cptacek on February 4, 2013 at 3:34 PM

I understand. I won’t say it wouldn’t be tough. But, it is more accessible than many folks think – at least partly because there are more variations on it than most folks know. There’s probably a homeschooling organization in your state that could help you with your possible options.

One big point, though. If you take up the “teaching moments” concept, you will *already* be homeschooling. You just won’t be taking your child out of the system to do so. Your son will already have a huge advantage. Then, when the moment is right, and the system is not serving your needs, you will be ready to jump in.

Invest in lots of books (loads of free ones on Project Gutenberg and the Adelaide University Electronic Texts Collection). Not just classic fiction, but plenty of non-fiction (yeah, I know, it’s more expensive). Even a lame (or old) encyclopedia will give a good starting point. An internet connection will help, too (when filtered). Be willing to look things up when he asks a question – and bring him along. In short, feed his brain.

Also, never forget to remind him that you have a set of morals that might be contrary to what the system desires. Let him know that you won’t let them fuzz up his conscience without a fight, and be prepared to give good answers for your beliefs. And, of course, PRAY!

Alas, we are not in the position to home school.

cptacek on February 4, 2013 at 2:07 PM

I’m curious as to what makes you think you aren’t in a position to homeschool?

The key probably will be to incorporate learning into the doing, instead of just doing.

That’s the key. And, it can be fun. Besides, he’s gonna start on the “Why?” stage pretty soon, anyway.

Either home school them or send them to private school. I know some people say they can’t afford private school, but I guarantee you that if you go to your local Catholic or other church-affiliated school and speak to the priest or minister, 99% of the time they will find a way to work with you. They really do view education as a part of their ministry, and while they must charge tuition to keep the doors open, most will also not let finances stand in the way of a child getting an education.

I don’t know how much more forceful I can make this… Don’t send them to public school. Please.

Shump on February 4, 2013 at 2:05 PM

Closest private school is an hour from home. Probably not an option.

One option is to homeschool. More than anything else, it allows you to tailor your child’s schooling. This applies not just to choice of curriculum, but to things like increased frequency of activity time (if a boy, especially), using “teachable moments” to add in cross-discipline work (like discussing science if they ask a question related to a reading in their literature work), and working schooling around appointments and such (if you’re going to the doctor that day, set up all your curriculum that day around that idea).

Alas, we are not in the position to home school.

One other thing you can do – especially with a boy – is to make time to do “manly” stuff with them, and teach them using those activities. Have them help you work on the car and teach them about science and engineering. Have them help you in the yard or garden and teach them about biology. Have a “man’s night” washing dishes and teach about physics (bubbles) and biology (germs). You can talk about teflon, or why starches turn to rock if you leave them on the counter, or how the disposal works. The key is to understand that a child (but ESPECIALLY a boy!) learns best while doing, and doing something with dad (or mom, too ) is the *best* stuff to do.

GWB on February 4, 2013 at 1:30 PM

He will be able to do lots of manly stuff with dad on the farm, (he already knows how to sic the dog on a cow getting too uppity for his tastes, and loves the four wheeler)

The key probably will be to incorporate learning into the doing, instead of just doing.

I have a 20 month old. School is looming in our future. Any suggestions to help alleviate this? Watching my nieces/nephews in school, I know what the article says is true. What can mom and dad do to help?

cptacek on February 4, 2013 at 12:53 PM

Never, ever, ever, ever, ever… did I mention ever?… send them to a public school. Ever. Public education in the United States is an absolutely cesspool. Sure, you can find an isolated example of a teacher or a classroom that is better than average. But all are still following the government-mandated curriculum of feeding everything from Godless self-indulgence to climate change. Anyone who says “well, my particular public school is not like that” is deluding themselves. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to offend parents with kids in public school, but it’s the truth.

Either home school them or send them to private school. I know some people say they can’t afford private school, but I guarantee you that if you go to your local Catholic or other church-affiliated school and speak to the priest or minister, 99% of the time they will find a way to work with you. They really do view education as a part of their ministry, and while they must charge tuition to keep the doors open, most will also not let finances stand in the way of a child getting an education.

I don’t know how much more forceful I can make this… Don’t send them to public school. Please.

The kid whom teachers regarded as a loveable goofball is now 17 and taking classes at a community college. This fall he leaves for a prestigious private college where he has an academic scholarship that covers his tuition. He plans to major in chemistry.

CJ on February 4, 2013 at 1:16 PM

Here’s what you do. Send a copy of his college offer letter to every single one of his former teachers that made a negative comment or told you he had “issues”. Tell them you just wanted to let them know that they were wrong, and maybe they should consider how many young lives they permanently retarded with their ideology and malpractice.

IOW, the BIG F U.

ButterflyDragon on February 4, 2013 at 12:13 PM

Pfft. FAIL! You totally forgot “myself” and “I”!

UltimateBob on February 4, 2013 at 12:33 PM

Not at the ages being talked about here, Bob.

cptacek on February 4, 2013 at 12:53 PM

One option is to homeschool. More than anything else, it allows you to tailor your child’s schooling. This applies not just to choice of curriculum, but to things like increased frequency of activity time (if a boy, especially), using “teachable moments” to add in cross-discipline work (like discussing science if they ask a question related to a reading in their literature work), and working schooling around appointments and such (if you’re going to the doctor that day, set up all your curriculum that day around that idea).

One other thing you can do – especially with a boy – is to make time to do “manly” stuff with them, and teach them using those activities. Have them help you work on the car and teach them about science and engineering. Have them help you in the yard or garden and teach them about biology. Have a “man’s night” washing dishes and teach about physics (bubbles) and biology (germs). You can talk about teflon, or why starches turn to rock if you leave them on the counter, or how the disposal works. The key is to understand that a child (but ESPECIALLY a boy!) learns best while doing, and doing something with dad (or mom, too ) is the *best* stuff to do.

Sachiko on February 4, 2013 at 12:40 PM

Not so fast there, champ. Boys get short shrift from teachers and administrators ever damned day of the week. So slow your roll before you run your mouth again and make yourself look like an even bigger fool.