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I personally do not home school my children but my husbands ex-wife home schools their three boys. I am not against home schooling what so ever, I think that it is the right choice for some families. She had attempted to home school the two oldest boys a few years ago and failed at it because she did not take the time to actually do the schooling, she just kept putting it off, we'll do it tomorrow type attitude. She started with all three boys last year and my husband and I have access to their work on line so we get to check on the regularly.
Now I will explain my problem........
The oldest is 15, his onling grade rating is at 6th grade, the second is 13, he to is rated as a 6th grader, the youngest is almost 9 and his is rated a kindergardener. They constantly fail their evaluations yet she lets them move on to the next lesson. They constantly go weeks at a time without doing any work what so ever. The youngest can not read and I don't mean that he can't read fluently, he can not read a word and she is not doing anything about it. I can not see how any of them are learning anything or retaining anything when she lets them do one day of lessons and then nothing for 10 to 14 days then one more day. She counts them taking a shower or brushing their teeth as their "health" assignment for the day, if they walk across the apartment complex to get the mail she counts that as PE, if one of them bakes a cake she counts that as a math lesson because he had to use measurements. Part of the time she lets them use their books and look up the answers when they take their online evaluations so they get the right How will they ever become productive adults at the rate they are going, the two oldest want to go to college but at the rate they are going they will never pass an entrance exam. She also does not have them participating in any outside activities, they rarely leave the apartment, they have no friends, no outdoor time, no sports, no music, no outings to parks or museum, absolutely nothing but video games and the computer.
I want to know what I can do about this, whether she continues to home school them or send them back to public school they deserve an education. I have tried reaching the online accademy they use but they will not return my call. I have emailed the Colorado board of education and did not get a response. How can we do something about the situation so the boys actually learn something.
Please HELP
Now I will explain my problem........
The oldest is 15, his onling grade rating is at 6th grade, the second is 13, he to is rated as a 6th grader, the youngest is almost 9 and his is rated a kindergardener. They constantly fail their evaluations yet she lets them move on to the next lesson. They constantly go weeks at a time without doing any work what so ever. The youngest can not read and I don't mean that he can't read fluently, he can not read a word and she is not doing anything about it. I can not see how any of them are learning anything or retaining anything when she lets them do one day of lessons and then nothing for 10 to 14 days then one more day. She counts them taking a shower or brushing their teeth as their "health" assignment for the day, if they walk across the apartment complex to get the mail she counts that as PE, if one of them bakes a cake she counts that as a math lesson because he had to use measurements. Part of the time she lets them use their books and look up the answers when they take their online evaluations so they get the right How will they ever become productive adults at the rate they are going, the two oldest want to go to college but at the rate they are going they will never pass an entrance exam. She also does not have them participating in any outside activities, they rarely leave the apartment, they have no friends, no outdoor time, no sports, no music, no outings to parks or museum, absolutely nothing but video games and the computer.
I want to know what I can do about this, whether she continues to home school them or send them back to public school they deserve an education. I have tried reaching the online accademy they use but they will not return my call. I have emailed the Colorado board of education and did not get a response. How can we do something about the situation so the boys actually learn something.
Please HELP
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Re: Advice on Home Schooling
Thu, February 22, 2007 - 2:45 PMKatie ~
From what you have written here and on the other post about your step-sons, it sounds like the only way you are going to get a handle on their education is to either confront the mother and have a serious discussion about their academics or you may need to speak to an attorney, try for custody of the boys, and take it from there. I do feel it is imparative the children have a social network and it sounds very tragic that they are not getting that in these critical years. The situation is only going to deteriorate as the boys get older and you can't get these years back. It does sound like they are being treated as shut-ins and I would be very concerned about abuse. For their sakes, and your peace of mind, I do hope you can get this situation resolved with the best interests of the boys as the central theme.
Best Wishes,
Sage ~
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Re: Advice on Home Schooling
Sat, March 24, 2007 - 8:45 AMI agree with Sage about possibly seeking custody of the boys. This doesn't sound like a healthy situation for children to live in. I often fear that my "unschooling" attitude to homeschooling will not amount to much learning, but my kids are both self-motivated learners and curious about the world around them, so they end up learning quite a bit, even on my more lazy days. It doesn't sound like the same thing is happening with your stepsons. They need to have their imaginations nurtured. It's very unhealthy for children to be shut in an apartment so much. I can't even imagine doing that with my children.
I think that if I were in your shoes that I would try to seek more and more time with the boys and take them into more social situations where they will want to interact with other children. Maybe take them to a one-day class that would interest them where there is an authority figure other than you that expects them to follow rules. Show them the fun things in life that require paying attention to behavior in order to stay and have fun. Take them out in public as much as you can. Even just to the park. (I think the park would be easier than a restaurant for these kids!)
Talk to a lawyer that deals with children and families. See what you can do to gain more custody. I think it's wonderful that you care so much about their well-being. They will really benefit from having you in their lives.
