Friday, August 7, 2009

Lunchtime Poll Topic #6



Mercifully, the boys head back to school Monday. Yep, Monday. School starts really early in these parts. The neighboring county where most of our friends live starts back to school today. Who starts school on a Friday?

In honor of back to school week, I've got TWO lunchtime poll topics for you today. Both are all about school, both short and sweet.

1. School uniforms? For them or against them?

2. Homeschooling? Yes--it's the only way to go, or, No--I don't want my kid to grow up to be one of those freaky, socially awkward homeschool kids.


As for uniforms, we've never lived in a district that required them so I can't speak from experience, but it seems like it would make life so much easier. And possibly cheaper. Ben is getting to the age where he's picky about clothes, and I know kids notice what other kids are wearing. I know that Wal-Mart jeans may get made fun of. I buy the Wal-Mart jeans anyway because I'm not going to feed into the idea that he can only wear certain brands of clothing to be liked, but I'm aware that if we lived in a wealthier area he might catch some flack for having a budget wardrobe. (As it stands, our elementary school encompasses the very poorest area of town, so even in his Wal-Mart jeans, Ben is well dressed comparatively.) Anyway, I think it would be so nice to just buy a stack of khaki pants and white shirts and call it good. Especially once Amelia is in school. Girls and clothing are a bad combo.

As for homeschooling, no. No, no, no. It's not for me. I'm not against homeschooling in general. I think there are circumstances where it's needed and better for your kids. I think there are some parents who excel at homeschooling and are better than any teacher could be. But there are some people out there who are too ignorant to homeschool. I'm sorry, but it's true. If you're dumb as a rock and homeschool your kids, your kids will likely be dumb as rocks too. I also think if you're homeschooling to "protect" your kids from the evils of society, you're not doing them any favors.
I went to highschool with kids who had been homeschooled through eigth grade. They were from two different families. The kid from one family was extremely smart, well rounded, socially adept and popular. He ended up being our senior class president. The other was socially stunted, had no idea how to interact with others, how to deal with minor conflicts or how to navigate the social intricacies of high school. And she was so far behind academically it was sad. So, I think if you're considering homeschool, you really need to be objective and think about if you're truly qualified to do so. For me, it boils down to patience. I have none. Homeschool would be highly unpleasant for both me and the kids. We're better off with public shcool, even if Georgia has less than stellar schools.

So how about you? Where do you stand?

No comments:

Post a Comment

Be nice or I'll punch you in the taco.

LinkWithin