could not provide.

It seems that times have changed, in a 1992 study on home school socialization was reported in a 299-page thesis written by Larry Edward Shyers. Dr. Shyers measured the self-esteem of 70 home schooled children, compared it with 70 traditionally schooled children, and found no significant difference in the groups. Dr. Shyers looked at how home schooled children treated other children by direct observation, using a “blind” procedure, found that home-schooled children had significantly fewer problem behaviors than traditionally schooled children did when playing in mixed groups of children did. Dr. Shyers concluded that contact with adults, rather than contact with other children, is most important in developing social skills in children.

This is not surprising because our children are more likely to be in a social setting with a mixed group than those public schooled children are. They in the “real world” environment on more frequent bases than their public schooled peers. Thomas Smedley completed a similar experimental design. His study evaluated communication skills, socialization, and daily living skills. Smedley found that the home-schooled children were more mature scoring in the 84th percentile, while the public school children scored in the 27th percentile (Bunday 9). While home schooled children are home they learn daily living skills more often than public schooled children do. Larger families have the children in the family all coordinate to work together and learn life skills and communication skills. It is an advantage to a child being taught one on one to grasp communication, daily life skills and socialization.

Brian D. Ray, Ph.D., produces another research finding in a book he wrote. The findings in this book concluded that the negative critics have claimed that home schooling makes weak adults have no solid foundational facts. The book reports that the adults who were home schooled were much more civically involved in the United States. Adults who were home educated express viewpoints or beliefs that is about as strong as that of the general public (10). Adults who were home schooled have the same socialization status or higher than those there were not home schooled. We have seen this proven in our listing of famous adults and other trailblazers in our society. They could not make a difference in our world without being strong adults.

We have heard from the researchers, and personal opinions from parents, but what about the children? In an article written by Lisa Russell, she tells of her public schooled days “I found the phonics and reading lessons to be incredibly boring. Luckily, the girl behind me felt the same way. We would chat back and forth. We were both asked to stay in at recess, and sit quietly in our desks for the entire 25 minutes, because "We are not here to socialize, young ladies." Those words were repeated by just about every teacher I've ever had. If we're not there to socialize, then why were we there? If schools weren't made for socializing, then why on earth would anyone assume that home schoolers were missing out?” (Russell)

I remember myself as being a talker in class. That was my whole reason for going to school! I was told that we were not in school to socialize repeatedly also. These words are repeated in public schools often. Children in public school being told this begin to socialize out of disobedience. Is this proper socialization to teach a child? No. This is not, simply because in the class setting the teacher demands respect, which causes some to rebel and secretly socialize by whispering, or notes to each other. This can cause resentment for teachers and authority among students in the class. This problem could eventually snowball into disrespecting adults and any authority.

From my own personal experience with secretly communicating with my peers, it takes away from listening in class, and puts the priorities out to order for attending public school. Lisa asks the appropriate question in defense of home schoolers missing out. I do not think home schoolers are missing out simply because their day is not a typical day which involves freely socializing on different levels and not just their peers. This then teaches home schoolers to be responsible and mature. Children cannot learn to be responsible and mature while rebelling against their teacher to socialize in a classroom setting. Another young fifteen-year-old home schooled girl named Teresa expresses, “Many people are curious about the average day of a home schooler and are surprised to find out isn't an “average day”.

My family chose homeschooling is to avoid the dull routines that schools create. I usually have lessons with my mom in the morning, take care of my siblings, spend time with other home schoolers in the area, and read. Most importantly, my day belongs to me. I have a quote on my wall in my room, “Learning involves everyone everyday. Learning and living are not separate activities. Learning cannot be contained in place or time” (Teresa). This fifteen-year-old is a good representation of home schoolers. Most of them do not have a regular 8-3 schedule like public school kids. Each home school environment is different. Their days incorporate more of in the real world, more than just a classroom full of peers. It involves many different activities, which allows them to experience more and learn in different ways.

The quote she has on her wall is very true. You can not avoid or confine learning. You can not possibly teach a child everything that is needed to survive in a classroom setting. Yes you can learn academics, but life lessons that you will use as an adult are usually learned while interacting with family outside of a classroom. Socializing with friends is a part of her day because that is natural and a child needs that. It however is not all of her day because sitting a classroom full of children will not teach socialization. I asked my children what they liked about being home schooled and they expressed that they liked the flexibility and not being confined to a classroom.

They explained to me that you could not eat breakfast in a public school at your desk like you could in home schooling. Being twins my daughters liked the fact that they are not forced to separate in to different classes if they are not ready for it and they can be with their little brother. They enjoy teaching their little brother what they have learned. This gives them a sense of importance and responsibility. They did not once say once that they are lacking time with their friends. They have ample time with friends during the week with the Masters Lyceum, church, and other activities.

In my conclusion, I will end with a story posted on an Internet message board, at http://www.homeschoolchristian.com: Posted By: Cat. Date: Tuesday, 3 October 2000, at 9:58 a.m.

This is a scene from a local park about a year and a half ago...(a local park back home!) 2 moms were sitting on a bench not too far from me. They were discussing the "homeschool movement" and how they couldn't see the benefits of homeschooling because of the "S" factor--I WILL NOT say that word! They went on and on about how homeschooled kids wouldn't be able to come to the park and play. They went on and on about how you can identify a homeschooled kid because they tend to be withdrawn...the whole time watching my 3 homeschooled children play quite nicely with their 5 children. Tag, races, pushing each other on the swing. I was soaking it all up. Never once did I say a word.

When it was time to leave, one of the moms thanked my kids for playing so nicely with their kids and asked, "Where do you go to school?" I knew it was our time to shine...Kristin said, "Oh, we homeschool." and turned to walk away, leaving that mom staring at me--because she KNEW I had heard their whole conversation. I nodded and said, "Have a nice day."

Talk about a PRICELESS moment! (Cat)

In my own personal experience, that I have seen home schoolers do not lack socialization. Researching studies support this conclusion. I feel that socialization among home schoolers is potentially more advanced than those isolated to a social settings in public schools. There is a time for socialization and a time not to socialize. Home schooling has provided an opportunity to show my children proper socialization skills for life. Home schooling has many myths; socialization being one that is exposed. Home schoolers will continue to prove the stereotypes wrong.

Works Cited

Bunday, Karl M. Learn in Freedom! Research on Home schooling Socialization Socialization: A Great Reason Not to Go to School.1999. 29 May 2004 .

Cat.“ "Socialization" Stories” Homeschooledchristian.com 3 Oct 2000, 7 June 2004 .

“Famous Home schoolers” Famous People who were Homeschooled. 2004. Home4schoolgear.com 29 May. 2004 .

Gibbs, Nancy. “Home sweet school: seeking excellence, isolation, or just extra “family time,” more and more parents are doing the teaching themselves.” Time 144:18 (1994) 62+.

Expanded Academic ASAP Infotrac. U of Missouri., St.Louis. 27 May 2004 .

Hill, Paul T. “How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education” Hoover Digest, Summer 2000. 28 May 2004 .

“Home schooling in the United States 1999.” 2 Oct 2001 National Center for Education Statistics. 29 May 2004

Howd, Aimee. “Confessions of a home-schooled kid.” Insight on the News 14.33 (1998): 18+. Expanded Academic ASAP. Infotrac. U of Missouri., St.Louis. 27 May 2004 .

Ray, Brian D., Ph.D. Home Educated and Now Adults: Their Community and Civic Involvement, Views About Homeschooling, and Other Traits. Nashville: Broadman & Holman: 2003.

Rockney, Randal. “The home schooling debate: why some parents choose it, others oppose it.” Insight on the News 18:2 (2002): 3+. Expanded Academic ASAP. Infotrac. U of Missouri., St.Louis. 27 May 2004 .

Robertson, Brian. “Is home schooling in a class of its own?” Insight on the News 10.42 (1994): 6+. Expanded Academic ASAP. Infotrac. U of Missouri., St.Louis. 27 May 2004 .

Russell, Lisa. “No Thank You, We Don't Believe in Socialization!” TnHomeEd.com 29 May 2004 .
Theresa, “Homeschool Girl” In focus TeenWire.com 21 Sept 2001, 7 June 2004 .

Van Galen, Jane , ed Homeschooling: Political, Historical, and Pedagoical Perpsectives. Norwood: Ablex Publishing, 1991.

About the Author: Tawanna is a Home Schooling mother of identical Twin girls. She is a freelance graphic designer, and writes articles on homeschooling and graphic, and web design. Visit her sites at http://www.tsmiles.com/ and http://www.geocities.com/homeschooledmultiples/

Many Homeschooling Questions

Homeschooling - So Many Questions
By Mary Joyce

A huge decision it is … homeschooling. Now that you’ve made this decision to teach at home, the many questions you thought you had now seem to have doubled. Doubled at least! Now one question just seems to lead to three more. Questions will need to be answered on curriculum, on testing and assessing. What about the style of teaching and curriculum.



Photo: homeschoolnation.com

Have you check out and become familiar with all of the state and local mandates concerning operating a home school in your area? As a parent you want the best for your child…. But what is the best? And on and on.

When you think about it, the driving force behind all of this is one word…. Learning. Ask yourself. How does my child learn? Have you just taken the time to really observe how your child learns? If not, do so. Think about yourself. How do you learn? What type of learning technique really sticks in your mind? Visual? Hands on? Reading? Do you learn better in a small group or left more alone to figure it out?

No matter the type of learning environment or technique that works best for you, there is one underlying principle to learning and that is motivation. For you, the homeschool parent, creating nothing could be easier. Placing the child in a caring, loving environment, with the natural encouragement of their parent directly addresses the element of motivation. Every child loves to please and hear the praises of the parents.

As a parent your child’s well being and educational success are naturally at the forefront. As the child’s primary educator and parent, your success is already on a successful track. Read and research, then read and research some more. Your teaching at home style will come... actually you already own a patent on the style... Your love for your child.

Mary Joyce is a former educator, successful homeschool parent, and has written many articles on teaching your child at home for the Homeschool-Curriculum-4u website. Please visit (http://www.homeschool-curriculum-4u.com/) for more of Mary's articles.