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Thoughts on Homeschooling
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KLSbear
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 1908 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
A few years ago I met DH's cousin and a couple of his children. His wife is homeschooling all 6 children, and the kids were more more advanced than many I meet. As for social skills, the children are active in church and church activities, scouting, sports and homeschool groups so they have plenty of opportunity to gain social skills. The 13 year old daughter was able to debate religion and politics with DH better than most adults he runs into. I would personally give it a lot of serious consideration as a viable option, considering the social agenda that many schools are pushing these days, as well as the lack of morals you see among so many of today's kids.
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Posted 8/18/07 11:01 AM  |
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julz33
i run for bacon
Member since 5/05 20584 total posts
Name:
julz
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
I voted maybe.
I would prefer my own children to attend public schools, but each situation is different. In the situation you described I would choose home schooling. I knew a few children who were homescholed and they are adults and perfectly "normal" now. There are other ways the kids can socialize.
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| Posted 8/18/07 11:55 AM |
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ggt08
;)
Member since 5/05 5208 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Like many said, each child and situation is different. For some it works, for others it doesnt.YOu really can't generalize it, just give opinions.
I feel it also depends on the parents and how they handle the homeschooling situation as far as what they are teaching etc....
I am a teacher so of course I feel the school setting is an environment where kids learn to interact, work together, socialize etc....
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| Posted 8/18/07 1:47 PM |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Posted by mimih
As a teacher, I honestly would never homeschool my child. I think that it is incredibly important for them to socialize with peers, respect other figures of authority (besides their parents) and follow rules within a group. I truly believe children who are home schooled are missing out on learning how to deal with the world in preparation for a future job. JMHO
I agree...me being a teacher and all, I dont feel I would be able to teach them EVERYTHING that is taught in school.
Message edited 8/18/2007 2:33:15 PM.
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| Posted 8/18/07 2:32 PM |
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lkrpaul
Becoming a Big Brother!
Member since 5/07 2541 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Posted by mimih
As a teacher, I honestly would never homeschool my child. I think that it is incredibly important for them to socialize with peers, respect other figures of authority (besides their parents) and follow rules within a group. I truly believe children who are home schooled are missing out on learning how to deal with the world in preparation for a future job. JMHO
I'm a teacher and I was actually going to say the same thing. Everything she wrote I agree with.
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| Posted 8/18/07 2:36 PM |
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lkrpaul
Becoming a Big Brother!
Member since 5/07 2541 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
OK, I hadn't read what you wrote about the specific situation... First off, as a special ed teacher I'm pretty disgusted with the way the district handled things. Be aware of your rights though - if they claim to not have an appropriate placement, you can sue to force them to either pay for an appropriate one or help with costs. So just make sure you (is it you or a friend?) look into everything. Also, though I fully believe in the benefits of attending a school, every situation is different and it sounds like in this case homeschooling is working best. Just one final thing... It might be that it's not the homeschooling but the supportive environment (since the district did not seem to be supplying that) and that if you DO find a special school or program that you feel is appropriate, it might be worth trying it again in hopes of that teacher being much more professional and understanding.
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| Posted 8/18/07 2:42 PM |
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avamamma
My Girl
Member since 7/06 3395 total posts
Name:
Tara
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Posted by SPECIALNEEDSMOMMY
I want to present a specific situation to all of you and see if your opinions change:
A 6.5 year old with a very severe seizure disorder, ataxia, apraxia, functionally deaf and developmentally delayed. He understands and follows directions very well. He can make some word approximations, but no clear verbalizations. He is charting about 2-3 year old skills with a few scattered higher skills. A delightful little boy with a lot on his plate. He was in a special needs school since age 3 ... full day program including 6 weeks of summer.
Full therapy ... PT, OT, Speech.
After three years of formal schooling, the child could barely walk independently. No speech development all all. Motor skills were very poor. The child knows no colors, letters, numbers, etc. He cannot answer a simple question after reading a book. The child has no means of communication other than grunting and pointing.
After three years of schooling at the same location and the same teacher, the school assigns the child a new teacher. During the first six weeks of school, the child loses 7 lbs because the teacher refuses ... yes, refuses ... to work with the child's feeding issues. The school decides (about working with this child for three prior years and dealing with the feeding issues) that things are "too difficult to manage any further". The parent is called in and told the child needs a "more medically fragile program." The parent fights and the superintendent refuses to assign another teacher or work with the family.
The choice ... the child remains and continues to lose weight and will wind up with a g-tube ... or the child is withdrawn from school? The parent withdraws the child and searches for a new school ... nothing available or suitable for the child.
Homeschooling becomes the only option. A year of homeschooling under the child's belt and guess what??? He recites (after being prompted) every alphabet letter. He counts to five (prompted.) He knows 4 of his colors. He's signing about twenty signs. He points to objects and attempts to vocalize the words for what he points to. He is walking ... and not falling. He climbs stairs. He has regained 8 lbs and is trying new foods.
He goes to the library and takes field trips with a homeschooling group. He is social, friendly and happy.
The bottom line ... he has made strides with the parent as a teacher that school couldn't accomplish in three years.
After reading this, what do you think? Does this make you feel any differently about homeschooling? Be honest.
I am appalled by that story. I don't know if it is you or a friend, but whoever it is needs to contact an attorney.
If it is not you, I would give school a try for your child. Not everyone has the same bad experience.
There are pros and cons to regular schooling and home schooling. As a former teacher and now a parent, I can see both sides.
I wish you luck in whatever your decision is.
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| Posted 8/18/07 3:34 PM |
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sunnyplus3
:)
Member since 11/05 8749 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
I think homeschooling can be a good thing. Often times it is done mostly because of religious beliefs & not because of academics(as with the family we bought our house from). There are a few woman in my neighborhood that homeschool & honestly I don't think their kids are going to be prepared for college-or anything else in life, because I don't think they are structured enough.
However there are homeschooling groups that provide support and the parents work together to teach the kids different things, for example there may be one parent in the group that is a musician & will teach a larger group of kids music. They take "field trips" together & stuff like that. I still get alot of the previous owners junk mail & the catalogs with the homeschooling stuff are amazing.
When it comes to dealing with a special needs child I know from having a learning disabled child that the public schools are basically a let down.
We have several special needs members of my family ranging from 11 yrs old to 40yrs old & I understand the struggles you face. My mother works for MaryHaven & I sometimes believe that putting kids in schools with teachers & faculty that REALLY know how to deal with it is best. My BIL & SIL just had to make this tough decision for my 11 yr old niece, They would LOVE for her to be "mainstreamed" but she is making more progress in the new program she's in (in Florida)
I think that if I had a child with such complex needs I would first look at schools better suited outside the public school system & if that would not work I'd by all means homeschool my child.
Good luck, its a difficult place to be in.
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| Posted 8/18/07 4:05 PM |
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SPECIALNEEDSMOMMY
A Healing for Gregory
Member since 1/07 1217 total posts
Name:
Barbara
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Thanks ladies for your input. I appreciate the thoughts on both sides.
Many of you have asked if I am the parent I'm talking about and if the child is mine, and the answer is YES to both questions.
My son is pictured in my avatar. He is a delightful little boy. It's been a hard road with him. I'd like to answer some questions and respond to some comments made here. First of all, I've done my research completely and I have a good attorney.
My school district has completely let us down. It is one of the largest districts on LI and their programs for special needs children is pitiful ... to say the least. They do not offer an in district program for my son and they openly admit it. The out of district programs simply do not fit ... for many reasons. My sons' disabilities are severe, but most of the schools suggested to us would be glorified babysitting services ... they are not looking to teach him on an educational level ... just a life skills level. This is not acceptable to me. I believe wholeheartedly that my son's capabilities far surpass what the tests show. Simply based on test scores, they will not push him to the point that I do. As I said in an earlier post, I accomplished more in one year teaching myself than his prior school accomplished in three years.
Ladies, I know many of you are teachers and I'm sure you are wonderful ones. However, I've had my fair share of special ed teacherrs working with my son that are just burnt out ... they are not making the effort anymore. I've had more than my share of therapists ... OT, PT, SPEECH, SEIT ... some completly spent and others wonderful. It takes a LONG time to find a team that works well with your child and can make progress as a team. If you are not a parent who fights ... and I mean FIGHTS, YELLS, SCREAMS AND DEMANDS, you get nothing.
Where the prior school was concerned, they won ... unjusttifialy so, but they did. I fought through arbitration, impartial hearings, etc. The bottom line was that NYS agreed with them saying his feeding needs required a more medically capable environment. How convenient for them that they managed for three years and now they can't. The only change ... a new teacher. Nice ... how nice and convenient for them. Obviously, they are not in business for the benefit of the child ... just keeping the teacher happy.
As for IEP, IHIP, etc. ... they all state clearly my son's needs and requirements ... but the schools and districts find ways around them ... all the time. The bottom line ... the special needs kids get the shaft. Life is simply not fair.
Again, no insults meant to the wonderful teachers out there. There are many in the world. But ... that being said ... you would be shocked to see how many horrible, lazy and uncaring SEIT teachers there are also. I often wonder why some of them ever went into this field because all they do is complain about the kids they teach.
I made a very hard decision last October to withdraw my son from school and I second guess myself all the time. I take enormous criticizm and judgement from family and friends ... but ... I know in my heart I made the right decision. It is always easy to judge someone when you are outside looking in.
I'm an Administrative Assistant by trade. I am not a teacher. I work hard teaching Gregory. I joined two homeschooling groups. I attend many events. We go to the library, museums, etc, etc, etc. My son and my daughter are very social, friendly, polite, hardworking and well-behaved. I submit an IHIP every year detailing my curriculum, books, tools, tests, etc. I am bound to 20 page quarterly progress reports and time logs. I don't get summers or vacation weeks due to regression ... I teach 365 days a year without a break. I attend all meetings and file everything on time. Our school district and NYS keep a close eye on us. It's hard, but I do it.
For us, this was the right road. This was a long post but a descriptive and truthful one.
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| Posted 8/18/07 4:48 PM |
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june262004
But I love the Snow!
Member since 5/05 15379 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
I would never do it!
Kid's need to learn at school. They need to learn responsiilty and THEY NEED TO HAVE CLASSMATES!
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| Posted 8/18/07 4:51 PM |
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Nicole728
My Happy Girl
Member since 7/06 8198 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
I haven't read the whole thread, but have you looked into a BOCES type school? or was your son already at a school for children with special needs?
I give you a lot of credit for homeschooling your son.
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| Posted 8/18/07 4:55 PM |
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Posted by Diane
Posted by mimih
As a teacher, I honestly would never homeschool my child. I think that it is incredibly important for them to socialize with peers, respect other figures of authority (besides their parents) and follow rules within a group. I truly believe children who are home schooled are missing out on learning how to deal with the world in preparation for a future job. JMHO
I agree...me being a teacher and all, I dont feel I would be able to teach them EVERYTHING that is taught in school.
for special needs kids, they sometimes don't need to learn everything. If they have limited abilities and really need to learn the basics that will help them lead functional and productive lives, some school programs are just not appropriate because there is too much crammed in the day that is required to be taught to them, so it becomes a long day of behaviors and very little learning....
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| Posted 8/18/07 5:07 PM |
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meghanmetz
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/05 525 total posts
Name:
Meghan
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Posted by SPECIALNEEDSMOMMY
I made a very hard decision last October to withdraw my son from school and I second guess myself all the time. I take enormous criticizm and judgement from family and friends ... but ... I know in my heart I made the right decision. It is always easy to judge someone when you are outside looking in.
I'm an Administrative Assistant by trade. I am not a teacher. I work hard teaching Gregory. I joined two homeschooling groups. I attend many events. We go to the library, museums, etc, etc, etc. My son and my daughter are very social, friendly, polite, hardworking and well-behaved. I submit an IHIP every year detailing my curriculum, books, tools, tests, etc. I am bound to 20 page quarterly progress reports and time logs. I don't get summers or vacation weeks due to regression ... I teach 365 days a year without a break. I attend all meetings and file everything on time. Our school district and NYS keep a close eye on us. It's hard, but I do it.
For us, this was the right road. This was a long post but a descriptive and truthful one.
 For doing what was best for you and your son, he's very lucky to have a mom that loves him so much.
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| Posted 8/18/07 5:27 PM |
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NewYawkah
2012--A year of new beginnings
Member since 5/05 4402 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Posted by meghanmetz
For doing what was best for you and your son, he's very lucky to have a mom that loves him so much.
I agree!!!
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| Posted 8/18/07 5:42 PM |
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sunnyplus3
:)
Member since 11/05 8749 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
kudos to you for doing whatever it takes to help your son live the best life he can. Homeschooling 365 days a year must be exhausting, have you ever considered enrolling him in a camp that specializes in special needs for a few weeks in the summer to let him enjoy being around other kids that have stuff in common with him as far as challenges go? I think it would be great for you to get a couple of days off in the summer & for him to be around kids.
As I said I've dealt with the not so simple task of trying to get a district to diagnose my son & then adhere to his IEP which I'm sure is nothing compare to your son's. Again congrats to you for having the guts to do whatever it takes.
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| Posted 8/18/07 7:11 PM |
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4ForMe
:)
Member since 11/05 5666 total posts
Name:
Barbara
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Posted by NewYawkah
Posted by meghanmetz
For doing what was best for you and your son, he's very lucky to have a mom that loves him so much.
I agree!!!
I am a friend of SPECIALNEEDSMOMMY for years and can tell you firsthand the frustration she has been through in finding the proper setting for her son. He is such a sweet, wonderful little boy and it is a shame that there is just nowhere left for her to turn to. She is exhausted and emotionally and physically drained in caring for Gregory and his very active 4 year old sister. She has taken on a huge responsibility in homeschooling him, and believe me, she is the first to acknowledge the sadness she feels in him missing out on the much needed socialization that he craves and needs. But when the educational system cannot (or shall I say will not) accomodate his tremendous needs, nor is willing to even attempt to do so, there is really no other option for her. She and her family have sacrificed so much in order for her to take care of and educate him full time - she could have easily thrown in the towel and kept him where he was at or put him someplace else and simply hoped for the best. Instead she has taken on this tremendous job with love and dignity.
Barbara, I admire you and your strength. Those who think you are doing your child a disservice by homeschooling him shouldn't speak or form and opinion until they have walked in your shoes. And to those who have supported her decision, thank you.
for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Message edited 8/18/2007 10:11:24 PM.
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| Posted 8/18/07 7:46 PM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Posted by SPECIALNEEDSMOMMY
I want to present a specific situation to all of you and see if your opinions change:
A 6.5 year old with a very severe seizure disorder, ataxia, apraxia, functionally deaf and developmentally delayed. He understands and follows directions very well. He can make some word approximations, but no clear verbalizations. He is charting about 2-3 year old skills with a few scattered higher skills. A delightful little boy with a lot on his plate. He was in a special needs school since age 3 ... full day program including 6 weeks of summer.
Full therapy ... PT, OT, Speech.
After three years of formal schooling, the child could barely walk independently. No speech development all all. Motor skills were very poor. The child knows no colors, letters, numbers, etc. He cannot answer a simple question after reading a book. The child has no means of communication other than grunting and pointing.
After three years of schooling at the same location and the same teacher, the school assigns the child a new teacher. During the first six weeks of school, the child loses 7 lbs because the teacher refuses ... yes, refuses ... to work with the child's feeding issues. The school decides (about working with this child for three prior years and dealing with the feeding issues) that things are "too difficult to manage any further". The parent is called in and told the child needs a "more medically fragile program." The parent fights and the superintendent refuses to assign another teacher or work with the family.
The choice ... the child remains and continues to lose weight and will wind up with a g-tube ... or the child is withdrawn from school? The parent withdraws the child and searches for a new school ... nothing available or suitable for the child.
Homeschooling becomes the only option. A year of homeschooling under the child's belt and guess what??? He recites (after being prompted) every alphabet letter. He counts to five (prompted.) He knows 4 of his colors. He's signing about twenty signs. He points to objects and attempts to vocalize the words for what he points to. He is walking ... and not falling. He climbs stairs. He has regained 8 lbs and is trying new foods.
He goes to the library and takes field trips with a homeschooling group. He is social, friendly and happy.
The bottom line ... he has made strides with the parent as a teacher that school couldn't accomplish in three years.
After reading this, what do you think? Does this make you feel any differently about homeschooling? Be honest.
Unfortunately, I'm not suprised in the least bit. I work for the XXXXXXXXX. 70% of our cases deal with children with disabilities who are not receiving a proper education. I can't even begin to tell you the stories that have come across my desk, that simply INFURIATE me. I have to add the caveat that the majority of schools and teachers are phenomenal, dedicated, passionate and deserve an applause. But, unfortunately, there is a minority, and that's why I have the job that I have.
For you, and anyone else grappling with these kind of issues, you are not alone, and there are people and agencies there to help you. If you feel that your child isn't getting an appropriate education, or his/her rights are being violated, you can file a complaint with your state board of education, or the federal department of education, in the office for civil rights. I can assure you they take every single complaint seriously and evaluate each on its own facts.
For those students who have serious developmental issues, and are not, for whatever reason, receiving the care and attention they deserve, then yes, homeschooling is by far the most appropriate means. Most of the people filing complaints with our office are at that point, where they have removed the child from the school.
Message edited 8/20/2007 8:12:03 AM.
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| Posted 8/18/07 7:53 PM |
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JustJack
:)
Member since 2/06 2041 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
My SIL homeschools her two boys. I personally would never do it. They have poor social skills, and its hard to make friends. I can imagine when they grow up and are in the real word, such as a job or even college, how aukward they are going to be. She is also getting very tired with it. They don't want to pay attention and it's a lot of work, which most people, unless you are a teacher, don't know how to handle, and she never has time for herself since the kids are always home. I went to 5 years of school to be a teacher, so I find it hard to believe that someone who has no training can do it as well.
On the other hand, she only has the two kids, so they get all the attention, unlike if they were in a classroom. Also, they are very smart because of all the one on one learning.
Even if they wanted to go to school now, they couldn't. They wouldn't know how to behave and would probably be diagnosed with ADD or have many discipline problems because they are not used to the environment.
Just my two sense, from being a teacher and also knowing people first hand that do it.
ETA- I saw your other posts and I am appalled that of the treatment you and your son have recieved in public school. That is NOT how it is supposed to be! Was that a special education teacher? She needs to be fired! Did he have an one on one aide or a SEIT? Can you request that he be put in another school district?
Message edited 8/18/2007 10:33:53 PM.
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| Posted 8/18/07 10:30 PM |
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Goldi0218
My miracles!
Member since 12/05 23902 total posts
Name:
Leslie
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
SPECIALNEEDSMOMMY, I really feel for you. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to be in your situation and I applaud you for putting your child first and doing what you need to do.
For those people who are not familiar with special education, it isnt always pulling a child out for services in a nice resource room. It can involve multiple educational and clinical professionals to address serious and sometimes intimate/private needs of a child.
My specialized area of study was in emotional disturbance and the students I serve have multiplpe diabilities, but generally are a mixture of LD and ED. I do not have much exposure to children with physical disabilities but I do know that it is so hard for parents of children with physical disabilities to find suitable programs. I wonder if there is a shortage of teachers whose specialties are in the education of children with physical disabilities as well as learning problems. Any thoughts?
Message edited 8/18/2007 10:48:21 PM.
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| Posted 8/18/07 10:47 PM |
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twicethefun
Loving life
Member since 7/06 4088 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Posted by SPECIALNEEDSMOMMY
I want to present a specific situation to all of you and see if your opinions change:
A 6.5 year old with a very severe seizure disorder, ataxia, apraxia, functionally deaf and developmentally delayed. He understands and follows directions very well. He can make some word approximations, but no clear verbalizations. He is charting about 2-3 year old skills with a few scattered higher skills. A delightful little boy with a lot on his plate. He was in a special needs school since age 3 ... full day program including 6 weeks of summer.
Full therapy ... PT, OT, Speech.
After three years of formal schooling, the child could barely walk independently. No speech development all all. Motor skills were very poor. The child knows no colors, letters, numbers, etc. He cannot answer a simple question after reading a book. The child has no means of communication other than grunting and pointing.
After three years of schooling at the same location and the same teacher, the school assigns the child a new teacher. During the first six weeks of school, the child loses 7 lbs because the teacher refuses ... yes, refuses ... to work with the child's feeding issues. The school decides (about working with this child for three prior years and dealing with the feeding issues) that things are "too difficult to manage any further". The parent is called in and told the child needs a "more medically fragile program." The parent fights and the superintendent refuses to assign another teacher or work with the family.
The choice ... the child remains and continues to lose weight and will wind up with a g-tube ... or the child is withdrawn from school? The parent withdraws the child and searches for a new school ... nothing available or suitable for the child.
Homeschooling becomes the only option. A year of homeschooling under the child's belt and guess what??? He recites (after being prompted) every alphabet letter. He counts to five (prompted.) He knows 4 of his colors. He's signing about twenty signs. He points to objects and attempts to vocalize the words for what he points to. He is walking ... and not falling. He climbs stairs. He has regained 8 lbs and is trying new foods.
He goes to the library and takes field trips with a homeschooling group. He is social, friendly and happy.
The bottom line ... he has made strides with the parent as a teacher that school couldn't accomplish in three years.
After reading this, what do you think? Does this make you feel any differently about homeschooling? Be honest.
Yes I guess you convinced me. There are certain instances where this is best...but I think it shows complete failure in the system and should not have to be that way. The district should provide an education for this child and support to the parents no matter what the circumstances, unfortunately it does not always happen that way. Kudos to the mom in that instance. I would have gotten a lawyer.
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| Posted 8/19/07 11:38 AM |
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Diane
Hope is Contagious....catch it
Member since 5/05 30683 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Posted by lipglossjunky73
Posted by Diane
Posted by mimih
As a teacher, I honestly would never homeschool my child. I think that it is incredibly important for them to socialize with peers, respect other figures of authority (besides their parents) and follow rules within a group. I truly believe children who are home schooled are missing out on learning how to deal with the world in preparation for a future job. JMHO
I agree...me being a teacher and all, I dont feel I would be able to teach them EVERYTHING that is taught in school.
for special needs kids, they sometimes don't need to learn everything. If they have limited abilities and really need to learn the basics that will help them lead functional and productive lives, some school programs are just not appropriate because there is too much crammed in the day that is required to be taught to them, so it becomes a long day of behaviors and very little learning....
I agree, for a special needs kid, It is different. They need to learn things we talk for granted such as everyday life skills. I mean for a general ed. student.
SPECIALNEEDSMOM...your son sis very lucky to have you as a mom
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| Posted 8/19/07 1:04 PM |
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Bri
I Love You to Pieces!
Member since 5/05 9919 total posts
Name:
Brianne
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Posted by mimih
As a teacher, I honestly would never homeschool my child. I think that it is incredibly important for them to socialize with peers, respect other figures of authority (besides their parents) and follow rules within a group. I truly believe children who are home schooled are missing out on learning how to deal with the world in preparation for a future job. JMHO
Generally, this is my opinion. However, there are exceptions, since every child is unique. Even for a special needs child, there are excellent programs that are geared towards basic skills but also incorporate socialization. I am a true believer in a child being able to learn appropriate socialization skills. If a child has adequate opportunity for socializing outside of the educational setting, then homeschooling is a fine option, IMO. But if homeschooling is going to really sacrifice socialization opportunities, a school setting where the child can thrive socially as well, is IMHO, the best setting.
Message edited 8/19/2007 7:10:30 PM.
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| Posted 8/19/07 7:09 PM |
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counselor74
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/07 806 total posts
Name:
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Posted by SPECIALNEEDSMOMMY
I respect your opinion very much, but I'm just curious about a few things if you wouldn't mind answering.
Have you ever met or spoken to a parent who homeschooled? If so, what did you think of the child they homeschooled?
Also, would you feel differently about homeschooling if the child was special needs?
Just really curious about this subject ...
Thanks for any input! 
I work with children with special needs and I know without a doubt that school is the best place for them. Special educaiton services are essential for students to make improvements. Special needs kids need specialized therapies, instructional appropaches, and equipment to make gains. Home is no place for a special needs kid to learn and develop.
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| Posted 8/19/07 7:47 PM |
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Jackie24
~We Did it~
Member since 7/06 6718 total posts
Name:
Jackie
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
I am a teacher, i dont believe in homeschooling, especially since since the children i work with have special needs, the social factor is SOOOOO important, i think there is so much that is learned in a schoool setting that just canno be taught at home....JMO
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| Posted 8/19/07 7:51 PM |
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SPECIALNEEDSMOMMY
A Healing for Gregory
Member since 1/07 1217 total posts
Name:
Barbara
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Re: Thoughts on Homeschooling
Ladies ... For those of you who have offered support and understanding for what I do, I say THANK YOU. For those of you who think I am doing my son a disservice by keeping him home, I respect your opinion but I don't agree with it.
I feel I need to clarify something though. My son is absolutely NOT losing any socialization skills by being home. If anything, he is growing in that area. When he was in school, he was in a special needs/medically fragile class with 5 other children. He arrived at 8:30 AM and finished at 3:00 PM. His class was comprised of five children ... 4 autistic, my son and one child with CP.
My son was strapped in an adaptive chair for safety. Out of the four autistic children ... three were severe ... and needed to be restrained because they would bite or injure each other ... the CP child was very unsteady on his feet (and needed to be strapped in an adaptive chair also) but very sociable like my son. As such, Gregory had one child (the CP child) to model. The other autistic child was deaf and just sat and stared at the floor. This was a very sad class. Gregory had NO free movement around the classroom, there was no circle time and the children were unable to interact with each other in a playful situation due to safety issues. So ... I ask you ... what socialization skills was my son learning at school? During the day (every day), he received independent (out of the classroom) speech, OT and PT services. Due to problems with photosensitivity, dehydration and hyponatremia, Gregory was unable to play on the playground outsite and gym and recess were spent walking around the gym (alone) with an aide. Lunch was in the classroom with his class and teacher. Art, computer, Library ... all were one on one with an Assistant. The point I am trying to make is that he spent the majority of time in school alone with an adult ... very little ... if any ... time with other children. I have looked into countless other special needs schools and the situation at each is very similiar to what I am describing.
Now that I am homeschooling, we do a lot of things. As I mentioned earlier, we are part of two homeschooling groups, we go to the library, parks, museums, etc. We take a lot of day trips. I have tried to enroll my son in karate, gymnastics, etc and guess what? No one will take him on due to his medical issues. They all say insurance won't cover them if something happens while they're working with him ... even if I'm right there participating also. I can't even get my Church to start up some program for special needs kids ... so I teach him about the Lord myself.
Again, I respect everyone's opinion, but I wanted to make something clear. Just because a special needs child is in school doesn't mean they are getting any socialization at all ... sometimes it's just the opposite.
It sounds like there are some great special needs teachers on here, and I wish I had come across some of you over the last few years instead of the ones I have encountered.
Ladies ..... things aren't always as they appear to be .....
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| Posted 8/19/07 9:50 PM |
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| Pages: 1 [2] 3 |
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