Post #12: Podcast

Post #11: Myth Number Four

Photo cred - Ally Holloway

Photo cred - Ally Holloway

  The fourth Myth about homeschoolers is that they are somehow 'deprived' of 'normal social experiences,' such as proms, graduation ceremonies, parties, competitions, and the like, that other 'normal' kids experience.  The truth is, I've experienced all of the above--except maybe parties (in the way that would be negative, that is), but how many parents really want their kids to experience that??--on several occasions.  I went to our substitute for prom (formal--and yes! Some people do go as couples believe it or not!) for four different years, and as you can see from the pictures, we look fairly 'normal'. (Sidenote: My dress was actually worn to a public high school senior prom)  At least I think so...  But I could be a little biased.  Even so, whether you agree or not, my point isn't that we are normal.  In fact, we aren't.  We are different and we're proud of it.  We aren't here to fit in, but we aren't being psychologically or socially deprived either.  It's true, in the past homeschooling did not provide as many opportunities as it does now, but those days are quickly falling behind us.  Why, even public schools are advertising their own at home curriculums!  It just goes to show that you cannot judge a book by its cover, and you cannot judge a person without knowing them yourself.

Photo Cred - Ally Holloway

Post #10: What I Don't Like About Homeschooling #2

  Ugh...here I am...behind again!  This is what I do NOT like about homeschooling.  Homeschooling can be hard.  Why?  Because it is so easy to slip and fall behind on work.  I mean, there technically are no deadlines (unless your mom sets them, like most do), and you usually do not have to go to class early in the morning.  This makes it easy to start out slow and not stay as focused and on task.  In essence, it is really a lot like college--you don't have a teacher constantly checking up on you for 7+ hours every day!  It is true, motivation is a problem with most people, regardless of what type of school they attend, but I think it is especially hard for homeschoolers.  At least, it was for me.  And trust me, this does not apply to everyone, because there are some super dedicated homeschoolers out there--I'm just not one of them...at least not to that extent.  That is why I think it is important for parents of smaller homeschoolers to help their kids form habits of finishing their work diligently.  Then, when they are older they have to learn for themselves how to set personal deadlines and self-motivate.  The fact that homeschoolers are forced to motivate themselves and ascribe their own intrinsic value to accomplishing tasks isn't really a bad thing, though.  I think that once this is conquered, it is extremely invaluable to the individual in the long run.  Since they have already learned how to operate without the constant supervision of a teacher, they are more prepared to work hard and be successful on their own in real life situations.  In this sense, I view it as a blessing in disguise.  But, remember, I claimed this applies to all you college students, too--it does!!  So just do it!  Grit your teeth and tackle that project you've been avoiding!  Set a time limit and find out how far you can push yourself!  You never now, you just might learn a few things in the process.

Post #9: Homeschool High-profile Profile

 Yes, the road stops here, this Monday.  One more game and the Mayhem and Madness of March will be over...until next year, of course.  It's been quite a crazy year in the bracket world, but the one constant has been the University of North Carolina.  The only one seed left standing, they are a favorite to win this year's title against the Wildcats of Villanova.  But what does this all have to do with homeshooling?  Well, on the surface, nothing.  But, if you watch the attached video, you'll notice that it's a video of one player, Justin Jackson, who had a phenomenal game against the University of Virginia.  What's so special about Justin Jackson??  Yep, you guessed it!  He was homeschooled!  So, in honor of their impending game, I am writing a short piece promoting him, his background, and his accomplishments.  Justin Jackson was a McDonald's All-American in 2014, won Co-MVP with Jahlil Okafor, and won the Jack Daly Sportsmanship award--and that is just a few of his pre-college accomplishments!  As a high schooler, he was a part of the Homeschool Christian Youth Association Warriors basketball team in Texas, and he had an outstanding career there. (For more info on Justin and reference to the information included in this blog = http://www.goheels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209532765)  Many young athletes, especially in Texas, are choosing to homeschool for many reasons, but one of the reasons is that it provides more time to spend devoted to an individual's personal interests, such as Justin Jackson's interest in basketball.  Since he wasn't tied up in a classroom all day, he could learn at his own pace and spend all his extra time pursuing his dream--Division 1 basketball.  Another cool point, I think, is that Justin Jackson's team attends the National Homeschool Tournament in Springfield, Missouri, that my sisters and I have been privileged to be a part of (in fact, my two sisters went about a month ago and won the Division D championship! [http://nchclive.com/]).  It is a fabulous opportunity for homeschool athletes around the country, and I'm so excited for Justin Jackson as he competes in a National Championship!  Go Heels!

Post #8: Myth Number Three

  Homeschool Myth Number Three: Homeschoolers DO NOT know how to have fun.  Yeah, we may not "get out" as much as the average family because we do not head to a school building every morning (then again, you may be surprised at how much some of us do "get out", e.g. it is a rare day when my family is home all day long...), but that does not mean we have any trouble having fun or laughing.  In fact, my sisters, friends, and I make so many jokes about being homeschooled that we probably poke more fun at ourselves than anyone outside observing would!  Our favorite comedian, Tim Hawkins, is an absolute pro at what he does, and he is extremely hilarious!  You should definitely check out his website or YouTube channel--especially if you want to laugh so hard you cry!  Believe it or not, Tim Hawkins actually currently homeschools his four kids.  Due to this bit of trivia, he has several bits on homeschooling that are hilarious and has even written some parody songs on homeschooling that I have posted in this post.  He relates mostly to the segment of the population that holds more conservative viewpoints, but I believe that almost anyone can find his down-to-earth humor amusing.  Seriously, he is great, and he is really so good that I am privileged enough to be able to watch him tonight in concert in Raytown, Missouri!  Ah, I'm so excited!!  My family has been to one of his concerts before, and we were rolling nearly the entire time and raving for weeks afterward.  Anyway, please feel free to watch the attached videos on homeschooling--you won't regret it!!

Post #7: What I Don't Like About Homeschooling #1

  A while ago, one of my peers suggested that I write a post on what I don't like about homeschooling.  As you can readily observe, I have taken her wonderful advice and have created an entirely new caveat of my blog to aid in following her fabulous suggestion and to help balance out my arguments.  So, without further ado, here is number 1.


   The first thing I don't like about homeschooling is...practices.  No, not that I don't like practices, in fact, I LOVE practices!  (Well...most of the time...everybody knows that games and performances are where the real fun starts, but I think practices can be really fun, too!)  What I mean is that I don't like how FEW practices we get to have...  Since homeschooling, by definition, is as all about not going to a building everyday, it can be hard for parents and students alike to adjust to having to meet somewhere for practices.  Not only does that hinder the number of practices we have, but we also have to pay for the cost of renting a facility (since we don't have one to call our own). This can make it difficult without very many players or participants and can hinder the flexibility of leaders and coaches. (Location is a big discussion, too, because of the far-flung residences of different families).  Being a player, though, these variables largely don't directly apply to me, and I want to be able to practice more often so my team and I can improve and compete!  I listen in envy as private and public schools alike rant on and on about how they are privileged (or not so privileged as some perceive it) to practice every weekday and often on weekends and breaks.  It's true, it can be really nice to not have to be at a practice every single day and to have many breaks, but I also would have loved to get to practice more often!  To get stronger and better together every day?!?  Who wouldn't want that??  What I did like about not practicing very often in choir and sports is hearing and observing the shock in people's voices and on their faces when they realized we only practiced as a group at an average of two times a week.  The key to that is, in essence, the secret of homeschooling--homeschoolers have to work at and practice things on their own.  And that, if you ask any psychologist, is the secret to true learning.  Application and self-discipline.  As one of my favorite women in history wisely mused,




    "Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence."
                                                                                ~Abigail Adams~

Post #6: Myth Number Two

       Homeschool Myth Number 2:  Homeschoolers are unsocial because they are never around people.  If you watched the first two videos I posted, most of these myths will not be very shocking.  My point in elaborating on them is to elaborate on different examples that help to prove the specific point and exemplify that there are more to his claims than just words.
    It is true...I will admit that many homeschoolers can be socially awkward and shy (possibly even including myself...) but if we're being honest, so are a lot of kids in public school.  The truth is, shyness doesn't really correlate to educational environment but rather more to personality and personal determination to reach out to people around you.  Granted, we all need experience to learn and grow and public school can offer that experience, but it can also be intimidating and draining to be constantly surrounded by so many people you don't know very well.  I mean, there are introverts in almost every environment, and being introverted doesn't necessarily mean you're socially awkward.  It just means that being around people for extended periods of time can be draining,  It's true, we do stay at home instead of going to a building full of unknown people every day, but on the flip side we have the opportunity to build relationships with our family and siblings, to take time for fun field trips or hang outs with friends, visit attractions and shop without mobs of people around, have basketball squad shoot-arounds (like we do on our outdoor halfcourt), sleep in if we had a late night, AND we didn't have to sit in a boring classroom all day (Not that all classrooms are boring-I know better than that).
   The conclusion to all of my points should always be that there are many pros and cons to every area of education, and each individual must decide for themselves what pros are most important to them personally.  My purpose is to provide you with the often overlooked and politically incorrect side of homeschooling, which I personally find the best for me.

Post #5: Seven More Lies About Homeschoolers

  Since a large percentage of the American population (especially those under the age of 25) is on Spring Break this week, I know you all have loads of extra time on your hands and are just searching for something to cure your woes of boredom...right?  I mean...how could anyone find enough fun things to do to fill a whole entire week??  And who would stoop to the horror of productivity when the enticement for boredom is so strong?  Well have no fear, I have an informative and hilarious video just for you to watch!


  The Blimeycow video I have embedded into this post is titled "Seven More Lies About Homeschoolers" and is a sequel to the video I posted in my introduction post.  The creators of Blimeycow are dear to my heart because not only are they homeschool alumni (and are absolutely hilarious and insanely insightful and creative), but they are also master jedi of sarcasm, as you can clearly tell I have a little bit of experience with.  This particular video is hilarious in that it goes above and beyond to the extreme of what stereotypes homeschoolers have been stigmatized as.  True, some may be close to true in remote instances, but most are completely different from the average homeschooler.  I mean...I've never played minecraft, but Jordan does.  It's just like anything else: you can't judge a book by it's cover.  So, watch this short, entertaining video; like, comment, and subscribe to me and blimeycow; and take my challenge!  What challenge?  I'm glad you asked!  As you enjoy your Spring Break, get out of your comfort zone!  Meet someone new and walk out of your way to get to know someone for who they really are, not based on the preconceived notions you have of them.  Have some fun with it!  Have a wonderful break!

Post #4: Homeschool Basketball Update

   WE WON, WE WON, WE WON!!!  Cue Queen's "We are the Champions!"  This time I get to actually claim "Tournament Champions!"  I have two sisters on the Varsity Girls Basketball team, and I'm so proud of them and their team.  Not only did they win the championship at the annual ND2CHA (National Division 2 Christian Homeschooling Association) http://nd2cha.com/ tournament, but they also beat our rivals ending our two year losing streak.  They played phenomenally!  For the sixth year in a row, our team made it into the Varsity A Championship and this time we emerged victorious!  We beat our rivals in the semifinals (due to ranking issues) and beat the other finalists 59-45.  Cydnee Birtell, a senior, had the game of her career scoring 19 points, and draining 5 threes.  Olivia Hamilton, also a senior, showed up and played a solid game, per usual, scoring nearly 20 points herself.  All in all, throughout the tournament each and every girl contributed to help us make it into the championship and win with flying colors!  This week, the girls will be playing a game everyday at the National Homeschool Tournament in Springfield.  I wish them the best!

Post #3: Homeschool Basketball Update

    I was hoping this post would read "TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS" followed by a long rant and synopsis about how our team of defending champions once again swept our league tournament!  But...this year that wasn't the case.  Instead, our varsity girls team sauntered into the championship game with two wins under there belt only to face, once again, the Lions.  The battle of hometown rivals was on!  For us, this game has always been a challenge, not because of any coach, fans, refs, or incredible teamwork or lack thereof, but because of one player, Peyton.  She's not just any player, no, Peyton has actually been on the ESPN high school watch list and has committed to play two different sports, volleyball and basketball, at a top Division 1 college in the Big 12.  Impressive, right?  She's not just your average small Christian school player, and what's interesting to me is that she hasn't gone to a public high school, even though they, undoubtedly, offer stiffer competition and increased opportunity for improvement.  This is another example that crushes the myth that in order to play D1 and get recruited, you have to play at a public school.  Anyway, I digress.  Back to the league championship game at Grandview Christian!  The first half was an exciting, close game, but unfortunately for us, Peyton and her lions pulled away, with her smashing performance of 20+ points and a staggering amount of rebounds.  Oh yeah, did I mention she was over six feet tall??  In the end, though our team lost, I am happy that she was privileged to win her last game as a high school senior, and I am excited for her as she reaches new heights in college!  She is a very sweet lady, an amazing basketball player, and I wish her the best! Below is one of  the locations of where our tournament was held.  Players from our girls varsity team received awards for 1st team, second team, and honorable mention of the league at the tournament!  So proud of them!  Now on to ND2 and Nationals!

Post #2: Myth Number One

Photo Cred (Diana Holloway)

Photo Cred (Diana Holloway)

  Homeschool Myth Number One: Being homeschooled means you cannot play sports.  As you can see from the pictures, I have been privileged to be a part of some pretty special sports teams, particularly volleyball, basketball, and soccer.  Yeah, homeschool teams are not always as competitive as public or private school teams, but did you know that some of the best players (especially in basketball) have come from homeschooling backgrounds??  Just as an example, if you watch NCAA Div. 1 basketball, like I do, and are a fan of the BIG 12 conference, you know that Oklahoma has several talented players on their team, and they even have a top prospect for player of the year!  Forward Khadeem Lattin is a valuable asset to the team who plays a lot of minutes, and he actually comes from a homeschool group from around Houston.  In fact, he even played in the same national homeschool tournament I played in this past year!  Pretty cool, right?  While my homeschool group does not have quite the same talent level as his does, my team did win the championship in our bracket at the tournament!  It just goes to show that you cannot judge a book by its cover, and that there are a lot of opportunities for homeschoolers out there if you just take a closer look!  The pictures show me enjoying one of the best years I've ever had playing sports where we won third place in our volleyball league tournament, first in our basketball league tournament, and only lost three games during our soccer season.  Playing sports has been such a blast!  I am so very grateful for the opportunities my homeschool group has provided me.





Introduction

     I'm homeschooled.  Er--I was homeschooled.  Until this current and past semester, I had been homeschooled my entire life.  Yes, my entire life.  Since the day I was born, I have never been enrolled in a public or private elementary or high school.  Never.  Crazy, right?  If you are like most people, you have probably already started forming an impression of me based on your personal conceptions and connotations of homeschooling.  Whether your impression is good or bad, I hope you hear me out.  No, I don't wear skirts on a daily basis (not that there's anything wrong with them--I do wear them on occasion).  Yes, I do have friends besides my siblings and I do know how to socially interact with people (at least I think I do...), and believe it or not, I do play sports. In fact, one of the most common misconceptions about homeschoolers is that they well...stay at home.  It's not an entirely false misconception, but you might be surprised at how many homeschoolers there are and that there is actually an organization of homeschoolers about the size of a 2A school here in Topeka (more on that later). 
   
     You might be asking yourself, why is this person labeling herself as a homeschooler?  Well, that is part of the reason I decided to start this homeschooling blog (along with the fact that it is part of my college coursework).  Homeschooling is something that has always been dear to my heart.  Why?  Because so many people don't realize all the great benefits that come from homeschooling.  That's why I wanted to create this.  To shed a little light on the subject.  I'll be honest, I'm incredibly biased towards homeschooling, but my hope is that this will help both you and me learn to practice balancing our opinions and weighing them to find what we personally believe.  My goal isn't to force homeschooling down your throat--you're entitled to your own opinion!--but simply to provide my perspective in an entertaining and informative way.  Happy reading!


To kick off my blog, I wanted to share one of my most favorite, funny BlimeyCow homeschooling videos.  Enjoy!