This is an anti-thread...

[Nan in Mass]

I'm starting an anti-thread. This is sort of like anti-matter. Don't post here. It doesn't exist in our visible half of the universe.

The title of the thread is "Why I don't belong here".

I just think probably everyone feels like they don't really belong here, and perhaps if we all post our why-I-don't-belong-on-TWTM-board posts in anti-matter instead of here, then we will all feel better, and maybe the anti-ness will anti us all into a cohesive group.

Nan, who doesn't feel like she belongs here either and is using her normal silly backwards logic to try to cheer everyone, including herself, up

(Not that I don't think is isn't a good idea to talk about these things from time to time...)

[Valerie(TX)]

I'll post something serious later. :)

[Kelli in TN]

I don't belong here because I use Teaching Textbooks for math and I rarely outsource because I can't afford it and I really don't want to anyway.


Wow, that felt so cleansing!

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

I'm starting an anti-thread. This is sort of like anti-matter. Don't post here. It doesn't exist in our visible half of the universe.

The title of the thread is "Why I don't belong here".

I just think probably everyone feels like they don't really belong here, and perhaps if we all post our why-I-don't-belong-on-TWTM-board posts in anti-matter instead of here, then we will all feel better, and maybe the anti-ness will anti us all into a cohesive group.

Nan, who doesn't feel like she belongs here either and is using her normal silly backwards logic to try to cheer everyone, including herself, up

(Not that I don't think is isn't a good idea to talk about these things from time to time...)

I don't belong here because I'm not even homeschooling anymore. :o

[mcconnellboys]

I don't belong here because I don't do nearly enough memory work, and copywork and dictation to call myself a classical homeschooler. We don't study Greek at all - EVER - in our homeschooling journey and the mean magistra only makes the poor students study Latin until they've completed 2 years at high school level. We probably also don't cover enough art and music appreciation over the years and Lord only knows there must be *something* wrong with our higher level maths...... And I'm certain that we must have a plethora of other failings, as well, which I will ruminate deeply upon.....

Regena

[K in MI]

I don't belong here because: I use A World of Adventure; I don't care about the 4-year history cycle; I don't expect any of my children to take Trig, Calculus, or Physics in high school; I use American School for high school; and our school day usually ends at lunchtime. :)

[mama25angels]

I don't belong here because i'm planning to use TT for math and because we're behind in just about everything under the sun except our history and literature.

[Laura K (NC)]

:rolleyes:

[Mandy in TN]

Hi, my name is Mandy and I am not a classical homeschooler.

1. None of my kids will never study Greek.

2. My oldest is the only one studying Latin.

3. After we study modern history next year, I plan to spend a whole year on just American history.

4. My kids don't do nearly enough writing.

5. We used MUS for Alg1, Geometry, and now Alg2.

6. My 14yo ds is still doing spelling!

7. My 16yo is such an underachiever that I consider some days a success if he does 2 of the 3 R's!

Mandy

[Karin]

I don't belong here because I've never done narrations or dictation, my eldest never did copywork (okay, we pulled her out of ps at 8, so she's done dictation). Also, we did Easy Grammar for 2 grades, I don't make my 7 yo do any writing for FLL and none of my kids do much with history before gr. 3. Also, it took my eldest 4 years to get through Latin Primer 1 because of her intense lollygagging and dilly dallying in almost every subject. She did that in ps, too. Not because the work is hard, but just because.

Also, this week I've been totally addicted to this board because I've been sick, which means my kids have taken the week off school (but they're also ill). I did manage to abstain from posting on the humanistic thread as much as I enjoy lively discussions. Next week we'll have to get back to work!

[Kareni]

however, this is my favorite homeschooling support system and I intend to stay.

Regards,
Kareni

[RebeccaC]

Ok I love this thread :D I just spent all day with an untold number of Boy Scouts helping them raise money for summer camp and I was the only adult. I needed a good laugh and y'all sure did provide it ;)

There is a myriad of reason why I do not belong here yet I read here just about every day for years, sometimes more than once a day. Hmmm that sounds like an addiction :eek: maybe I should join a support group ...... but no wait this is a support group ;)

[Chris in CA]

Wow, talk about timing, I was just thinking this last night ~ I really don't belong here, I never really did,and now I really don't.
There are many reasons, too boring to post, but I am so thankful for this thread, because this is my favorite board, even if I don't belong : )

[Susan in IL]

I don't belong here because the one I homeschooled graduated 2 years ago.

[Jan P.]

Oh my,

We're Latin drop outs here! I have grand hopes for the youngest.

Please don't throw me off the boards!

[JennW in SoCal]

I always figured I should get a hint that I don't belong by the sound of those crickets chirping within the yawning silence that follows one of my posts. Someone called it being a thread killer -- the person who writes that dreaded last post to which NO ONE will reply!

Perhaps I don't belong here because I'm not homeschooling for academic excellence that can be measured in SAT scores and AP credits, but to instill a love of learning and to equip my kids with the skills they need to pursue anything they want to do in life.

Academic snobbery is unnecessary. My father was a Harvard trained physicist, a university professor who knew Latin, Russian, French and Spanish, played french horn in the symphony, played piano all around town, was well read -- he wasn't a snob at all. His refrain until his death was that you go to school to get an education -- not to get a job, not to get into some prestigious university, but to learn and think, simply for the sake of expanding your mind.

Like Nan says, the WTM provides the outline for how to develop in our kids the skills for learning -- the rest of it is open to our unique interpretations.

Hmmm. This could be another thread killer -- I'm being too serious!

[Maria/ME]

Nan. This is so perfect. 'Cause I was feeling frustrated lately. And I think not feeling I belong here, but not liking anywhere else was at the heart of it...Laura's earlier post hit me at a bad time. Laura, I'm sorry if I misunderstood you or was unclear, I was frustrated and you were the catalyst for my venting...I took no offense, nor meant any, and hope you accept my apology if I came across irritable. I was. I'm sorry. (Hope this was an okay spot to say so...)

So here is my exorcism. Why I don't belong:

1. I don't do Greek or Latin.

2. Sporadic dictation/copywork.

3. Semi four yr cycle.

4. Lean towards unschooling.

5. Academic rigor (it was a good phrase, I'm sticking with it) is only of secondary importance to me in schooling...or third..maybe fourth. A high paying job does not equal success for my dd. I wouldn't know a SAT if it stood up and slapped me.

6. I don't really schedule for each year, just keep forging ahead.

7. I believe in delayed math.

8. While I love SOTW and other SWB/JB publications I don't follow them to the letter.

9. I am Christian but do not like Christian based curriculum (for the most part) and will not discuss my Christianity unless face to face or in private conversation with someone.


I feel woefully inadequate because of all of the above when I come here. So why do I come? Because TWTM still inspires me and is my spine for homeschooling. Because the ideas I have gleaned here have guided and molded my thinking. Because there is a HUGE variety of people to pull ideas from. And maybe, just maybe, I can give some encouragement once in awhile.

[Karin]

I always figured I should get a hint that I don't belong by the sound of those crickets chirping within the yawning silence that follows one of my posts. Someone called it being a thread killer -- the person who writes that dreaded last post to which NO ONE will reply!
Hmmm. This could be another thread killer -- I'm being too serious!

What's wrong with being serious? I didn't even start to learn to laugh at myself until I was 16. Serious is good, and I'm not kidding. And I'm with you on the school for education, etc.

[Begonia]

JennW, good to know that I'm not the only "thread-killer" on this board! ;) In addition, I don't belong here because, even after all the recent anti-TT posts, TT Geometry looks like a really attractive option for next year.

[Myrtle]

I don't belong here because I do belong here but since everyone else here doesn't belong here then I guess I don't after all.

Hey, remember the Monty Python Scene:
"You are all individuals!"
"I'm not!"

[Charon]

...because I am male. :rolleyes:

[Maria/ME]

Hmmm, yes, I have yet to see a "male content" thread:o....

[Karen in CO]

First, I have to ask where is here? Do any of us really belong anywhere? Shouldn't we all be at home reading Latin to our children?

I have been trying all day to think why I don't belong here. I really think that we all belong here. We have experience to share, and we all value a rigorous education. If we didn't, we would be somewhere else. Most of my IRL friends either don't homeschool or are unschoolers. I really have no one else. :(

Here is my confession:
My ds did not take math this year. He hates math. He has suffered through pre-calc, and I allowed him to not take any math his senior year. He is taking his fourth year of Japanese and is taking Italian I at the cc (he has also taken a year of French and a semester of Spanish). Doesn't that help justify my place in the "rigorous" crowd?

Oh and one more thing:
I only made him do one semester of Henle. :o He hasn't had and Latin since then. We aren't REAL classical homeschoolers, are we?

I'll go hide my head in shame - wait. This isn't really a thread. This is an anti-thread. Thanks Nan! Please don't tell anyone that I never did Spievogel, and I don't like Jane Austen (and I am copying from Laura R, she reminded me of Jane).

[Kimber]

Okay, I don't belong, because my oldest child is only 9 and about to start 5th grade. I'm just a sponge soaking up the knowledge you guys so graciously share.

I will stay because I have a lot to learn from all y'all. I'm feeling southern again. :)

[Laura R (FL)]

Hmm...why don't I belong?

I was so gung ho about the classical approach when I began using it in 1999. We dropped Latin a few years ago although my 8th grader is taking it for HS credit. I never finished SOTW although my 6th grader is using it at her classical school. I'm outsourcing everything next year and I don't care! :) In fact, I'm glad. I have an underachiever and an overachiever and I'm happy to split them apart for a time. Heck, technically I don't even have a high schooler, so why am I on this board?! Plus, my house is a mess and I've never read an entire Jane Austen book.

[Karen in CO]

I don't belong here because I do belong here but since everyone else here doesn't belong here then I guess I don't after all.

Hey, remember the Monty Python Scene:
"You are all individuals!"
"I'm not!"

I love Monty Python.

Completely off topic - you have to love a movie that gives a Latin lesson. Sorry but I just pulled this from the imdb. Will somebody tell me if it correct?

Centurion: What's this, then? "Romanes eunt domus"? People called Romanes, they go, the house?
Brian: It says, "Romans go home. "
Centurion: No it doesn't ! What's the latin for "Roman"? Come on, come on !
Brian: Er, "Romanus" !
Centurion: Vocative plural of "Romanus" is?
Brian: Er, er, "Romani" !
Centurion: [Writes "Romani" over Brian's graffiti] "Eunt"? What is "eunt"? Conjugate the verb, "to go" !
Brian: Er, "Ire". Er, "eo", "is", "it", "imus", "itis", "eunt".
Centurion: So, "eunt" is...?
Brian: Third person plural present indicative, "they go".
Centurion: But, "Romans, go home" is an order. So you must use...?
[He twists Brian's ear]
Brian: Aaagh ! The imperative !
Centurion: Which is...?
Brian: Aaaagh ! Er, er, "i" !
Centurion: How many Romans?
Brian: Aaaaagh ! Plural, plural, er, "ite" !
Centurion: [Writes "ite"] "Domus"? Nominative? "Go home" is motion towards, isn't it?
Brian: Dative !
[the Centurion holds a sword to his throat]
Brian: Aaagh ! Not the dative, not the dative ! Er, er, accusative, "Domum" !
Centurion: But "Domus" takes the locative, which is...?
Brian: Er, "Domum" !
Centurion: [Writes "Domum"] Understand? Now, write it out a hundred times.
Brian: Yes sir. Thank you, sir. Hail Caesar, sir.

[LisaNY]

...because I am male. :rolleyes:

Nah, we let you stay here because you're Myrtle's husband. :p

[Elm in NJ]

and I have never met one who homeschools. I feel like the only one who does it. Oh well, we've been doing it alone for 6 years, I guess another 6 won't hurt.:D

Elmeryl

[Janet in WA]

I have two reasons for not belonging here:

1. I no longer homeschool (our youngest son graduated from our homeschool almost 3 years ago.

2. We were not classical homeschoolers.


But I'm stayin' anyway!

[GothicGyrl]

I don't belong here because I've never belonged anywhere ;) and I'm the original thread-killer, crickets don't churp they croak (as in die) when I post and generally the only way I'm going to get a reply to anything I post is if someone wants to start a fight with me. I honestly get maybe one or two posts to any post I start and that's it.

Otherwise, I don't belong here because (gasp!! Here it comes...) I've never even read the WTM and I've never used it. I don't believe Latin and Music are essential learning tools at all and I don't follow a "trivium". I am almost completely an eclectic relaxed unschooler and I like it that way. ;)

There... I said it... I'm so anti-belonging that I actually do belong, which is scary. ;)

[Laura K (NC)]

with the last name Nzewi. They are classical homeschoolers. They're a very impressive family. I don't know where in Africa they're from, but I just thought I'd mention that you aren't alone.

[Leah]

because I do not have any children! :o

But I love classical education and all that is a part of it...
and I work daily with classical homeschoolers so all of this is of great value and importance to me.

[Nan in Mass]

but my post on who else doesn't belong and how badly we need them from the original rigour thread might be added in here.

[Veronica in VA]

I don't belong here because:

1. We are Latin dropouts - only did LC one year and Henle another.

2. One year we did Winston Grammar, and we have not done grammar or diagramming every year.

3. We are not looking for a really rigorous chemistry course.

I have learned a lot here though. And I still want to stay.:D

Veronica

[Nan in Mass]

Yeah, but you better stay because we edge people surely, surely need your flaming sword of moderation.

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Yeah, but you better stay because we edge people surely, surely need your flaming sword of moderation.

Ha! Well, this week, it's been in hiding around here, because... well, it's been some awful week. Not without redeeming qualities, and yesterday was fantastic, but the week itself? Blech.

I need to remember to use that thing. Or hand it off so somebody can wave it my way.

[mcconnellboys]

And has that one been able to succeed in the wide, wide world thus far?

Regena

[mcconnellboys]

We have lots of families here who homeschool who are African American. We have at least one I know of who is Egyptian. We have Middle Eastern homeschoolers. We have quite a bit of variety here, in this backwater. Maybe it's because of the university here and that we're in the middle of the country. I would think in a large place like NJ, you'd have way more variety than us! Go figure,

Regena

[mcconnellboys]

And have your children been able to succeed in life? 'Cause I'm thinking the been there, done that moms have first pecking rights somewhere like this and can help us all......

Regena

[Nan in Mass]

No, we need to replicate it and distribute it widely GRIN.

[Anne/Ankara]

Well, I sometimes feel I don't belong either-- we're not yet in high school (next year, gulp!), but some things are going great, while others seem to fall by the wayside. But I've been with the WTM program for eight years, and can't see giving up now! Four more years... how quickly the time flies!

[Nan in Mass]

I think the problem is that nobody fits into labels very well.

Myrtle says she's not doing TWTM and not doing classical, and yet we need her and Charon's expertese (sorry about spelling) on math. They are providing guidance on rigourous, classical math.

Tina in Ouray and Plaid Dad don't seem to be doing TWTM because it isn't classical enough (forgive me if I'm wrong) but we need their guidance for logic and Latin, and for other definitions of classical.

Jane in NC is more science oriented than TWTM, but we need her input on doing science classically.

Ellie isn't doing TWTM but she has a vast experience with the legalities of homeschooling.

I AM doing TWTM more closely, but am not rigorous or academically minded.

Lisa NY was doing TWTM fairly but her oldest is in public high school now.

Abbyej isn't doing TWTM because her children are academically gifted, but she herself was homeschooled and is generous with her very sensible advice.

Someone on the curriculum board (don't want to mangle her name so I'll skip it) has the energy to do research, especially about French programs, and offers the results of her hard work to us all, but she has very young children and isn't really doing much academic work yet.

And so on and so forth. So many valuable people. And these are only the ones I thought of off the top of my head!

If you rolled us all into one, then we would be rigorous WTMers. LOL

-Nan

PS I think we all have to remember that SWB and JW offered us the best curriculums they could find that weren't too expensive, weren't too hard for your average bear, and were easily available at the time they wrote the book. Many of the board posters' modifications are because options now exist. That's a huge function of this board - to help keep TWTM updated and to help us all personalize our choices. Don't I remember SWB saying she wasn't going to do any more updates of her book because the board was doing a fine job at that? (If I misremembered, please forgive me SWB.)
http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/images/misc/progress.gif

[Susan in IL]

And a few more reasons to not belong here --

** He wasn't hsed all the way through. Pulled him out at the end of 6th grade. I read TWTM and remember my ps education (way back in the 50'-60's) was similar but he was not getting any of that at his school. So, I loosely incorporated TWTM for 6 years. He didn't like some of it but now, in college, he thanks me weekly.

** Never did Latin or Greek. Never even considered it.

** We didn't follow the 4-yr. cycle. We did 2 yrs. of World History, one year of AP US History, then one year of 20th Century World History.

** He never wrote a paper longer than 3 pages.

Give this old brain time and I can probably think of a few more.

[Cadam]

I don't belong here because my kids aren't even in High School!

[Myrtle]

Myrtle says she's not doing TWTM and not doing classical, and yet we need her and Charon's expertese (sorry about spelling) on math. They are providing guidance on rigourous, classical math.

Weellll...:o I did some form of Latin nearly every year until this year and that was because the algebra was sucking up a huge amount of time and I needed to remediate some basic reading comprehension issues as well. I don't know what label to put on our home school but our ultimate goal is reading fluency in Latin for all of the kids with Attic Greek thrown in as well. (And somebody is over my shoulder telling me that this sounds defensive and that at any rate it doesn't count why I do, but I do with the kids :D ) However, Henle, Wheelock, Athenaze, Hansen and Quinn, Mastronarde are the grammars on my shelf. I have several dozen Latin and Greek texts in translation such as Hesiod, Pindar, Euripedes, Sophocles, Aristophanes, Aeschylus, Xenophon, all of Aristotle, all of Plato, Thucydides, Herodotus, Ovid, Pliny, Plutarch, Virgil, Lucretius...most of these I have read in their entirety, or at least large chunks, in order to "stay ahead of the kids." Remember, my oldest is in sixth grade in algebra and the other younger ones are in the first and second grade! Whether we actually achieve fluency or not, that is my goal for the kid by the time they turn 18. I also have many more general treatments of ancient history and education by Victor Davis Hanson, Bruce Thorton, Edith Hamilton, Will Durant, Tracy Lee Simmons, etc which have inspired me.

The kind of math that we are after is "useless" pure math rather than math methods in the sciences as it is currently taught. More specifically, we've adopted Plato's definition of knowledge as "justified true belief" and made our ultimate goal in math education the ability to justify mathematical assertions. I'm not sure that it can be considered "classical" since the fields of math in which we are pursuing this approach didn't even exist in the days of the Romans or Greeks, but this is just our interpretation of how the ancients might approach math if they were alive today. You know, "What would Plato do?"

Historically speaking, the more I read the more I am convinced and the more it seems obvious to me, that Euclid's Elements were foundational to any mathematical discussion, it's the style of argumentation used at least until the 18th century. So if you have any desire to read Archimedes or Newton's Principia, the Elements seems a good place to start.

I think we've strayed from WTM in the science department because I'm using a boxed curriculum for that, but it remains to be seen if I can't incorporate more WTM-style grammar stage science with my two younger ones next year along with their boxed curriculum. And we really are not doing history as faithfully as perhaps we ought to be either.

[Nan in Mass]

It is like lots of facets of a whole. So many of you are extremely "classical" (at least what I think of as classical) in one area that you can't do the general TWTM sort of education. At least, that is how I see it. And we need your expertise in your extreme area.

[Sharon in MD]

I can't tell you what a relief this thread has been and what a smile it has brought to my Sunday morning. I love this board and now I feel a whole lot better about being part of it...so you're all stuck with me!!:p

I don't belong because:

1. I never intended to do Latin or Greek and I use Rosetta Stone for Spanish and I know I'm just checking the box on that one...(heck around here you need spanish just to order at micky d's!)

2. Although I'm very attracted to TWTM and TWEM particularly in the history and lit departments, my ds is not. So after working very hard from 2nd through 6th grades writing my own history curricula, which, if I may say were fabulous, and boring my son to tears :o, I switched to Sonlight for 2 years, then BJUP for 2 years and now Notgrass for American.

3. I use Apologia for Science and we love it. (Yeah, I know we are all a mixed bag on whether it is rigorous or not)

4. I don't spend nearly enough time on art appreciation or music appreciation even though ds is a classically trained pianist.

5. I didn't do enough vocab or grammar to fit in either.

Now for the funny part......we are going to go back to write-your-own history for next year.....Ancients for one semester followed by Ren/Ref for the second, at DS's request! go figure! :rolleyes:

Love you gals and Guys too!

[Jan P.]

A few days ago I asked my ds how he liked college. He said that he liked it much better than homeschooling. He felt like he was learning a lot. He didn't feel like he learned much during his homeschool years. Man, just beat me up with a stick is how I felt!!

However, my ds is doing well. He is on the dean's list. Hopefully I did something right.

[Janet in WA]

And have your children been able to succeed in life? 'Cause I'm thinking the been there, done that moms have first pecking rights somewhere like this and can help us all......

RegenaYes, they're succeeding in life (in college anyway -- and that's enough for now). I know that I have something to contribute here, but I have to confess that I'm really here for all that I still gain from all of you.

[Lori D.]

... I always seem to be a "day late and a dollar short" in finding the best threads (or "anti-threads"! lol) and responding so far down the line that no one sees my response! ; )

That's okay. I'm an introvert anyways; this lets me feel like I'm participating without the scary part of people actually talking to me. (lol!)

::clink:: Here's to the best non-group to not be a part of that I've ever found! Cheers! Lori D.

[Maria/ME]

C'mon, c'mon everyone::D (((((((group hug))))))))

[Jackie in AR]

I don't belong here because there are some subjects I'm not interested in learning/teaching and I am going to outsource. :eek:

[Gwen in VA]

I have really enjoyed this anti-thread. Some things in homeschooling go well, and some things go -- not-so-well!

Here are my (many) reasons why we don't belong on this forum --

1) My husband and I are engineers. Neither of us enjoyed studying literature in high school, and I have a minor in literature in college solely because I needed a minor and it was the path of least resistance.

2) My kids don't like studying literature either! (Seriously!) My older two read LOTS of books, but third will do almost anything (including chores) to avoid reading. :( (He's gonna be an engineer like daddy!)

3) All upper-level English classes are taught by someone else -- I know my limits!

4) All of my kids do Latin -- under duress. Ds2 is on his THIRD attempt at Latin 1! Well, actually, Ds1 does Greek instead -- he's a Latin dropout!

5) All Latin classes are taught by someone else -- I know my limits!

6) My dd (in college) is rejoicing because she only has to take one English class during her college years -- and she is 7/12 of the way done with it!

7) We are going the AP route for many upper-level classes -- which means many primary source documents, but fewer classics.

8) All high school science classes are taught by someone else -- I know my limits! (We are deeply indebted to those teachers at Scholars Online, PAH, and Regina Coeli -- thank you!)

We are giving our kids a rigorous education -- in many respects -- but it has MANY MANY holes. (Spelling? What's spelling? If you're not a natural speller in our house, you use spell-check!)

But I am in absolute awe of many of you moms who really explore logic, who spout literature, and who bury yourselves and your children in history. You are inspirational!

Thank you ALL who contribute so much to this forum -- including the 99% of you who "don't belong"! :)

[Michelle in GA]

We gave up on Latin!

[mcconnellboys]

And I'm here from what I gain from all of you. Obviously, if I didn't find it worthwhile, I wouldn't be here. Whenever anyone leaves, I think the whole gets diminished. I feel as if we wouldn't be nearly so effective if we didn't have the great variety/diversity of families and learning styles that we have here. I enjoy and learn from reading about curricula, even if I'm never going to use it. I enjoy reading about students doing work even if I think that type of work is not for us. I regularly pass along info I learn here to other homeschoolers within my community who might be able to use that info better than I. I find this type of networking tool invaluable to help me sort through my own ideas about how I want to cover various topics. I hope that none of you ever leave here, even when you do graduate your children, LOL!

Regena

[JennifersLost]

because the only child who is home is unschooling!

But TWTM made everything make sense back in the beginning when I started homeschooling. And I am forever indebted to it for the idea of doing history IN ORDER. I knew something was hugely lacking in the way I studied history in school and doing it this way changed everything for me.

This has been a great thread. I don't often comment here because my "niche" is over on the general board, but I do come here for guidance and ideas and appreciate you all so much!

[Brenda in MA]

my ds used Rosetta Stone for Spanish -- I know not a strong program, but we had to cut corners somewhere to fit it all in.

I think I'm the one recommending the "check the box" approach in a few subjects, like Government, because ds's interests are in computers and engineering. I wanted him to have some exposure to Gov't, but time for a programming course, too. We delve deeper in some areas, like Physics, so some other areas have to receive less attention.

Like Gwen, I'm an engineer and don't care for literature, but -- the more of it I've read with my son, the more I find that it's growing on me. I guess I'm getting the classical education I never got as a child/young adult.

I have more time with ds#2, so he is getting Latin, but won't do Greek. I'd like him to have some time for Spanish, too. He's a real people person, and I think he may end up in a field where knowing Spanish will be helpful.

Thanks to everyone who doesn't belong! And to the few who do!
Brenda

[Plaid Dad]

Nan touched on my reasons, but more specifically I don't belong here because I think Dorothy Sayers was slightly off base about some things but dead wrong about others. :eek:

[StaceyinLA]

1) We aren't nearly as rigorous as many. Lots of the books mentioned here on the boards make ME cringe so I won't make my children read them. The oldest read lots of great literature but she liked it. The rest of them only read the bare minimum. We don't write enough. 11th grade dd is STILL doing Algebra I, plans to go to Cosmetology school and I am thrilled that she KNOWS what she wants to do (and really likes doing it already). We don't do physics, pre-calc or trig (although ds is well on his way so I'd better start looking now for a tutor). We don't do school nearly as many hours/day as some, though we do seem to be getting it done somehow...

2) I don't think college is the only answer. I want my kids to love what they do, and I will NOT have them believe that college is THE only way.

3) We gave up on Latin and do Spanish instead (my kids LOVE it and are really good at it - they have a great tutor).


After reading the other posts, what I realize is that we all really DO belong here. It's a great place for us to discuss things, challenge one another, support one another, etc. I love it here, and consider all of you my friends!

[Luanne]

I don't belong here because I'm not even homeschooling anymore. :o

My only child is my 19 year old daughter. I am trying to educate myself though so maybe that counts?

[Maria/ME]

2) I don't think college is the only answer. I want my kids to love what they do, and I will NOT have them believe that college is THE only way.



That is refreshing. I agree. Perhaps a thread on college alternatives??

[Tina]

I don't belong here because we are more unschoolers, and academics are not that strong here. We won't be doing anymore latin than learning latin and greek roots, and boy are we short the hours and dedication many others put in! Also, I hate to say it, but I feel very un-educated in comparison to many of you, even tho I did get through college! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge!!

[Jane in NC]

I think we've strayed from WTM in the science department because I'm using a boxed curriculum for that, but it remains to be seen if I can't incorporate more WTM-style grammar stage science with my two younger ones next year along with their boxed curriculum.

Myrtle, have you considered using Michael Faraday's The Chemical History of a Candle as a science spine?

http://home.att.net/~a.caimi/faraday.html

It would fit in well with your curricular choices.

Jane

P.S. Two summers ago, I did an interlibrary loan of this book while I was on Cape Cod. The first American edition, bound in leather, from around 1860 arrived! The Internet version contains the content, but not the charm.

[Bev in B'ville]

First, I don't do classical. Don't get me wrong. I read and reread TWTM. That book is why I'm homeschooling in the first place.

Second, I don't do boxed curriculums for grades. No Oak Meadow, Calvert, Abeka or other boxed grade level stuff in my house. I'm very eclectic in what I choose and am likely to choose different things for my different children based on their learning styles and strengths/weaknesses.

Third, I can't tell you what grade my dc are in. When people ask I say, "It depends, which subject would you like to know about?" because I want my dc to be challenged in their subjects, which means they're way ahead in some subjects, but on target in others (not behind, thank goodness - my Type A personality would have a hard time with that). With our 40 week school year, it's not uncommon to go through two curriculums in one year (e.g. ds has done 8th grade LL this year and is now working through 9th grade LL).

Fourth, my dc have never done dictation or copy work per TWTM. They do take notes for their classes and I've taught them to outline their notes. I'm not sure I ever understood the importance of dictation/copy work nor did I think I could fit another thing into our subjects. Dc vary between 10-12 classes during the school year so we already work all day.

Fifth, as my dc get older (dd is already doing high school level in all classes, ds will follow next year) I'm finding I have to/want to outsource many of their classes. Science (most), Writing (which was always tearful here until I started outsourcing to Write at Home), Latin, Literature, all AP classes. These will all be outsourced. Oh, and we dropped Spanish.

Lastly, I'm swimming against the tide because I went and had my little homeschool accredited through our state. I really want my dc to be able to participate in dual enrollment (not possible here without an accredited transcript) and a "real" transcript when they graduate to submit to colleges, without having to submit a portfolio or jump through extraneous hoops put in place for homeschoolers (which are many in this state).

There, those are the reasons that I don't belong. I'm sure I could add more with another cup of coffee in me, but I'll leave it here.

Thanks for starting this post.

[Lizzie in Ma]

There is a myriad of reason why I do not belong here yet I read here just about every day for years, sometimes more than once a day. Hmmm that sounds like an addiction :eek: maybe I should join a support group ...... but no wait this is a support group ;)


Ditto

[Lizzie in Ma]

Nan touched on my reasons, but more specifically I don't belong here because I think Dorothy Sayers was slightly off base about some things but dead wrong about others. :eek:

Very you!

[Nan in Mass]

Kids are blind. Water off a duck's back, right? He's obviously not thinking clearly and you'll get a different answer about 10 years from now. Or maybe tomorrow. I have a 20yo. I know all about this. :)

[CleoQc]

I don't belong here because:

1. We're French speakers. We're not doing English-based classics, and I don't know my French classics! I do my best though.

2. We're not using many of the curricula listed in TWTM, due to language issues.

3. My son is all over the place, a gifted underachiever, with writing issues. (the physical part of writing, the calligraphy itself.)

4. We no longer have time for rigorous subjects, with each kid on a competing team (daughter is training 9 hours per weekfor gymnastics , plus an extra dance class for fun for a total of 10 hours - son is training 3 hours for swim team, 4 hours for synchro, the same extra dance class, plus 1.5 hours of ballet for a total of 9.5 hours weekly)

5. We completely dropped out of history. Haven't done a single hour this year!

6. My eldest isn't high school yet, although for us high school starts in grade 7 and ends in grade 11. Still, he's officially grade 4. (but ready for grade 7 work, if it pleases him)

On the other hand, we do Latin and Greek.

[periwinkle]

because oldest ds has completed all of his high school courses at home (with me!) No outsourcing or dual enrollment...I have probably messed something up for him; I guess we'll be alerted to any deficiencies when he goes off to college next year!;)

Although I am probably more relaxed eclectic than classical, I have tried to implement TWTM methods (especially during the logic stage) in our school. This is my most favorite forum on the web, though, because you ladies are the best. You got me through four years of high school and I have several more to go with younger ds's. I'm sticking around!!

[LaMere Academy]

I don't quite belong either. We use Bauer's materials but I've fallen away from Classical and never was extremely strict in the first place. I do get a lot of great information here and am here much more now that we have the new boards because I love this format and find it much easier to follow threads.

I think having a mix here is nice, the more relaxed can perhaps be inspired by the rigorous and the other way around as well.
I know now that high school is approaching I've been reading TWTM again and am loving the high school section/s. :D

[Tammyla]

I have dreams of belonging here, but reality keeps getting in my way. I really do wish I could have them do it all, but I've settled for doing what we do-do well.
Ha, I posted an official do-do post.;):

[ChrisN in NY]

I haven't felt like I "fit in" or belong here because...

... we're not classical hs'ers at all. But this board has been a GREAT source of curriculum ideas, suggestions, and reviews for us. I did read... no, I skimmed through, TWTM, and enjoyed it, but it's not our style.

... my presence here is feast or famine, with way more famine. I am BUSY (my chiropractor says I'm the busiest person he knows -- ugh.), and by the time I have time, the threads are LONG and I can't read all the replies OR there are TONS of threads and I can't read nearly as many as I'd like.

... I don't answer very many posts. Usually by the time I get to the post, someone else has given a much better answer than I ever could (though I do try write if I have something to add). I'm an accountant, not a writer.


ChrisN
(who has hs'ed for 17yrs, and expects to continue for 11 more)

[lori in tx]

MY long list of why I don't belong

1. we don't learn latin, heck I would be happy if they learn English

2. we don't do memory work or dictation

3. WE are going back to using Saxon, even though it repeats and yes we are coming from MUS to Saxon. What a scandal I am sure!

4.WE are not over achievers, we are not ahead we are very painfully average

5. I don't like to plan, if it is a great curriculum but needs planning I will wait for someone else to plan because it is not for me. (tog is the only exception and I planned the whole year over the summer)

6. I doubt my kids will be scholarship receiving kids, they don't even know what they want to do next week much less when they grow up.

7. I hate science, and so God blessed with a science loving 12yo who now wants to take 2 credit science classes at co-op just for the fun (did I mention he was dropped when he was a baby)

8. we don't get up at 5am to start school, milk the cows(we have only stuffed ones) or to become centered. Heck we just started school and it is 10:30 and boy it took all my energy and coffee I had to do it.

See that is why I don't belong!
Lori in tx who thinks next year she would like to hibernate during winter!

[Tina in Ouray]

I don't belong here because I don't even own WTM.


My excuse for being here is that I could have sworn this board was intended to complement the information in WTM for those pursuing a classical model of education. While I began my homeschooling journey eons ago with the original reprint of Dorothy Sayers essay, I have wandered far astray. The more I learn about classical education, the less compelling I find the ages/stages model. But my passion is classical education, the pursuit of an Ideal.


All that is to say that, yes, Nan, you pegged me . . . sort of.


Tina in Ouray, CO

[Excelsior! Academy]

Well, I don't get many responses when I post...so I'm sure that some have blocked me.

My writing is horrible. I learn things from the Rod and Staff book 5 that I am sure I've never learned.

We've dropped Spelling and I doubt we'll ever do it again. Shhh, don't tell the homeschool police.

Sometimes I think it would be easier:rolleyes:just to put them back in public school. Okay, so I won't do that, but it WOULD be easier.

[Antonia]

I don't belong here because I never formally introduced myself, and because I spend a lot of time thinking that a lot of what I teach my kids is really just a lot of c*ap... time-wasting, lifeforce-sucking stuff that I, like Peggy-Sue, KNOW they will never use.

Wow, did I just say that out loud? :eek:

[Colleen in NS]

Why I don't belong here:

1. My oldest just turned 10.

2. I posted lots several years ago, asking questions on various aspects of self-education, for me. Got lots of help. Organized my books and notebooks for myself. Filled them up with paper and labeled them. Started studying and writing about various subjects like 4th grade grammar, lit. analysis (Pilgrim's Progress - am still stuck in the logic stage part of studying that book), Latin, history....I am not nearly as far as I had hoped - I get excited, then lose steam, get excited again, lose steam, then panic when my oldest is ready for whatever I have not studied yet.....that seems to be the only thing that gets me going.....:)

3. Extension of point 2: My bookshelves are stuffed with wonderful books - my kids have read more of them than I have.

[islandmama]

I think I'm just waaay too relaxed whenever I read some of the posts here! There are many things that I do follow from TWTM method. But...

1. I believe in delayed grammar and writing
2. I'm using Developmental Math, MUS and TT without supplementation
3. We're Latin drop-outs (though we will try again next year)
4. Not all of my kids do dictation
5. We haven't started doing logic yet for the 3 oldest
6. Some days, we unschool and the kids learn whatever they feel like doing

:eek:

[Denise in NE]

I don't belong here because I have been on these boards for years and years and YEARS, and rarely have anything of worth to say!

Denise in NE:D

[Cinder]

You can see by my post count. My other reasons are like many others':

- Didn't study Latin. Won't. Have no desire to.

- My oldest is in 7th gr.

- We no longer do copywork or dictation.

- While we started with the 4-year rotation for history, that quickly fell by the wayside. But I hope to pick it up again for high school.

- We also tend to be relaxed and start school around 10-ish.


But like many, I come here to find an abundance of knowledge and wisdom to help us in our homeschooling. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to share!

Cinder

[Amy in Orlando]

I love coming in on the end of a thread. We DO belong here because we fit in with so much of what everyone has already posted.

I think if you pre-judge yourself (your family) you'll never fit in. Everyone's situation is so unique and that's why we're all here, homeschooling in the best way we can for our kids. (please tell me this is true because that is what I hang onto every single day)

[percytruffle]

I do belong here because I share so many of the same characteristics already stated by you all that say you don't belong here.

So then, this example of a completely classical, overachieving, award winning, Latin speaking, exclusively great books reading, non-textbook using Supermom that we all seem to fall short of is really a figment of our imaginations, a mythical beast we have created in our minds as a stumbling block to acknowledging our own achievements. We need to give ourselves a group pat on the back instead.

Thanks to everyone here for being who you are with all your strengths and weaknesses and for letting them show, the good and the bad, so we can all rejoice and cry and learn together. We are stronger together than we are trying to run this race alone.

[LisaNY]

I do belong here because I share so many of the same characteristics already stated by you all that say you don't belong here.

So then, this example of a completely classical, overachieving, award winning, Latin speaking, exclusively great books reading, non-textbook using Supermom that we all seem to fall short of is really a figment of our imaginations, a mythical beast we have created in our minds as a stumbling block to acknowledging our own achievements. We need to give ourselves a group pat on the back instead.

Thanks to everyone here for being who you are with all your strengths and weaknesses and for letting them show, the good and the bad, so we can all rejoice and cry and learn together. We are stronger together than we are trying to run this race alone.

HEAR! HEAR! Thank you for sharing that, Lisa - my sentiments exactly! I am sooooo grateful to SWB for creating this forum in the first place, and to all the dear people who have been such a help and inspiration to me. Big ((((hugs)))) to you all! :)

[Beth in SW WA]

I'll third that :)

I've never felt I don't belong here -- because everyone here in the high school forum is so darn sweet -- and patient w/ newbie questions (like mine)!!

I don't mind being the thread killer on this one :)

[Peek a Boo]

I don't belong here. I just like the atmosphere and learn a lot :-)