Posted on 07/23/2002 3:25:06 AM PDT by TxBec
I have been thinking lately it would be nice to have a thread (maybe even a forum later?) for the homeschooling families, because you know how many of us there are. This would not replace us pinging each other with all the great articles we find. It would be a place where we could discuss what curriculum we use, vent when needed, share our successes, compare notes, alert each other to cool things we find on the internet, and vent some more. I'm sure we all have found other sites with forums that we use, but since FReepers are such a cool breed, where better to start up a forum? What do you think?
Here are a few other links that may help you
I'll add you to our "ping" list and ask other families for their 2 cents.
As for curriculum--as you know there is plenty in which to choose from. You might want to order a variety of homeschool catalogs so you can see what is available.
If he is not up to par on certain subjects do not hesitate to use a book/program that is a different grade level so that you can bring him up to speed. I would certainly concentrate on "core" subjects before adding extras.
I've been reading and hearing how many schools are attempting to get rid of textbooks and replacing them with a laptop for every student. Imagine--a child can use a mouse but cannot use paper and pencil to write. This generation will be deficient in many areas, IMO.
When making curriculum choices, do you want a Bible-based curriculum or non-secular?
Saxon would probably work for math. I personally prefer Bob Jones for math but that is what works for my kids. You will find many opinions but only you know what is best for your child.
Hope I haven't confused you.
I only say these things to let you know that - hey - if we can do it - I'm sure that you can do it. :))
Our sons have been involved in baseball, tennis, scouting, youth group, orchestra, etc., etc. - very well-rounded individuals--lots of very good friends. (We had 35 teen-agers at our house last year for my son's 16th birthday party)
By the way - the college application process for my oldest son went very well - went smoothly - homeschooling was not an issue at all.
We've been in communication with Notre Dame University - that's where my middle son wants to attend - and they have told us that homeschooling is not an issue as far as they are concerned. In fact, they said that they would be very eager for us to continue on in the application process with them when the time comes.
Sorry to ramble on and on - I just feel passionate about this - because, as I say, if we can do it - I KNOW that you can do it. One more thing - we have taken advantage of several "outside" classes through the years - my sons have taken Latin for several years now - and we've also used correspondence schools which cater to homeschoolers--Seton Home Study School.
If you want to freep-mail me privately, feel free to do so.
Good Luck!! :))
I only say these things to let you know that - hey - if we can do it - I'm sure that you can do it. :))
Our sons have been involved in baseball, tennis, scouting, youth group, orchestra, etc., etc. - very well-rounded individuals--lots of very good friends. (We had 35 teen-agers at our house last year for my son's 16th birthday party)
By the way - the college application process for my oldest son went very well - went smoothly - homeschooling was not an issue at all.
We've been in communication with Notre Dame University - that's where my middle son wants to attend - and they have told us that homeschooling is not an issue as far as they are concerned. In fact, they said that they would be very eager for us to continue on in the application process with them when the time comes.
Sorry to ramble on and on - I just feel passionate about this - because, as I say, if we can do it - I KNOW that you can do it. One more thing - we have taken advantage of several "outside" classes through the years - my sons have taken Latin for several years now - and we've also used correspondence schools which cater to homeschoolers--Seton Home Study School.
If you want to freep-mail me privately, feel free to do so.
Good Luck!! :))
www.hslda.org
I agree with everything you mentioned in your post.
Have a super day.
<)))><
So I need to do my rant!
From the dictionary..
so·cial·ize
v. so·cial·ized, so·cial·iz·ing, so·cial·iz·es
v. tr.
1)To place under government or group ownership or control.
2)To make fit for companionship with others; make sociable.
3)To convert or adapt to the needs of society.
As a Christian I do not feel any of these definitions apply to me. I am not of this world. I do not belong to the Gov. I belong to God as do my children. Companionship with Jesus is way more important then with others (society) and I do not feel my children need to convert or adapt to this world, on the contrary they are as christians to be set apart from this world.
Now here is a new word to be used in place of "socialization"...
fel·low·ship n.
1)
A)The condition of sharing similar interests, ideals, or experiences, as by reason of profession, religion, or nationality.
B)The companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms.
2)A close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests.
3)Friendship; comradeship.
How come no one ever asks me "What about your childrens fellowship?"
2Corinthians 6:14 "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"
Kids do not only go to school and "socialize" with other kids. They also "socialize" with teachers whom do not concern themselves with the moral and biblical view but thier own political and idealogical views.
Now I know that people will ask "What about when your child goes out in the real world?".. My job as a parent is to teach my child that they are not apart of this world, but to also give them the knowledge of surviving this world. So they know about drugs, homosexuality, violence, bullies, temptations and on and on. But not only are we to teach them about these things but to give them the means of dealing with them. We are to help them put on the Armor of God so they can stand against evil. That doesn't mean they have to experience a bully on a playground in order to learn from it. It means to prepare them in case things do happen, so that know how to handle it.
Our kids will make mistakes. Do things that cause us to wonder what we did wrong. But God tells us, and we know better then to doubt him... That if we follow his lessons to us then he will not let us down.
Proverbs 22:6
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." (notice it does not say socialize a child)..
Proverbs 4:10-13
" 10 Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
11 I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life."
I searched but could not seem to find the word "socialization" anywhere in my Bible. I found lots about parents training their children, and about fellowship with other christians and about not being apart of those that may cause us to sin. In fact we are told to remove from us those things that may lead us to sin. Not to put ourselves or our children in situations where we will fail.
So the next time a Christian asks me about my homeschooled childrens "socialization" I well ask them to show me where in the bible that socialization is taught and if to them it means the same as fellowship. As for non-christians who ask, I guess I should ask them what things they see in me and my children that are so neggative that they feel we need to be more like everyone else and hope that I have demostrated a Christian behavior that might lead them close to an understanding and a relationship with Jesus.
Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethern, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you many prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.