Homeschool: What Do the Children Think About It? An Interview

An Interview and Overview

By Momie Tullottes, published Dec 31, 2007
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Recently, I have gotten many inquiries as to how my children feel about homeschool. Based on this curiosity and interest, I decided to interview my 9 and 10 year old daughters. These children have attended both public school and school at home, so they are coming from a balanced perspective. I also home school my 3 and 4 year old, but since they have never been to public school, I felt the perspective of the older children was better suited to this experiment.

The children were interviewed separately, so there was no chance of them influencing each other's answers. I asked the children about their general opinion on homeschool, as well as whether they still have friends, the aspect of learning, and more. Here are the questions I asked of the children, followed by their answers.

Do you like Homeschool?

9 year old: Yes

10 year old: Yes

What is your favorite part of the day during homeschool?

9 year old: field trips, because there's a lot of them

10 year old: art, recess, field trips

Is there anything you can do in home school that you cannot do at any of the public schools you went to?

9 year old: Yes

10 year old: Yes

What are those things?

9 year old: We can start at whatever time.

10 year old: We can do any art project we want.

Do you learn more in home school or in public school?

9 year old: homeschool

10 year old: homeschool

Is it easier to learn in homeschool or in public school?

9 year old: homeschool

10 year old: homeschool

What does mom do to make it so easy to learn?

9 year old: She gives you an example.

10 year old: doesn't hover over your work or say hurry up

Do you still have friends, even though you homeschool?

9 year old: Yes.

10 year old: Yes.

Are there more activities (like dance) in home school or in public school?

9 year old: homeschool

10 year old: homeschool

Do you think those activities help you focus more or less on learning?

9 year old: more on learning

10 year old: more

Thinking about all your answers, if the school choice was up to you, would you choose homeschool or public school?

9 year old: homeschool

10 year old: homeschool

 
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Great article! I am going to pass it along to some homeschooling parents and those considering homeschool.

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Posted on 01/10/2008 at 10:01:43 AM

 
Great piece. I like that you interviewed the kids. I find that they always have an interesting perspective on things.

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Posted on 01/04/2008 at 3:01:03 PM

 
Thanks Amber and Mike. Amber I also wonder why I never see anything reflecting on the children's thoughts. I always count their opinion in most things. Mike, it gave me a little chuckle when she said it, too. I'm glad to see she noticed. I think it's better for them if I let them figure things out and they can ask me to explain if they're stumped. Her teacher at her last school pegged her as a "problem child" because she "wasn't performing". This teacher would hang over her shoulder watching her work all the time. Who can perform like that? I think kids perform much better in a stress-free environment. Anyway, I think that's why she mentions that I don't hover. I would love to show that teacher her schoolwork now compared to what she did with her - huge difference. I wouldn't ridicule her teaching skills, as she has a degree and I am still earning mine, but nicely let her know there are other ways to motivate children.

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Posted on 01/02/2008 at 9:01:55 PM

 
It was worth a little chuckle when your 10-year-old said you "don't hover." That's nice of you. Great writeup. -- Mike

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Posted on 01/02/2008 at 9:01:53 PM

 
I'll be unschooling my kids at home. Great article! No one ever considers the children's point of view on these matters, do they? :)

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Posted on 01/02/2008 at 6:01:31 PM

 
Thanks Kim. I'm so sorry your public school experience was less than stellar. We've had some troubles with quality public education as well. I'm sure there are some great public schools. We just haven't been lucky enough to live near the right one. Home school seems to be all-around the best option for each of our children's unique needs. Thanks for sharing your story. I enjoy hearing others' experiences as well. :-)

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Posted on 01/02/2008 at 12:01:02 PM

 
We pulled our son out of public school in 8th grade. He tried public school again in 9th and it was a disaster. We're fortunate in that we work at home and are both retired, so we have plenty of time for home school. It certainly hasn't cut down on his friends or activities. We tried working with the school, the school board, and just couldn't seem to get a quality education for our son. It was scary at first, but our son (who has the choice on what we do) definitely prefers our home environment. We do ours through Abeka Academy, but you're right, there's a myriad of options. I've heard alot of kids blend home schooling with public school, especially in the later years. Your article was very informative and illuminating. Well written, OF COURSE! Kim

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Posted on 01/02/2008 at 12:01:39 PM

 
Thanks you two. Thanks for sharing that Josie. I enjoy hearing other homeschool experiences. I agree that there are so many options for home school students that public school students just don't have. :-)

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Posted on 01/02/2008 at 11:01:15 AM

 
Great article. My daughter is currently homeschooled. She is in middle school...she will be going to high school next year and will still be homeschooled since she is enjoying and learning so much at home and in field trips. She is very active in our church and community and she has a lot of activities that she would not have done if she weren't homeschooled.

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Posted on 01/02/2008 at 10:01:34 AM

 
Thanks for sharing Momie!

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Posted on 01/02/2008 at 9:01:07 AM

 
Kelly, I'm glad you're learning some things from me about home school. Shanika, you're right that the proof is in the pudding. :-)

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Posted on 01/02/2008 at 9:01:18 AM

 
Thanks you three. Kim, I agree that it isn't right for all families, but for our family, it's perfect. :-)

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Posted on 01/02/2008 at 9:01:38 AM

 
What a wonderful idea for an article! I just love this. The proof is in the pudding, right? Your kids sound wonderful. So cute!

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Posted on 01/02/2008 at 5:01:47 AM

 
Great piece, Momie. I don't plan to homeschool my kids, but all of your research and information on the matter has really opened my eyes to the education kids can receive from it. I'm impressed, and am learning quite a bit from you!

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Posted on 01/02/2008 at 4:01:53 AM

 
I was very actively involved in the homeschooling community when my children were younger and I have seen both ends of the spectrum. What I have found is that parents who decide to homeschool need to make sure they are prepared to give it their best. I know many young people who were homeschooled who are now in college and they are at the top of their class. I also know a few others who can barely read. Deciding to homeschool should be a decision that is only made after careful consideration of all the elements involved. Unfortunately, not all children who are homeschooled have a bright mommie like you! :)

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Posted on 01/01/2008 at 11:01:01 PM

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