- An Unsettling New Trend in Homeschooling

Oct. 20, 2007

An Unsettling New Trend in Homeschooling

The last few years I have noticed an unsettling trend in homeschooling. Many homeschool Moms feel a great need to have their homeschools be like the pubic schools. "We have to do it like the schools to be sure they learn all they should." This is a statement that is not uncommon to hear as local homeschool Moms gather together. I find this mindset unsettling. Just 5 - 10 years ago, the prevailing thought at local homeschool groups was "What the schools are doing isn't working. We need to do it different in order for it to be better." What has happened? Is it all the advertising for new curriculum? Or??? We used to be confident that what we were homeschooling because we were suppose to be (for Christians this was because we knew God wanted us to.) and we knew that He would guide us and give us the strength to do this job. Now there is such a sense of uncertainty and fear among Moms. My prayer is that this fear will be turned around to trust in the Lord and His provision for us and that homeschool Moms will have a renewal of the "old - time" feeling of "we are different and we love it!"

with loving thoughts,
~Penni

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Comments

Oct. 20, 2007 - I've noticed it too.

Posted by ThriceBlessed

I think many things influence this, ignorance being top of the list. Too many mom's now days homeschool just because its become more mainstream, and therefore they don't really take the time to research the movement like most old-time homeschoolers did. Years ago, it was hard to find a homeschooler who hadn't read something by John Holt, or Raymond Moore, now days... they just order their books and start. Also, I think that the rise in Public School at Home programs is causing this. It ruffles my feathers to hear it called homeschooling- not because I don't think the programs should exist, but because I meet too many people who think that these programs are the only way to go. Add to this the additional testing and such required by schools, and many parents think that if their kids don't take the same tests (and pass) they will not be able to prove their education. Hmmm. This is almost turning into a blog post rather than a comment... sorry for being so long winded.

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Nov. 6, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by HSBCompanyBlog

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Please e-mail me with your mailing address so that your prize can be sent to you. Tia-at-TheHomeschoolMagazine-dot-com.

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Senior Editor of HSB

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Nov. 16, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by MamaArcher

This is a great post, I love it when a post encourages others to evaluate where there are in life.
Thank you.

Come by my blog for a visit sometime.
Blessings to you!

Kristine aka MamaArcher
www.mamaarcher.com

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Dec. 13, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Daffodil

I agree with you! It is best to let the Lord lead our homeschools & not pattern them after public schools. God Bless You!

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Dec. 14, 2007 - homeschooling like school

Posted by Donna

Hi, I am a newbie to homeschooling. My sons attended a Christian school but we felt compelled to bring them home. I don't want to homeschool like school, but I guess the fear of my child not doing well on the SAT testing makes me feel compelled to have some text books. I also feel my kids do well with routine. My oldest likes to know "Whats expected today?" So he can get it overwith and go on to play with his friends, surf the net, watch a movie, or whatever. We don't "school" in anyone spot in the house, We do have folders for each week that have papers I want us to go over and get completed. We do however complete the work at various times--not 8-3. I tried in the begginning to do school at "9:00-12:00 but that turned out to be unrealistic for my routines--I love your blog and will check back randomly for more tidbits and advice--I will take all I can get!
www.helpfulhomemaker.blogspot.com

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Mar. 21, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Terri

This just resonated with me. So true. Boy, this sure changes my prayers. Thank you for sharing your heart.

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About Me

The years have slipped bye so quickly. It seems as though it was just yesterday we were starting out homeschooling with a six year old and a 3 year old. Now my sons are 21 and 18 and this is my last year of homeschooling. A new season in life is ahead ~ the best is yet to come.