How many unschoolers?
Dan Lake
Has the question been asked or answered as to how many unschooled kids there
are in the U.S. or the world? I recently saw some stats that there are ~2.5
million homeschool kids in the U.S. and that about 13% of respondents
classified their style as unschooling. That would be 325,000 unschoolers in
the U.S. alone. I don't know where these studies get their stats because
many homeschoolers never register with the government. My family has not
registered so how could we be included in such a stat? Anyway, I would
imagine that many/most unschoolers would look to lists such as
AlwaysLearning for discussion and ideas, yet there are < 2000 members on the
largest unschooling lists. If each member on the list represents 2, 3, or
even 5 kids then there are still more than a quarter million unschoolers
unaccounted for. I'm interested in hearing any thoughts on these stats. How
many unschoolers are there?
~Dan
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
are in the U.S. or the world? I recently saw some stats that there are ~2.5
million homeschool kids in the U.S. and that about 13% of respondents
classified their style as unschooling. That would be 325,000 unschoolers in
the U.S. alone. I don't know where these studies get their stats because
many homeschoolers never register with the government. My family has not
registered so how could we be included in such a stat? Anyway, I would
imagine that many/most unschoolers would look to lists such as
AlwaysLearning for discussion and ideas, yet there are < 2000 members on the
largest unschooling lists. If each member on the list represents 2, 3, or
even 5 kids then there are still more than a quarter million unschoolers
unaccounted for. I'm interested in hearing any thoughts on these stats. How
many unschoolers are there?
~Dan
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Jenny C
I don't know where these studies get their stats because
be told, I don't really care for census taking anyway.
It seems a lot of studies on homeschool numbers come from
http://www.nheri.org/ <http://www.nheri.org/>
It just happens to be located in Oregon... where there are a LOT of
non-compliant homeschoolers. I'm not sure about other places around the
US or the world, but I know that about half the homeschoolers I know in
real life in Oregon are non-compliant.
Technically, unschooling IS homeschooling, so we get lumped in with
those statistics and I'm fine with that!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> many homeschoolers never register with the government. My family hasnot
> registered so how could we be included in such a stat? HowI've always wondered too. Like you though, I'm unregistered and truth
> many unschoolers are there?
>
be told, I don't really care for census taking anyway.
It seems a lot of studies on homeschool numbers come from
http://www.nheri.org/ <http://www.nheri.org/>
It just happens to be located in Oregon... where there are a LOT of
non-compliant homeschoolers. I'm not sure about other places around the
US or the world, but I know that about half the homeschoolers I know in
real life in Oregon are non-compliant.
Technically, unschooling IS homeschooling, so we get lumped in with
those statistics and I'm fine with that!
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sandra Dodd
-=-Technically, unschooling IS homeschooling, so we get lumped in with
those statistics and I'm fine with that!-=-
Even if we had a way to count all the unschoolers, there would be
questions about the counting. If someone doesn't buy a curriculum
but requires their kids to do schoolwork so that they can make good
scores on tests, would that be unschooling? That family might think
so and say so and that would be enough for census takers. If
someone registered to homeschool a teen and hasn't seen the kid for
over six months, should that count?
I don't think anyone can come up with a reliable number that's even
close, high or low either one.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
those statistics and I'm fine with that!-=-
Even if we had a way to count all the unschoolers, there would be
questions about the counting. If someone doesn't buy a curriculum
but requires their kids to do schoolwork so that they can make good
scores on tests, would that be unschooling? That family might think
so and say so and that would be enough for census takers. If
someone registered to homeschool a teen and hasn't seen the kid for
over six months, should that count?
I don't think anyone can come up with a reliable number that's even
close, high or low either one.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
CeAnne Kosel
I'm probably going to play the devil's advocate here. But there is a good reason to register other than it being the law. It helps us to keep our rights to homeschool because it gives proof that we are out there, that we are law abiding and for those that do the testing required we have those tests to prove that homeschooling works. Then legislator cannot complain that we don't know what we are doing and take our rights away.
CeAnne
"Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone; but still miraculously my own." For adoption information and updates on our boys visit us at: www.koselfamilytree.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
CeAnne
"Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone; but still miraculously my own." For adoption information and updates on our boys visit us at: www.koselfamilytree.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sandra Dodd
-=-and for those that do the testing required we have those tests to
prove that homeschooling works.-=-
There are very many places in which testing is not a requirement,
registered or not.
There are many people who don't want their children tested because of
the effects testing has on children's self-esteem and the
relationship between children and their parents (even if the test
scores are high, it changes the dynamic).
Even in some places where testing seems at first to be required,
there are often alternatives (summary, evaluation without
standardized tests, portfolio, registration with Clonlara or an
outside cover school of some sort).
-=-Then legislator cannot complain that we don't know what we are
doing and take our rights away.-=-
Schools keep us safe from the government requiring school for
everyone. Every graduate who can't read or write, every school
shooting or stabbing, is another reason the government can't afford
(financially) to force everyone into those buildings. And they
haven't, anyway, in any place where parochial or private schools are
an option.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
prove that homeschooling works.-=-
There are very many places in which testing is not a requirement,
registered or not.
There are many people who don't want their children tested because of
the effects testing has on children's self-esteem and the
relationship between children and their parents (even if the test
scores are high, it changes the dynamic).
Even in some places where testing seems at first to be required,
there are often alternatives (summary, evaluation without
standardized tests, portfolio, registration with Clonlara or an
outside cover school of some sort).
-=-Then legislator cannot complain that we don't know what we are
doing and take our rights away.-=-
Schools keep us safe from the government requiring school for
everyone. Every graduate who can't read or write, every school
shooting or stabbing, is another reason the government can't afford
(financially) to force everyone into those buildings. And they
haven't, anyway, in any place where parochial or private schools are
an option.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sandra Dodd
Dan Lake
Thanks for all of the responses. I would be really surprised if there were
close to 325,000 unschooled kids in the US. It's really amazing to think
about 2.5 million homeschooled kids being out there "some where". Do those
numbers seem big or small to anyone?
The people we meet at the grocery store usually look at us like we are
freaks or abusive and claim to have never met homeschool kids "in person".
Usually they know someone who has a friend or relative that homeschool's and
those are rarely good sources of opinion (my stepmom being any reference).
Recently someone said to my daughter that she was very happy, polite, and
social, "especially for never being around other people". Then, I'm thinking
to myself, "well we are standing here in front of you right now trying to do
our shopping aren't we?"
If there are so many homeschoolers, 50,000 in every state on average, then
where are they? How many unschoolers come to the large conferences? Our
first will be LIG next year and we are very excited to meet some of you.
~Dan
close to 325,000 unschooled kids in the US. It's really amazing to think
about 2.5 million homeschooled kids being out there "some where". Do those
numbers seem big or small to anyone?
The people we meet at the grocery store usually look at us like we are
freaks or abusive and claim to have never met homeschool kids "in person".
Usually they know someone who has a friend or relative that homeschool's and
those are rarely good sources of opinion (my stepmom being any reference).
Recently someone said to my daughter that she was very happy, polite, and
social, "especially for never being around other people". Then, I'm thinking
to myself, "well we are standing here in front of you right now trying to do
our shopping aren't we?"
If there are so many homeschoolers, 50,000 in every state on average, then
where are they? How many unschoolers come to the large conferences? Our
first will be LIG next year and we are very excited to meet some of you.
~Dan
On Wed, Dec 17, 2008 at 1:34 PM, Jenny C <jenstarc4@...> wrote:
>
>
> I don't know where these studies get their stats because
> > many homeschoolers never register with the government. My family has
> not
> > registered so how could we be included in such a stat? How
> > many unschoolers are there?
> >
>
> I've always wondered too. Like you though, I'm unregistered and truth
> be told, I don't really care for census taking anyway.
>
> It seems a lot of studies on homeschool numbers come from
> http://www.nheri.org/ <http://www.nheri.org/>
>
> It just happens to be located in Oregon... where there are a LOT of
> non-compliant homeschoolers. I'm not sure about other places around the
> US or the world, but I know that about half the homeschoolers I know in
> real life in Oregon are non-compliant.
>
> Technically, unschooling IS homeschooling, so we get lumped in with
> those statistics and I'm fine with that!
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Robin Bentley
...does it take to screw in a lightbulb?" is the first thing that
comes to mind when I read the subject line!
I know there's an answer to that for unit-study homeschoolers, but is
there an unschoolers' version? My eggnog-ed brain can't come up with
anything.
Robin B.
freezing in Western WA, for a change
comes to mind when I read the subject line!
I know there's an answer to that for unit-study homeschoolers, but is
there an unschoolers' version? My eggnog-ed brain can't come up with
anything.
Robin B.
freezing in Western WA, for a change
Sandra Dodd
-=-If there are so many homeschoolers, 50,000 in every state on
average, then
where are they?-=-
Try to remember this is an international list.
As to states and homeschooelers, Texas and California are huge. No
sense averaging. As to unschoolers needing to gather (the "where
are they?" question), it's quite a solitary endeavor, generally.
Conferences are expensive and far away from many people.
Some of the stats come from the number of people who buy curriculae,
and we know there are people who buy stuff they don't use, and people
who start off homeschooling and their kids end up back in school, so
those numbers aren't going to be reliable either. Some people will
buy a curriculum like a talisman, not even intending to use it, but
they have the receipt and the books and if anyone asks...
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
average, then
where are they?-=-
Try to remember this is an international list.
As to states and homeschooelers, Texas and California are huge. No
sense averaging. As to unschoolers needing to gather (the "where
are they?" question), it's quite a solitary endeavor, generally.
Conferences are expensive and far away from many people.
Some of the stats come from the number of people who buy curriculae,
and we know there are people who buy stuff they don't use, and people
who start off homeschooling and their kids end up back in school, so
those numbers aren't going to be reliable either. Some people will
buy a curriculum like a talisman, not even intending to use it, but
they have the receipt and the books and if anyone asks...
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Dan Lake
That agrees with my gut feeling on the numbers. If someone buys 5
curriculum, they might count for 5 kids. It doesn't really matter, but the
2.5 million number shocked me and I could imagine that the true figures are
much much lower. It does of course depend, as you say, on the definitions of
homeschool or unschool. It would be nice to be able to tell the frightened
relatives that we are not the only ones "doing this to our kids".
~Dan
curriculum, they might count for 5 kids. It doesn't really matter, but the
2.5 million number shocked me and I could imagine that the true figures are
much much lower. It does of course depend, as you say, on the definitions of
homeschool or unschool. It would be nice to be able to tell the frightened
relatives that we are not the only ones "doing this to our kids".
~Dan
On Wed, Dec 17, 2008 at 8:55 PM, Sandra Dodd <Sandra@...> wrote:
> -=-If there are so many homeschoolers, 50,000 in every state on
> average, then
> where are they?-=-
>
> Try to remember this is an international list.
>
> As to states and homeschooelers, Texas and California are huge. No
> sense averaging. As to unschoolers needing to gather (the "where
> are they?" question), it's quite a solitary endeavor, generally.
> Conferences are expensive and far away from many people.
>
> Some of the stats come from the number of people who buy curriculae,
> and we know there are people who buy stuff they don't use, and people
> who start off homeschooling and their kids end up back in school, so
> those numbers aren't going to be reliable either. Some people will
> buy a curriculum like a talisman, not even intending to use it, but
> they have the receipt and the books and if anyone asks...
>
> Sandra
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Joyce Fetteroll
On Dec 17, 2008, at 11:43 PM, Robin Bentley wrote:
From:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ByHisGraceInColorado/133920/
How many unschoolers does it take to change a light bulb?
Dad: "We don't have any dim-bulbs around here!"
Mom: "Well, of course the parents take care of it until the children
are ready to learn how to change the bulb. It's a readiness issue."
Blonde Child #1: "What's a light bulb?"
Delight Directed: "If the child has shown an aptitude or interest in
the light bulb, we will let him change it by himself!"
Unit Study : "First we will go to the library and check out some
books, then.......you know the rest of this one :)"
Charlotte Mason: "If the light bulbs go out, we will just play
outside all day!"
Classical: "Hark, what lightbulb in yonder ceiling breaks!"
Moore Method: "We will wait until the child is tall enough to reach
the lightbulb."
Textbook Method: "We haven't done that chapter yet!"
Blonde Boy Child: "First you let it grow."
Mom: "What??"
Blonde Boy Child: "The Plant."
Mom: "What plant?"
Blonde Boy Child: "Isn't there a plant called a bulb?"
Mom: "Ahhhh, isn't he the smartest thing???!!! That's my smart little
sweet thing, give me high five!"
Principle Approach: Jesus said; "I am the light of the world."
So I say, Who needs light bulbs!?
========
Susannah Sheffer:
“How many homeschoolers does it take to screw in a light bulb?”
“Well, we’re not exactly sure how many homeschoolers. Estimates vary.
Depends
on the way you count them. The curriculum suppliers have one number…”
=======
How many traditional homeschoolers does it take to change a light bulb?
None. Electricity isn’t in the curriculum on today’s schedule.
They’ll have to call the electrician on the weekend.
=========
How many Unit Study Method homeschoolers does it take to change a
light bulb?
Before beginning the study, mom contacts HSDLA to see if there is a
legal loophole to change a light bulb without first asking the local
department of education.
She then contacts the co-op to see if there is enough interest to
have a field trip to watch the changing of the light bulb.
The co-op then forms a committee to determine whether this is a
homeschooling or unschooling type of activity.
Then, mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then
the kids make models of light bulbs, read a biography of Thomas
Edison and do a skit based on his life.
Next, everyone studies the history of lighting methods, wrapping up
with dipping their own candles.
Next, everyone takes a trip to the store where they compare types of
light bulbs as well as prices and figure out how much change they'll
get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill.
On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and
also Abraham Lincoln, as his picture is on the five dollar bill.
Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged
from the woods, the light bulb is installed.
And there is light.
So the answer is: No less than 5.
======
Collected at:
http://home-ed.info/hejokes.htm
- How many home educators does it take to change a light bulb?
- Only one, but you must make sure you mark it down to physics
(electricity and light), technology, PE (climbing ladder), logical
reasoning and social skills (well we can't see each other in the
dark, can we?)
- How many curriculum-based homeschoolers...?
- None. Home electrics isn't something that should be studied until
at least age 14, so they'll have to call in the electrician at the
weekend.
- How many unschoolers or autonomous educators...?
- As many as want to, whenever they feel like it. But they'll
probably need a whole box of lightbulbs, because they'll want to
experiment to find out how to make them break.
- How many TCS educators?
- The trouble is, the old lightbulb doesn't want to be removed.
Difficult to find a win-win situation here, but after some
brainstorming, the solution is to buy an entire new light fitting and
re-wire the room, while leaving the old lightbulb where it was.
- How many yuppy home educators?
- Two - one to call the electrician, and one to pour the sherry.
- How many feminist home educators?
- One. And it's NOT FUNNY!
- How many UK home educating families...?
- Estimates vary, but nobody really knows.
==========
How many homeschoolers does it take to change a lightbulb?
First, mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then
the kids make models of light bulbs, read a biography of Thomas
Edison and do a skit based on his life. Next, everyone studies the
history of lighting methods, wrapping up with dipping their own candles.
Next, everyone takes a trip to the store where they compare types of
light bulbs as well as prices and figure out how much change they'll
get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill.
On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and
also Sir Wilfrid Laurier, as his picture is on the five dollar bill.
Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged
from the woods, the light bulb is installed. And there is light.
=========
A collection of other homeschooling humor:
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/humor/Homeschooling.htm
Joyce
> ...does it take to screw in a lightbulb?" is the first thing thatHere's what I could find:
> comes to mind when I read the subject line!
From:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ByHisGraceInColorado/133920/
How many unschoolers does it take to change a light bulb?
Dad: "We don't have any dim-bulbs around here!"
Mom: "Well, of course the parents take care of it until the children
are ready to learn how to change the bulb. It's a readiness issue."
Blonde Child #1: "What's a light bulb?"
Delight Directed: "If the child has shown an aptitude or interest in
the light bulb, we will let him change it by himself!"
Unit Study : "First we will go to the library and check out some
books, then.......you know the rest of this one :)"
Charlotte Mason: "If the light bulbs go out, we will just play
outside all day!"
Classical: "Hark, what lightbulb in yonder ceiling breaks!"
Moore Method: "We will wait until the child is tall enough to reach
the lightbulb."
Textbook Method: "We haven't done that chapter yet!"
Blonde Boy Child: "First you let it grow."
Mom: "What??"
Blonde Boy Child: "The Plant."
Mom: "What plant?"
Blonde Boy Child: "Isn't there a plant called a bulb?"
Mom: "Ahhhh, isn't he the smartest thing???!!! That's my smart little
sweet thing, give me high five!"
Principle Approach: Jesus said; "I am the light of the world."
So I say, Who needs light bulbs!?
========
Susannah Sheffer:
“How many homeschoolers does it take to screw in a light bulb?”
“Well, we’re not exactly sure how many homeschoolers. Estimates vary.
Depends
on the way you count them. The curriculum suppliers have one number…”
=======
How many traditional homeschoolers does it take to change a light bulb?
None. Electricity isn’t in the curriculum on today’s schedule.
They’ll have to call the electrician on the weekend.
=========
How many Unit Study Method homeschoolers does it take to change a
light bulb?
Before beginning the study, mom contacts HSDLA to see if there is a
legal loophole to change a light bulb without first asking the local
department of education.
She then contacts the co-op to see if there is enough interest to
have a field trip to watch the changing of the light bulb.
The co-op then forms a committee to determine whether this is a
homeschooling or unschooling type of activity.
Then, mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then
the kids make models of light bulbs, read a biography of Thomas
Edison and do a skit based on his life.
Next, everyone studies the history of lighting methods, wrapping up
with dipping their own candles.
Next, everyone takes a trip to the store where they compare types of
light bulbs as well as prices and figure out how much change they'll
get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill.
On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and
also Abraham Lincoln, as his picture is on the five dollar bill.
Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged
from the woods, the light bulb is installed.
And there is light.
So the answer is: No less than 5.
======
Collected at:
http://home-ed.info/hejokes.htm
- How many home educators does it take to change a light bulb?
- Only one, but you must make sure you mark it down to physics
(electricity and light), technology, PE (climbing ladder), logical
reasoning and social skills (well we can't see each other in the
dark, can we?)
- How many curriculum-based homeschoolers...?
- None. Home electrics isn't something that should be studied until
at least age 14, so they'll have to call in the electrician at the
weekend.
- How many unschoolers or autonomous educators...?
- As many as want to, whenever they feel like it. But they'll
probably need a whole box of lightbulbs, because they'll want to
experiment to find out how to make them break.
- How many TCS educators?
- The trouble is, the old lightbulb doesn't want to be removed.
Difficult to find a win-win situation here, but after some
brainstorming, the solution is to buy an entire new light fitting and
re-wire the room, while leaving the old lightbulb where it was.
- How many yuppy home educators?
- Two - one to call the electrician, and one to pour the sherry.
- How many feminist home educators?
- One. And it's NOT FUNNY!
- How many UK home educating families...?
- Estimates vary, but nobody really knows.
==========
How many homeschoolers does it take to change a lightbulb?
First, mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then
the kids make models of light bulbs, read a biography of Thomas
Edison and do a skit based on his life. Next, everyone studies the
history of lighting methods, wrapping up with dipping their own candles.
Next, everyone takes a trip to the store where they compare types of
light bulbs as well as prices and figure out how much change they'll
get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill.
On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and
also Sir Wilfrid Laurier, as his picture is on the five dollar bill.
Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged
from the woods, the light bulb is installed. And there is light.
=========
A collection of other homeschooling humor:
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/humor/Homeschooling.htm
Joyce
Joyce Fetteroll
On Dec 17, 2008, at 11:28 PM, Dan Lake wrote:
ask me say they know someone else who home schools. Unschoolers in
the Bible Belt often have problems finding each other, but can easily
find those who homeschool for religious reasons. Concentrations vary
across the US.
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> The people we meet at the grocery store usually look at us like we areHere in Massachusetts near Boston it's common enough most people who
> freaks or abusive and claim to have never met homeschool kids "in
> person".
ask me say they know someone else who home schools. Unschoolers in
the Bible Belt often have problems finding each other, but can easily
find those who homeschool for religious reasons. Concentrations vary
across the US.
Joyce
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sandra Dodd
-=-It would be nice to be able to tell the frightened
relatives that we are not the only ones "doing this to our kids".-=-
There was a time you could just cite the fact that there were glossy
magazines out there, but I don't know if any are left. Life Learning
closed, though they've added a learning section to their other
magazine, and put out a really nice book called Life Learning. Buy
that for your relatives and don't tell them anything, maybe. If they
start to ask you questions or criticize you, say "Have you read that
book yet?" And that will keep them at bay a while, and once they've
read the book they'll soften up about the questions.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
relatives that we are not the only ones "doing this to our kids".-=-
There was a time you could just cite the fact that there were glossy
magazines out there, but I don't know if any are left. Life Learning
closed, though they've added a learning section to their other
magazine, and put out a really nice book called Life Learning. Buy
that for your relatives and don't tell them anything, maybe. If they
start to ask you questions or criticize you, say "Have you read that
book yet?" And that will keep them at bay a while, and once they've
read the book they'll soften up about the questions.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Robin Bentley
Thanks, Joyce!
Robin B.
Robin B.
On Dec 18, 2008, at 2:00 AM, Joyce Fetteroll wrote:
>
> On Dec 17, 2008, at 11:43 PM, Robin Bentley wrote:
>> ...does it take to screw in a lightbulb?" is the first thing that
>> comes to mind when I read the subject line!
>
>
> Here's what I could find:
>
> From:
> http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/ByHisGraceInColorado/133920/
>
> How many unschoolers does it take to change a light bulb?
>
> Dad: "We don't have any dim-bulbs around here!"
>
> Mom: "Well, of course the parents take care of it until the children
> are ready to learn how to change the bulb. It's a readiness issue."
>
> Blonde Child #1: "What's a light bulb?"
>
> Delight Directed: "If the child has shown an aptitude or interest in
> the light bulb, we will let him change it by himself!"
>
> Unit Study : "First we will go to the library and check out some
> books, then.......you know the rest of this one :)"
>
> Charlotte Mason: "If the light bulbs go out, we will just play
> outside all day!"
>
> Classical: "Hark, what lightbulb in yonder ceiling breaks!"
>
> Moore Method: "We will wait until the child is tall enough to reach
> the lightbulb."
>
> Textbook Method: "We haven't done that chapter yet!"
>
> Blonde Boy Child: "First you let it grow."
> Mom: "What??"
> Blonde Boy Child: "The Plant."
> Mom: "What plant?"
> Blonde Boy Child: "Isn't there a plant called a bulb?"
> Mom: "Ahhhh, isn't he the smartest thing???!!! That's my smart little
> sweet thing, give me high five!"
>
> Principle Approach: Jesus said; "I am the light of the world."
> So I say, Who needs light bulbs!?
>
> ========
>
> Susannah Sheffer:
> “How many homeschoolers does it take to screw in a light bulb?”
>
> “Well, we’re not exactly sure how many homeschoolers. Estimates vary.
> Depends
> on the way you count them. The curriculum suppliers have one number…”
>
> =======
>
> How many traditional homeschoolers does it take to change a light
> bulb?
> None. Electricity isn’t in the curriculum on today’s schedule.
> They’ll have to call the electrician on the weekend.
>
> =========
>
> How many Unit Study Method homeschoolers does it take to change a
> light bulb?
> Before beginning the study, mom contacts HSDLA to see if there is a
> legal loophole to change a light bulb without first asking the local
> department of education.
>
> She then contacts the co-op to see if there is enough interest to
> have a field trip to watch the changing of the light bulb.
>
> The co-op then forms a committee to determine whether this is a
> homeschooling or unschooling type of activity.
>
> Then, mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then
> the kids make models of light bulbs, read a biography of Thomas
> Edison and do a skit based on his life.
>
> Next, everyone studies the history of lighting methods, wrapping up
> with dipping their own candles.
>
> Next, everyone takes a trip to the store where they compare types of
> light bulbs as well as prices and figure out how much change they'll
> get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill.
>
> On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and
> also Abraham Lincoln, as his picture is on the five dollar bill.
>
> Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged
> from the woods, the light bulb is installed.
>
> And there is light.
>
> So the answer is: No less than 5.
>
> ======
> Collected at:
> http://home-ed.info/hejokes.htm
>
> - How many home educators does it take to change a light bulb?
> - Only one, but you must make sure you mark it down to physics
> (electricity and light), technology, PE (climbing ladder), logical
> reasoning and social skills (well we can't see each other in the
> dark, can we?)
>
> - How many curriculum-based homeschoolers...?
> - None. Home electrics isn't something that should be studied until
> at least age 14, so they'll have to call in the electrician at the
> weekend.
>
> - How many unschoolers or autonomous educators...?
> - As many as want to, whenever they feel like it. But they'll
> probably need a whole box of lightbulbs, because they'll want to
> experiment to find out how to make them break.
>
> - How many TCS educators?
> - The trouble is, the old lightbulb doesn't want to be removed.
> Difficult to find a win-win situation here, but after some
> brainstorming, the solution is to buy an entire new light fitting and
> re-wire the room, while leaving the old lightbulb where it was.
>
> - How many yuppy home educators?
> - Two - one to call the electrician, and one to pour the sherry.
>
> - How many feminist home educators?
> - One. And it's NOT FUNNY!
>
> - How many UK home educating families...?
> - Estimates vary, but nobody really knows.
>
> ==========
> How many homeschoolers does it take to change a lightbulb?
>
> First, mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then
> the kids make models of light bulbs, read a biography of Thomas
> Edison and do a skit based on his life. Next, everyone studies the
> history of lighting methods, wrapping up with dipping their own
> candles.
>
> Next, everyone takes a trip to the store where they compare types of
> light bulbs as well as prices and figure out how much change they'll
> get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill.
> On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and
> also Sir Wilfrid Laurier, as his picture is on the five dollar bill.
> Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged
> from the woods, the light bulb is installed. And there is light.
>
> =========
>
> A collection of other homeschooling humor:
> http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/humor/Homeschooling.htm
>
> Joyce
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
CeAnne Kosel
I didn't say that I agreed with testing itself, as in testing kids and the affects of that test. I just said that it was one of the ways that we can keep our own. Despite what unfortunate things happen to public school students and the results that they put out does not mean that we will be able to hold our right to home educate our children. There are people working to take away that right daily and we have to fight to keep it or we will not have a choice in what our children do. The testing is the less of the two evils... and just because they are required in most states doesn't mean that people do them. Or even register as homeschoolers.
Ceanne
"Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone; but still miraculously my own." For adoption information and updates on our boys visit us at: www.koselfamilytree.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Ceanne
"Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone; but still miraculously my own." For adoption information and updates on our boys visit us at: www.koselfamilytree.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Sandra Dodd
-=-I didn't say that I agreed with testing itself, as in testing kids
and the affects of that test.-=-
Good.
-=-I just said that it was one of the ways that we can keep our own.-=-
Keep our own what?
-=-There are people working to take away that right daily and we have
to fight to keep it or we will not have a choice in what our children
do. -=-
Have you been getting e-mail from HSLDA? I hope you didn't give them
money.
People pay them to scare them and keep them feeling that
homeschoolers are besieged and in danger.
If you're paying them to scare you, please stop.
If you're reading their stuff and getting scared, please don't bring
it to this list.
-=-The testing is the less of the two evils... -=-
WHAT two evils?
I see testing as one of many evils inherent in the government system
of education.
There are MANY joys and learning opportunities and tales of real-life
unschooled teens and young adults getting great experiences and jobs
without a single test in sight. There are no "two evils" between
which we must choose.
The sky is not falling.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
and the affects of that test.-=-
Good.
-=-I just said that it was one of the ways that we can keep our own.-=-
Keep our own what?
-=-There are people working to take away that right daily and we have
to fight to keep it or we will not have a choice in what our children
do. -=-
Have you been getting e-mail from HSLDA? I hope you didn't give them
money.
People pay them to scare them and keep them feeling that
homeschoolers are besieged and in danger.
If you're paying them to scare you, please stop.
If you're reading their stuff and getting scared, please don't bring
it to this list.
-=-The testing is the less of the two evils... -=-
WHAT two evils?
I see testing as one of many evils inherent in the government system
of education.
There are MANY joys and learning opportunities and tales of real-life
unschooled teens and young adults getting great experiences and jobs
without a single test in sight. There are no "two evils" between
which we must choose.
The sky is not falling.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
k
I don't know if this is appropriate or not... In the US at least (not
sure about elsewhere) we can keep up with local homeschooling laws
without referring to such groups as HSLDA:
Try NHEN.org instead.
~Katherine
sure about elsewhere) we can keep up with local homeschooling laws
without referring to such groups as HSLDA:
Try NHEN.org instead.
~Katherine
Jenny C
"There are people working to take away that right daily and we have to
fight to keep it or we will not have a choice in what our children do.
The testing is the less of the two evils... and just because they are
required in most states doesn't mean that people do them. Or even
register as homeschoolers."
Well the education unions certainly have an agenda to eliminate
homeschooling because it threatens their jobs.
My take on it, is that by complying with laws that I feel are wrong, I
am accepting them to be right. I feel pretty strongly that governmental
oversite of homeschoolers is not a good thing, so I don't comply with
it. If, at some point I must, then I will.
The state in which I live has relatively easy laws to comply with, but
it requires testing. The tests are expensive and I would be required to
pay for them out of pocket, to prove that my kids are reaching a
benchmark that I don't agree with in the first place.
I don't particularly care wether or not the government or anyone else
thinks that how I'm choosing to educate my kids works or not. I care
about what my kids think of how we do things, that's where I put my
focus and energy, and honestly, testing and oversite get in the way of
that.
Census taking has always been about taxation and accountability. I'm
saving the government a lot of money by keeping my kids out of school,
especially since I still pay taxes for it. Government oversite of
homeschoolers is largely about money, taxes and census taking.
I'm sure it's similar around the world, since census taking isn't a new
or revolutionary way to track people and money.
fight to keep it or we will not have a choice in what our children do.
The testing is the less of the two evils... and just because they are
required in most states doesn't mean that people do them. Or even
register as homeschoolers."
Well the education unions certainly have an agenda to eliminate
homeschooling because it threatens their jobs.
My take on it, is that by complying with laws that I feel are wrong, I
am accepting them to be right. I feel pretty strongly that governmental
oversite of homeschoolers is not a good thing, so I don't comply with
it. If, at some point I must, then I will.
The state in which I live has relatively easy laws to comply with, but
it requires testing. The tests are expensive and I would be required to
pay for them out of pocket, to prove that my kids are reaching a
benchmark that I don't agree with in the first place.
I don't particularly care wether or not the government or anyone else
thinks that how I'm choosing to educate my kids works or not. I care
about what my kids think of how we do things, that's where I put my
focus and energy, and honestly, testing and oversite get in the way of
that.
Census taking has always been about taxation and accountability. I'm
saving the government a lot of money by keeping my kids out of school,
especially since I still pay taxes for it. Government oversite of
homeschoolers is largely about money, taxes and census taking.
I'm sure it's similar around the world, since census taking isn't a new
or revolutionary way to track people and money.
Sandra Dodd
-=-Well the education unions certainly have an agenda to eliminate
homeschooling because it threatens their jobs.-=-
I have my hands poised to talk about "the education unions" (there
are two, in the U.S.) and it's just politics and it's not about
natural learning, and it doesn't apply to all the countries
represented by readers on this list, so let's just not go there.
We don't have to drag dirt home with our kids. We don't need to drag
the politics of education home, or into this list.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
homeschooling because it threatens their jobs.-=-
I have my hands poised to talk about "the education unions" (there
are two, in the U.S.) and it's just politics and it's not about
natural learning, and it doesn't apply to all the countries
represented by readers on this list, so let's just not go there.
We don't have to drag dirt home with our kids. We don't need to drag
the politics of education home, or into this list.
Sandra
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Ward
Hi Jenny,
You said:
Census taking has always been about taxation and accountability. I'm
saving the government a lot of money by keeping my kids out of school,
especially since I still pay taxes for it. Government oversite of
homeschoolers is largely about money, taxes and census taking.
I now say;
And in New Zealand it also seems about ensuring exclusion - heaven forbid that a person who has opted out of the system should take advantage of tax payer funded education resources.
Cheers,
Julie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
You said:
Census taking has always been about taxation and accountability. I'm
saving the government a lot of money by keeping my kids out of school,
especially since I still pay taxes for it. Government oversite of
homeschoolers is largely about money, taxes and census taking.
I now say;
And in New Zealand it also seems about ensuring exclusion - heaven forbid that a person who has opted out of the system should take advantage of tax payer funded education resources.
Cheers,
Julie
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Pamela Sorooshian
On Dec 18, 2008, at 3:39 PM, k wrote:
level information there, now, but lots of the rest of the site is
getting old (broken links, etc.).
If anybody would like to go look at the state information there for
their own state and send us suggestions for additions or corrections,
we'd love to hear from you. You can email it directly to me at
<pamsoroosh @ earthlink.net>.
I'd like to know about state-level organizations that help people with
legal information, too, because NHEN exists to offer networking, we
support the state organizations; we don't even try to take their place.
Not on this list, though, please. Email me offlist.
Thanks.
-Pam Sorooshian
> Try NHEN.org instead.We're in the middle of redoing our website - there is accurate state-
level information there, now, but lots of the rest of the site is
getting old (broken links, etc.).
If anybody would like to go look at the state information there for
their own state and send us suggestions for additions or corrections,
we'd love to hear from you. You can email it directly to me at
<pamsoroosh @ earthlink.net>.
I'd like to know about state-level organizations that help people with
legal information, too, because NHEN exists to offer networking, we
support the state organizations; we don't even try to take their place.
Not on this list, though, please. Email me offlist.
Thanks.
-Pam Sorooshian
Pamela Sorooshian
On Dec 18, 2008, at 3:53 PM, Jenny C wrote:
(apportionment). But, I've used census data a lot, as an economist/
statistician. I can't think of what it has to do with taxation or
accountability. I've used it to analyze trends in demographics and
employment in different industries and energy use.
-pam
> Census taking has always been about taxation and accountability.Census-taking is mostly about equal representation in government
(apportionment). But, I've used census data a lot, as an economist/
statistician. I can't think of what it has to do with taxation or
accountability. I've used it to analyze trends in demographics and
employment in different industries and energy use.
-pam
Pamela Sorooshian
On Dec 18, 2008, at 2:41 PM, CeAnne Kosel wrote:
Sometimes HSLDA has represented a family in court and they've "over-
complied" by offering more than what the law actually requires. In my
state, private schools (which is what we are) do not have to keep any
academic records or follow any curriculum or do any assessing or
testing. HSLDA lawyers have provided such academic records to
government officials because they are acting in what they, as the
attorneys of a specific family, feel is best for that particular
family. It is a bit like plea bargaining. Unfortunately, it sets up
the rest of us to have the same demands made on us. Lawyers who
represent specific clients have to consider what's best for those
clients - that can be and often is a conflict of interest with what is
good for homeschoolers, in general. Also, HSLDA used to not support
unschooling at all - memberships were rejected if you admitted not
using a curriculum. They've become more "enlightened" and they accept
unschoolers (usually called "delight-driven homeschoolers" in the
fundamentalist Christian community) but they very much urge all
homeschoolers to use a curriculum, keep records, do testing, etc.,
because it makes mounting a legal defense easier.
there are people anywhere working "daily" to try to take away our
ability to homeschool. In my state, I don't think there is really
anybody working at all to take away that right - not anymore. Our
governor supports it, our state superintendent of public instruction
supports it, our legislature supports it, and our court system
supports it. The teachers unions don't support it, but they are not
actively working against it, either - they have bigger fish to fry
these days.
Some states are way easier to unschool in freely than others. Some
countries are pretty much impossible. We all do what we have to do to
keep ourselves and our families safe from legal problems that might
interfere with carrying on our happy lives. For unschoolers, that
means protecting our children as much as we can from "academic"
reporting demands.
which it is required are: Arkansas, Georgia (not submitted), Minnesota
(not submitted), New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and South Dakota.
Pennsylvania and Washington also have testing requirements unless you
work with a credentialed teacher. Testing is an option in other
states, but there are legal alternatives.
I know we'd rather talk more about learning and less about the
legalities here - my point in delving in a little has to do with
focusing on clear thinking and good information. I think those are
important ingredients in a good unschooling home and something worth
striving for. Question Everything! That's a good unschooling motto.
-pam
> I didn't say that I agreed with testing itself, as in testing kidsMeaning our right to continue to homeschool in the USA and elsewhere?
> and the affects of that test. I just said that it was one of the
> ways that we can keep our own.
Sometimes HSLDA has represented a family in court and they've "over-
complied" by offering more than what the law actually requires. In my
state, private schools (which is what we are) do not have to keep any
academic records or follow any curriculum or do any assessing or
testing. HSLDA lawyers have provided such academic records to
government officials because they are acting in what they, as the
attorneys of a specific family, feel is best for that particular
family. It is a bit like plea bargaining. Unfortunately, it sets up
the rest of us to have the same demands made on us. Lawyers who
represent specific clients have to consider what's best for those
clients - that can be and often is a conflict of interest with what is
good for homeschoolers, in general. Also, HSLDA used to not support
unschooling at all - memberships were rejected if you admitted not
using a curriculum. They've become more "enlightened" and they accept
unschoolers (usually called "delight-driven homeschoolers" in the
fundamentalist Christian community) but they very much urge all
homeschoolers to use a curriculum, keep records, do testing, etc.,
because it makes mounting a legal defense easier.
> Despite what unfortunate things happen to public school students andNo - that's much too strong a statement to be true. I don't think
> the results that they put out does not mean that we will be able to
> hold our right to home educate our children. There are people
> working to take away that right daily and we have to fight to keep
> it or we will not have a choice in what our children do.
there are people anywhere working "daily" to try to take away our
ability to homeschool. In my state, I don't think there is really
anybody working at all to take away that right - not anymore. Our
governor supports it, our state superintendent of public instruction
supports it, our legislature supports it, and our court system
supports it. The teachers unions don't support it, but they are not
actively working against it, either - they have bigger fish to fry
these days.
Some states are way easier to unschool in freely than others. Some
countries are pretty much impossible. We all do what we have to do to
keep ourselves and our families safe from legal problems that might
interfere with carrying on our happy lives. For unschoolers, that
means protecting our children as much as we can from "academic"
reporting demands.
> The testing is the less of the two evils... and just because theyTesting is not required in most states. I believe the only states in
> are required in most states doesn't mean that people do them. Or
> even register as homeschoolers.
which it is required are: Arkansas, Georgia (not submitted), Minnesota
(not submitted), New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and South Dakota.
Pennsylvania and Washington also have testing requirements unless you
work with a credentialed teacher. Testing is an option in other
states, but there are legal alternatives.
I know we'd rather talk more about learning and less about the
legalities here - my point in delving in a little has to do with
focusing on clear thinking and good information. I think those are
important ingredients in a good unschooling home and something worth
striving for. Question Everything! That's a good unschooling motto.
-pam
harmonyhogan
> There was a time you could just cite the fact that there were glossyhttp://www.homeschoolnewslink.com/homeschool/digital_magazines/index.sht
> magazines out there, but I don't know if any are left.
ml
The Link used to have a free newspaper, now they have a nice glossy
magazine, or an online version. It's not completely unschooling, but
there are several articles that are. It does include a ton of ads.
Harmony