Comments for Mama of Letters

Comment on What Labels Are We Placing on Homeschoolers? by shelli

shelli — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:18:53 +0000

Thanks so much, Laci. I was a little concerned that people would not understand me when I made those statements. I really do want to help other people. But if I spend my energy on helping other people when I don’t yet have my own life/family taken care of (I know people like this), I don’t think that is a noble or worthwhile pursuit. It can create resentment in one’s family (those being neglected) too.

I’m learning more and more that the only way to get along and tolerate people’s differences is to focus on the similarities and common goals. You are so right about that.

Comment on What Labels Are We Placing on Homeschoolers? by shelli

shelli — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:14:21 +0000

Thanks, Gabriela. And for the record, I definitely don’t have a problem with some of those labels! But I wanted to illustrate how easily it is to assume something when it may not be the case. Thanks also for the info you received on the forum – that is a nice illustration of what I was trying to say.

I have considered that if school could be two days a week with really good teachers, I would love that. I would have a couple of days off and I’d be assured that they were getting something positive out of it. But I definitely prefer that my boys be able to spend more of their time at home. Kids need more freedom to play, explore and find out what in this life makes them excited!

Comment on What Labels Are We Placing on Homeschoolers? by Laci

Laci — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:57:05 +0000

I agree with taking care of your own before taking care of others. Maybe by making sure our children are well educated they will go on to help our country in other ways as adults.

I wish the focus was on what we share, not our differences. I bet we all agree that we want to solve our nation’s education problems. We are all just doing what we feel is best.

Comment on What Labels Are We Placing on Homeschoolers? by Gabriela

Gabriela — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:52:05 +0000

Hehe… I definitely fit some of the stereotypes you mention.
The main thing for us is time, school means too much time apart,
and since, for so many parents, school = childcare,
I don’t think I’d ever have my way – 2 hour a day school, 3 times a week, 1 teacher for every 3 kids kinda thing.

I recently asked, on a forum, what people think makes them different from “most” homeschoolers – the answers were so diverse: tattoos, working nights, single working parent, too much structure, not enough structure…
It was interesting to see what people found atypical in the homeschool circles.
But yeah, we definitely come in all shapes and sizes.

Comment on Creating New Family Traditions by January / February Activities with Small Children | Mama of Letters

January / February Activities with Small Children | Mama of Letters — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:31:34 +0000

[...] goals this year was to plan a lesson / activity around each of the holidays, and I wanted to try to start some new traditions too. Unfortunately, I have not started off well in this 2012 New Year. Though I’ve done a [...]

Comment on Happy Birthday to My Boys and Kindergarten Goals for this Next Year by January / February Activities with Small Children | Mama of Letters

January / February Activities with Small Children | Mama of Letters — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:31:32 +0000

[...] One of my goals this year was to plan a lesson / activity around each of the holidays, and I wanted to try to start some new traditions too. Unfortunately, I have not started off well in this 2012 New Year. Though I’ve done a few projects for New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, and even Groundhog Dog, I didn’t feel very prepared, and I didn’t do anything for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day or Washington’s Birthday. Oh well. I plan to do this every year, so I’ll make up for eventually. Since my boys are so young, I have probably done just enough anyway. [...]

Comment on Why I Love LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE by Lori

Lori — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:52:22 +0000

i still remember how excited i was to watch the very first episode of the TV show made from my favorite books. and i mean i remember lying on my stomach six inches from the TV thrilling to the first notes of the theme music!

Comment on Secular Homeschooling Is On The Rise by Maya

Maya — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:02:44 +0000

Religion has very little to do with it for us, though we certainly have our beliefs! For us it’s more about quality of education and having the time to interact with others in a more meaningful way. I know a lot of people talk about how homeschoolers aren’t socialized enough, but I love that my kid can have an all-day playdate with a friend and really get the kind of quality interaction with a peer that she wouldn’t get at school. I guess for us, it’s about all-around quality over quantity.

Comment on In Response to a Teacher’s Questions About Homeschooling by Karen Loethen

Karen Loethen — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:40:26 +0000

Shelli,
I had thought about responding to this article in Newsweek, but I was SO busy doing other projects. Your response is great! I’ve mentioned it on my blog.

Comment on In Response to a Teacher’s Questions About Homeschooling by Karen Loethen

Karen Loethen — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:38:28 +0000

LOL