Being homeschoolers living close to two major universities, one of which we live in the heart of, is proving to be a source of many learning opportunities. Last week we attended a musical performance during "lunch hour." The school will be offering this free program once a month, attendees may bring their lunch and listening ears as students and staff of the music program share their talents. It was low key, enjoyable, and something we will definitely return to next month.
Next week we will attend a daytime performance of Ballet Folklorico de Mexico. The costumes alone we are looking forward to! The University has put together this special time and price for all children; public, private, or homeschooled.
To this point our experience as a homeschool family in the public eye has been mostly positive. We find our area to be extremely inclusive and supportive to homeschoolers. There are no sideways glances when we are out and about during school day hours, it is seen as a valid (and often revered) method for educating children. My only source of angst has been that familiar place many homeschool parents have experienced where well intentioned people inquire about socialization. I'm not going to get into it because frankly it's exhausting. But I will say this; every time that sentiment comes into conversation, my mind flashes to the scene in Good Will Hunting where Matt Damon explodes in his doc's (Robin Williams) office because people ask the wrong questions, read the wrong books. That of course being the scene where many of us first learned of Howard Zinn. I guess I'm learning to just roll with it as the questions come up.
To be honest, not a heck of a whole lot of socialization happens in public schools. They get about 20 minutes for lunch total and maybe that long on the playground (unless they miss recess for extra work.) Honestly, my feelings are, if a parent is caring enough to put the effort into homeschooling his/her child, then you can be darned sure that parent has worked hard to make sure the child is around all kinds of socializing experiences. Thinking outside the proverbial "box." There's so many ways to let children learn. I am proud of all you are doing. Inspirational, truly.
Posted by: Meredith | October 10, 2007 at 12:55 PM
I'm all with Meredith.
And also: I have a lot of bad experience with the whole socializing part of school life. My youngest daughter has been bullied for seven years and there was no way to get her out of that in this country.
It has made her stronger, but I still think homeschooling would have made life a lot better for her.
Don't let people talk you into guilty feelings. You're doing great!
Posted by: Geertrude | October 11, 2007 at 07:45 AM
Ah the big S question. I think (most) people have good intentions when they ask. They really want to know. I sort of size up the situation and answer sometimes, others not. If I feel they're just asking a question to let me know how they REALLY feel about homeschooling, I move on. It gets old after a few years, and I feel far less obligated to explain it all to each person who asks. As more and more people homeschool I find more and more people who ask actually know somebody who does. Their experience with other families has often been positive. Sounds like you have great stuff to do in your community. Isn't is wonderful?
Posted by: jean | October 11, 2007 at 08:08 AM