About Me

I'm a mom, a teacher, a student, a wife, and a scout leader. I am actually an education major currently working on my practicum in a 2nd grade classroom. I also home school my two children. I'm also a cub scout leader, a girl scout leader, and at church I'm the children's music leader. ;) I tend to stay a little busy. My state requires homeschoolers to keep a portfolio. I am going to use this blog as my portfolio.

What am I?

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Unfortunately, virtual schooling is not all good.

I feel like I praise virtual schooling a lot. I mean, seriously, we LOVE IT!!! I think it is unfair to leave out some of the negative things about it too, though. So, I figured this would be my chance to be absolutely honest and share some of the negative points of it, too.
  1. Socialization: In school, a student is in a classroom with about 20 other students his/her age. While, a student isn't at school to socialize but to learn, the socialization is bound to happen. I only have two children and neither of them are the same age so this is impossible in my home. Instead, I must seek out opportunities to socialize my children. This isn't all bad but it does require effort. There are many places to find this --- scouts, church, sports or other recreational activities, libraries, parks, story times, homeschool groups or local booster clubs. So many opportunities but the effort must be put forth.
  2. Time: Virtual school requires a lot of time... my time. I can't just drop the kids off at school and head to the gym or go out with friends or go to my favorite store for a shopping spree. I have to stay home and take care of my children. It is pretty flexible though, so I am still able to do the things I want to or need to get done.
  3. State Standards: This is not a problem is your student goes to public school but if you're comparing virtual schooling to traditional homeschool then this is a big difference. When virtual schooling through a public school program, a student is required to meet the state standards. This includes standardized testings and "No Child Left Behind" Act. These can be good but at the same time, it can be a nuisance as well.
  4. Not an expert: None of us can be an expert in everything. This can cause some difficulties in the homeschooling/virtual schooling world. One fabulous thing about virtual schooling is that we have access to lots of great teachers. I love language arts and music classes but math and science are sometimes tough (not yet, since my son is going into first but eventually they will be). Another great thing for us is that my hubby LOVES math and science so between the two of us we should be okay. Not everyone is lucky enough to have that. 
  5. Others think they know what's best for you and it's not home educating!: Don't you love it when people do that and then you are forced to defend your decision that you spend forever thinking and maybe praying about? Yeah? Well, I don't! People want me to put my kids in a brick and mortar school so I can go to a craft group. There have been many other comments from people too. Luckily, I have a supportive family. I was home-schooled so my side of the family is completely used to it. ;) But, you'll have to be prepared to defend yourself because you'll probably need to.
  6. It's all on you!: This is one of the most difficult parts of home educating, in my opinion. If my child doesn't learn something, well, it's my fault. I am the one with my kids all day and know what is going on with them. If they don't learn something, it's my fault. If they're having a problem with something then I am responsible for getting them tutors or whatever help they may need. It's all on the parent!!
Hopefully this has given you a more realistic view of home-educating... whether through traditional homeschooling or virtual schooling. Good luck!