I have been asked by my county's retired teachers association to speak about homeschooling for their luncheon meeting. The gentleman who asked IS a retired teacher, but often speaks to our co-op group on various topics. He is a supporter of homeschooling. He believes there is either a lack of information or mis-information in the beliefs of the group of retired teachers and would like to "enlighten" them. I have already accepted the "challenge." LOL I have a good idea of what I'll speak about. However, what I'd like to know, is what would some of YOU want to share if given this chance? I speak Thursday afternoon this week. Thanks in advance for any advice! Carol
I think part of the misconception between teachers and HSing families is that the teachers often feel insulted by us as if we believe they can't or don't know how to do their job. When people feel attacked, they often put up defenses. If that makes any sense? So I would just be careful of how I would word things of the "Whys" as to why some parents bring their kids home from PS. Sounds like an interesting challenge. I bet you will do wonderful!
Thanks Aurie, for the vote of confidence. There will be about 90 in attendence, so I'm sure I'll be a bit nervous. I was a high school physics teacher for 10 years, so I've seen both sides of the issue. It may give me a bit of credibility in their eyes in terms of homeschooling. However, I'm going to make a point of telling them I know many hsing success stories where neither parent had been a teacher. My kids had been in public school before we started hsing. I WILL tell them that I have/had no issue with teachers--it's the system I have problems with. Hopefully that will cause them to not feel offended!?! Carol
Wow...what a neat opportunity! I would definitely talk about social activities available to homeschoolers and the "S" myth. I would also talk about the availability of different curricula from many publishing companies, internet resources and the public library. My homeschooling mentor Mom homeschooled her kids in the mid to late '80's. She told me that back then she had an extremely hard time getting anything from publishing companies. They wouldn't sell to homeschoolers they were strictly dealing with schools. That has changed though. There are tons of resources for homeschoolers! Some teachers might wonder what tools, resources and curric. we are using to teach our children. I think I would talk about how every homeschooling family is different and there are different homeschooling philosophies. My parents are public school teachers, so I've dealt with questions from them in the last couple of years. My mother seems more supportive than my father. Although, sometimes she'll make a snide comment or try to tell me why my son has to learn how to write properly etc. etc. Anyway, my mom claims that my father was in the public system for so long (35 or 36 yrs) he can't see any other viable option or have an open mind about those. I think my father sees homeschooling as a threat to the public education system. I personally don't see it that way. I am all for there being a public education system. I still pay my taxes that go to the school district. The school just doesn't get the money for my individual child. I see this as doing what I believe is best for my child at this time. My son might go back to a brick and mortar someday. My daughter might attend one as well. If I think of any other points you might want to bring up, I'll post those. For now though I think I've covered it. I wish you all the best!
I would share that homeschooling is not evil haha, that homeschool teachermoms are not out to steal their job away but to do the same job on small scale classes. That we are not the enemy and we are not a bunch of uneducated oafs keeping our kids home to play but that we choose to school to teach them where they are at, to grow thier minds through many different facets. To find the need and fill it in thier lives along the way.
I would definately make sure that they understand that we don't choose to homeschool because of the teacher (at least not in most cases), but rather because the nature of a classroom (too many in a class) just isn't the best learning environment. My pastor's wife is a public school teacher and when we were talking about homeschooling she was all for it and I was sure to tell her it wasn't because I didn't trust the teachers but because it's logistically impossible to give each child the attention he/she deserves when you have to be responsible for 20-30 children.
I think Birbitt explained what I was thinking very well! It is nothing against the teachers (in the majority of cases)- it is the impossible job they are being asked to do!
What a wonderful opportunity! I am excited for you, and I hope you (and they) have a positive experience. I don't know if I have any advice, but as a former public school teacher, here are the things that have resonated with me as a homeschooling parent: Families come to homeschooling for all manner of reasons. Lots of people out there think all homeschoolers are [fill in the blank]. Once you're inside the community, you learn about all the variances, which include but are certainly not limited to religious beliefs, social issues, travel, health matters...In short, each family is doing what works educationally for them and thier children which may depart radically from what is traditional thought about education here in the US. Homeschooling is NOT like teaching in the classroom. Yes, there are certain developmental issues that are common to all children, but they are more easily addressed with a smaller group (or individual) rather than a large group of children. Aside from that, I am learning that instruction one child more often than not calls for a different approach than instructing 20. There are TONS of resources out there! You don't need to be a certified teacher to access all the resources available. We're not talking about people who are interested in writing curricula for the country, we're talking about folks who are selecting the educational process that works well for each of their children. And when somethign doesn't work, we have the flexibilty to try something different (without figuring out how to accommodate the rest of the class...I don't know if I'd add that part in. Maybe if it came up.). Sure, there are always going to be kids who fall throuigh the cracks (just like in schools). Kids who aren't learning like they could, or whose parents aren't making the effort. (I think this is a large concern on the part of public school teachers...Sorry to say, but in my experience, public school teachers are regularly exposed to parents who don't make an effort, and I think a lot of the teachers succumb to the notion that this is more common than it might truly be.) But school systems aren't the only social network out there. A child who is of concern will draw notice (from friends, neighbors, relatives, pediatricians) and someone will attempt to intervene. I think the public schools right now are being asked to do the impossible. For me, it helps to keep in mind that these folks only have children's best interests at heart, regardless of how well or poorly informed they may be.
SOCIALIZATION!!! Maybe you can actually convince them that our kids don't live inside a metal box! I think Eyeofthestorm brought up some good points. AND I'm glad it's YOU and not ME! I'm afraid I'd say something that would come across as being very negative toward schools, which I surely wouldn't want to do!
Well, since we are just beginning homeschooling, I've found myself having to answer all sorts of questions about it the past week or so. Overall the reception from the Elementary teachers was good, and they thought I was doing the best thing. I DID however have one of my middle school daughter's teachers grill me, and then proceed to tell me that I was putting my daughter at a disadvantage because she has the potential to be a great leader in our community, and I was robbing her of her ability to socialize. :roll: AND I wouldn't be able to provide her with all the opportunities that the middle school offers. He's the music teacher, and honestly, I think he was mad that he was losing his favorite student. Anyway, it would have been lovely if someone enlightened him on all the potential opportunities for homeschoolers, and some stats on community leaders that were homeschooled.
I typed up a response about letting the teachers know that in most cases, it's a problem with the system rather than a problem with the teachers - but the kids came in, and things went haywire, and it got closed, LOL. I had several fantastic teachers who went above and beyond when I was in school (and we moved every year, so it wasn't just one great school district), but I can only imagine what would have happened if any of them had adhered to overhead pressure and forced me to stay with the class instead of allowing me to work ahead. If you have PS experience, I'm sure you know what the biggest gripes are in the teacher's lounge, and you can share how HS helps get around that...the problem child who is able to work faster or slower at home and falls in love with learning, the "nerd" who is able to work at a higher level without being ostracized as teacher's pet, the child who struggles with reading at a late age and no longer falls to the wayside, etc. No standardized tests to teach to, being free to choose your own curriculum without making sacrifices, being able to "school" longer when the day demands... Good luck! SG
Thanks so much for the replies. I love the varied perspectives I can get from this group. Alas, the retired teachers group was able to reschedule a pharmacist to speak to them today (very important to retirees) as was originally scheduled. However, they've asked me to speak at the spring luncheon instead. While I'm disappointed since I was very excited to do this, at least I now have more time to prepare. I will save all of your ideas and incorporate them smoothly into my talk. Cheers! Carol
I dont have much to add but WOW those are all great things to talk about that everyone suggested. I am so excited that you will be able to talk to them even if it is now in the spring. It will give you a chance to go over it even more now Let us know how it goes in the spring Sam
I'll let you know how it goes. Their next luncheon is in May, so I have PLENTY of time to prepare! LOL Carol
