busymom

I see, and have answered an increasing amount of questions about unschooling; on this forum as well as in our own home school community.

There seems to be a growing interest in what it entails.

Do you think this is due to the fact that home school parents often start with bringing the school home; emulating a traditional school setting, and finding out that does not work?

Are they becoming more comfortable over time seeing that learning does indeed happen even when no textbooks, work sheets, or ridged schedules are involved?

Or do you think that due to the vast availability of information, and the rising number of families who are choosing to home school, they are actually looking from the start for a method that would best fits their family's life style?

Often I see questions like "home schooling for, or against".

My questions is why are some people oppossed to educational choice?

Home schooling, public, private, private Christian, charter, virutual, GED, each one is an option available to all parents.

Conventional schools are in the bussiness of providing a service; "education".

Like any other service, if I do not want, or do not like the quality of their products, I should have the choice to go some where else.

How would you react if you were told it was mandatory to shop at only one or two stores in town, even though they may not be equiped to adequatly meet your needs, or carry what you are looking for?

Not the same you say! School attendance is mandatory; how come?

If they offer such a great product; meaning a quality education, and a positive environment, all students would come voluntary.

So my question for home school opponents is, "are you just against home schooling, or are you simply against freedom of choice"?

when given in a manner that is either void of factual information, does not address the original question, is disrespectful, contains name calling, or personal attacks?

For example:

Tuition -- in the form of tax dollars.

School supplies

Lunches

Additional fees for extra curricular programs.

Booster clubs.

Dues for PTA, and other organizations

Fund raisers, and so on; add up the $ amount each year.

Free? Hardly.

Animal school.

Follow the link, and click on the purple box to view it on line.

http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/

Enjoy.

Home school families only please.

Many times I read answers that sound pretty defensive instead of just factual, and "real".

I came on this forum with the intention of exchanging information, discuss home schooling issues, and maybe help answer some questions for a family who is just starting their home school journey.

Is it so hard to admit that at times home schooling is difficult, exhausting, and that on occasion we doubt ourselves too?

Trust me we would not have it any other way, and neither would our children; so please explain to me; without getting defensive, why some of the questions/statements push the "let me tell you" button, knowing full well know that that is their goal?.

Yes, unfortunately I too have fallen into that trap myself several times.

So does it really matter what others believe, and if so why?

Serious responses only, no ranting from early child hood education experts, I would like to know what motivates parents.

On numerous occasions, I come across questions from parents who want their toddlers to receive some sort of "formal education".

1. Can you (parents), explain to me how this "early formal education" is supposed to benefit these babies?

Many young children are utterly burned out, and exhibit behavioral problems around the 4th grade (ages 8 - 10), and their love of learning has taken a huge nose dive.

Often times parents will then decide to withdraw their children from school to be home schooled, thinking there is a learning problem.

2. How come that with all the information available about the disadvantages of early schooling, do we still insist on "formal education" at such a young age ?

Book resource:

Better Late Than Early, by Dr. Raymond Moore, and Dorothy Moore.

We have home schooled for several years, and read a great many books on this subject.

We have seen Home schooling grow tremendously over the years, and with it the market on Home school books.

Granted we all have our favorites, however if you had to recommend some of these books to new home school families, which ones would be at the top of your list, and why.

(excluding curriculums or unit studies).