I gave my talk today on homeschooling for the MOPs panel on school options. They had a private schooler, a charter schooler, a year round schooler, a magnet schooler, and... me. I was supposed to tell what I liked about being homeschooled, since I have soooo much experience in doing it myself. .. =)
I was struck by how much time and worry and energy traditional schooling families put into trying to get their kids the best of that kind of education. There are endless fights with districts over redistricted kids, long waiting lists for charter schools, frustrations about year round calendars, second mortgages taken out for private school, etc. It seems like a lot of time and energy spent on doing something where you could get the flexibility, small class size, and yearly school schedule that you're seeking if you homeschooled. You would have a lot more everyday work, but you'd have a lot less worry about what your children were being taught and when. This is just what I thought as I was sitting up there today. I'm guessing that maybe one out of the 50 or so women I saw in the room will choose to homeschool. It doesn't seem to be a choice of my generation, from where I sit right now. Maybe I encouraged the one of those who will.
And in honor of that, I send you to this video. Very funny, guys.
2 comments:
Hi Ellen, we have never met, but I found your site through Amanda Barbee's site. She and I were at Campbell at the same time--I was in law school while she did her undergrad. I'm not sure how she knows you as I haven't asked her. However, I have been following your blog and really enjoy your posts. We are a Christian family. I am a homeschooling mom, living in Fuquay Varina. I am retired from the legal profession. My husband is a lawyer in Raleigh. I feel I should tell you these things so that you know I'm not a crazed individual (although 4 children sometimes pushes you in that direction) and because I feel as though I know so much about you through your blog. Anyway, I just read your post about homeschooling and wanted you to be encouraged that the homeschooling community is very large and vibrant in this area, despite your audience today. And to know that you have probably planted more seeds that you realize. I would love to correspond, but realize you might think it's a little odd given the virtual nature of our contact! In Christ, Catrin Joyner
Thanks, Catrin! I really appreciate it. Actually, Amanda and I were roommates at Campbell back in the day. I wish I could've talked to you before I gave my little talk. I was looking for some sort of information about Raleigh support groups on the web, and I came up with nothing. I'm hoping to get better connected before my time comes. If you'd like to email me, my email is ellenwit at yahoo dot com. Thanks for the encouragement!
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