What is school useful for? - Page 6

[vbactivist]

I will say that in my experience those who use full day kindergarten (vs. the half day that is also available) are using it primarily for child care. I am basing htis on many friends and familymembers, and people I knowin my community. It is usually people who already have their children in daycare that opt for the fullday kindergarten - because it saves them money. The sahm's don't getnerally opt for full day kindergarten.

[A&A]

It provides opportunities that would be hard for me to replicate otherwise, especially at the secondary level. (Being in the school musical, learning math from a math expert, art from an art expert, etc.)

[philomom]

As someone who did homeschool for a short time... here's my reasons for regular schooling:


I don't own Bunsen burners , microscopes, a skeleton, a gem drawer, a shell collection from all over the world and tons of other things it would cost me an arm and a leg to have at home.

Since I don't know everything... how can I teach everything?

Sometimes, no matter how well a parent and child get along.. there will be days where your kid won't work for you. I don't like being the "heavy".

My kids should learn to get along with all types... no matter their religion, color or accent.

[jeteaa]

Many of the reasons given in this thread are valid. But what has not been said is that kids don't need to be in school 6+ hrs a day, 5 days a week, for 9 months out of the year to benefit from the good aspects at school. So for us (for now) we are doing a pt school/hs program. I feel we have the best of both worlds. My kids have the option to take classes (math, art, dance, science etc) 2 days/week and hs the rest. I feel that the harm out weights the benefits of school today when kids are in the brick and mortar building for so much time and away from their families or interacting with the real world.

[riversmommy]

Thank you for this thread!

Let me start by saying: I was hs'ed. I now have a 5 year old with special needs. And a 2 year old. I have been hs'ing kindergarten because..well, that's what I assumed I should do. You are your child's best teacher. Public School is dumbing us down, etc. And my mom was an EXCELLENT teacher of 4 active children.

So, it comes as a difficult decision for me to enroll my son in Kindergarten. My husband was PS'ed and he seems fine . He'll support me either way. But I cannot be everything I need to be throughout the day! So, here I am: sweating over a decision that is NOT forever! As much as I care about my children's education, I realize that life is a process, a journey. What if he hates school? I will find a way to homeschool without burning out. Or not. Maybe I will try to find a way to lessen his stress within the school environment, new teacher, special ed, whatever it takes...but that is THEN, this is now!

It seems many homeschooling parents base their opinions of PS on their own experiences. Well, I'm guilty of the same with homeschooling. Because it worked for my parents and me and my siblings, I assume it MUST be the best thing for my family. But aren't we supposed to be teaching our children to bravely try new things, to not cast judgements without sufficient knowledge, to embrace diverse challenges? So, I guess I'm trying to say that: I appreciate the poster's who've tried both, and may try either one again, because the important thing is that our children have an opportunity to succeed anywhere! Whatever works!

[philomom]

Honestly, my kids have had excellent public school experiences. But, I have made an effort to live in the "best" school district, too. The ones that are well -funded. My kids have always had all the "extras", language, music, recess, history, classical studies, art and art history.


The year I home schooled was a stop gap measure because of some over-crowding issues.... once the district solved the issue.. my kid went right back.

[choli]

Originally Posted by CatsCradle

I understand the argument both ways concerning school as "childcare vs. not childcare." I guess I do bristle slightly, however, when school is referred to as childcare, mainly because I think so many people perceive outside "childcare" in a negative light...like its not the best thing for a child. Maybe I'll feel better about school being termed childcare once our society moves past the negative perceptions of "childcare" in general.

I have to agree. I can't count the times I have see children attending daycare being described as "dumped in daycare" or "stuck in daycare" right here on MDC.