Comments on: Homeschooling High School: Is Outsourcing an Option?

By: Elisheva Levin

Elisheva Levin — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:52:17 +0000

Janice–
I tend to ignore those who have a very narrow definition of homeschooling, one that amounts to “my way or the highway!”

I think that the real point of homeschooling is that we can tailor methods and instruction to the needs of our children, and give them much, much time. Time to think and contemplate the shapes of the clouds and the meaning of life. Time to get a sense of the past and their own future. And sometimes that future is not in line with out own talents and proclivities.

Therefore, our classrooms are not narrower than that of the schooled child, our classrooms are the world. To me, the creative use of what is already out there, in order to help our children explore beyond our own knowledge, and yet protect them from the regimentation and standardization of school, seems like a good bet for helping our older kids grow up strong in their own purposes.

By: Susan

Susan — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:34:08 +0000

Hi, next year we start HighSchool with our last dd at home. Over the years we have done a very eclectic approach using CM methods, textbooks and video school. This year dd(13) did two highschool subjects via an non-interactive satelite hookup (BJLinc) through Bob Jones University Press. It has worked great for Algebra 1 and Spanish 2. The Math I can teach but for the Foreign Language it hase been a blessing to us and her. Dd is too young to send off to a college and she wants so to learn Spanish. She had to daily do her lessons, and keep up with her class load. I know without it she would not be as far as she is in Spanish. As for not being her teacher, I still am in control. You really can’t let go of all control, children need you for accountable, and for guidence to. Such as: dd was overwhelmed in homework this year, and she began to get lazy with her Spanish vocabulary. That prompted me to add vocabulary quizzes to each section. Before she takes a section quiz, she must get with me and I quiz her vocabulary, and I don’t even speak Spanish.
Another advantage is giving her an opportunity to see what a classroom situation can be like, affording her some skills for college. I know many parents do not like the extra expense of outsoucing, but why should we wait until college to put out the big bucks. Our children are worth it now, not just later.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:14:13 +0000

For us, home education meant I taught every subject through elementary and junior high. High school has been more intimidating, however. I simply don’t have time to teach all the elementary subjects to four students, care for a baby and preschooler *and* teach three different sciences and maths, plus writing, to my three high school students. What a blessing “outsourcing” has been for some of these more time-intensive classes!

By: Carol

Carol — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:50:11 +0000

Janice, Outsourcing is almost essential in my experience. No one can be everything for their students. A homeschooling mother that presumes she can teach everything her child needs is short-sighted, selfish and probably overly protective. Your CEO analogy was right on.

It’s still homeschooling even if most of my 15 & 17 yo subjects are taught by others. They are still home most of their time. And I’m picking their tutors, subjects and classes.

Carol