Re: Digest Number 189
D. J. Brewer
In an earlier post, Kelly writes of a "testing" remark that a woman made
to her regarding her homeschool "shedule," and said that she was
"just really irritated by this and was wondering how some of you
others out there feel about these sorts of encounters, if it happens to
you, and how you deal with other people's ignorance and judgemental
attitudes?"
Kelly, I am irascibly Irish, and I LOVE a chance to get back at people
who try to treat me condescendingly. Now, granted, I DON'T recommend
doing what I do. I just DO it!!!
I have had very few encounters with anyone judgemental. Texas is a very
friendly state toward homeschoolers. But I usually take the offensive,
smile condescendingly, and say to them, "Oh, homeschooling isn't like
THAT. Children are free to focus more on learning, not just some simple
regimented schedule."
(Ain't I ornery?)
Good luck.
DJ
to her regarding her homeschool "shedule," and said that she was
"just really irritated by this and was wondering how some of you
others out there feel about these sorts of encounters, if it happens to
you, and how you deal with other people's ignorance and judgemental
attitudes?"
Kelly, I am irascibly Irish, and I LOVE a chance to get back at people
who try to treat me condescendingly. Now, granted, I DON'T recommend
doing what I do. I just DO it!!!
I have had very few encounters with anyone judgemental. Texas is a very
friendly state toward homeschoolers. But I usually take the offensive,
smile condescendingly, and say to them, "Oh, homeschooling isn't like
THAT. Children are free to focus more on learning, not just some simple
regimented schedule."
(Ain't I ornery?)
Good luck.
DJ
Kelly Thielen
Hello,
I am have been homeschooling my 2 kids(ages 6 & 8), for almost 2 years
now. We are unschooling, actually. We took my ds's best friend(who is
also my SO's son, being raised by his mother-so he is family), shopping
for school supplies today, as he was at our home visiting for his last 2
days of summer vacation, and starts school tommorrow, I offered to take
him to get supplies. He starts 3rd grade tommorrow. So, I am at the
store shopping with the 3 kids and I run into an acquaintance. Well,
this woman, who's children are all grown and live in another state, and
is here studying at the local university to become a grade school
teacher, comes over to say hello and asks us if we are getting ready to
start school. I've told her we are hs, before, but she must've forgot,
but I just casually said "we are homeschooling we are here buying
_______ his school supplies." She then says to me, "who is
homeschooling your kids?" I literally did not understand her question,
and for a second thought maybe she didn't know what hs is(obviously
not). She asked me again, and says "who's hs your kids, you?", as if
this is such a surprise, I tell her yes, and she says "oh, you are very
brave" or some such comment. She then asks, "and what time does school
start for you tommorrow?". This all happened in a matter of a minute or
so, of course, but I was very confused. I thought she was asking what
time, ds's friend went to school tommorrow, and perhaps she had assumed
he lived with us???? But, no, she meant what time to we get up and
begin hs everyday!? I was so caught off guard and confused by her line
of questioning and it really annoys me. THis happened over an hour ago,
but I am just really irritated by this and was wondering how some of you
others out there feel about these sorts of encounters, if it happens to
you, and how you deal with other people's ignorance and judgemental
attitudes?
My answer to her was(with a smile - she had no idea I was insulted and
uncomfortable with noisiness and intrusive line of questioning; only
sort of confused), "oh, we hs everyday of the year, all day, every
day". That one shut her right up, although I must say she did look
baffled, haha!
I am feeling sort of alone right now as I don't know any other hs'ers,
locally.
Thanks,
Kelly
I am have been homeschooling my 2 kids(ages 6 & 8), for almost 2 years
now. We are unschooling, actually. We took my ds's best friend(who is
also my SO's son, being raised by his mother-so he is family), shopping
for school supplies today, as he was at our home visiting for his last 2
days of summer vacation, and starts school tommorrow, I offered to take
him to get supplies. He starts 3rd grade tommorrow. So, I am at the
store shopping with the 3 kids and I run into an acquaintance. Well,
this woman, who's children are all grown and live in another state, and
is here studying at the local university to become a grade school
teacher, comes over to say hello and asks us if we are getting ready to
start school. I've told her we are hs, before, but she must've forgot,
but I just casually said "we are homeschooling we are here buying
_______ his school supplies." She then says to me, "who is
homeschooling your kids?" I literally did not understand her question,
and for a second thought maybe she didn't know what hs is(obviously
not). She asked me again, and says "who's hs your kids, you?", as if
this is such a surprise, I tell her yes, and she says "oh, you are very
brave" or some such comment. She then asks, "and what time does school
start for you tommorrow?". This all happened in a matter of a minute or
so, of course, but I was very confused. I thought she was asking what
time, ds's friend went to school tommorrow, and perhaps she had assumed
he lived with us???? But, no, she meant what time to we get up and
begin hs everyday!? I was so caught off guard and confused by her line
of questioning and it really annoys me. THis happened over an hour ago,
but I am just really irritated by this and was wondering how some of you
others out there feel about these sorts of encounters, if it happens to
you, and how you deal with other people's ignorance and judgemental
attitudes?
My answer to her was(with a smile - she had no idea I was insulted and
uncomfortable with noisiness and intrusive line of questioning; only
sort of confused), "oh, we hs everyday of the year, all day, every
day". That one shut her right up, although I must say she did look
baffled, haha!
I am feeling sort of alone right now as I don't know any other hs'ers,
locally.
Thanks,
Kelly
[email protected]
In a message dated 9/6/99 6:52:11 PM EST, kellylyn@... writes:
<< "oh, we hs everyday of the year, all day, every
day". That one shut her right up, although I must say she did look
baffled, haha! >>
LOL! This is the best answer you could've come up with , Kelley! I hope that
I have the precense of mind to remember it the next time I'm in that
situation. Just remember that these kinds of questions are asked in
ignorance, perhaps your answer helped to educate her! Lori in TX
<< "oh, we hs everyday of the year, all day, every
day". That one shut her right up, although I must say she did look
baffled, haha! >>
LOL! This is the best answer you could've come up with , Kelley! I hope that
I have the precense of mind to remember it the next time I'm in that
situation. Just remember that these kinds of questions are asked in
ignorance, perhaps your answer helped to educate her! Lori in TX
[email protected]
In a message dated 9/6/99 6:52:09 PM EST, kellylyn@... writes:
<< My answer to her was(with a smile - she had no idea I was insulted and
uncomfortable with noisiness and intrusive line of questioning; only
sort of confused), "oh, we hs everyday of the year, all day, every
day". That one shut her right up, although I must say she did look
baffled, haha! >>
Kelly,
Hi and welcome. It sounds to me like you handled that like a pro! Any
questions I get, I assume are because people are interested, I answer in that
vein, if I discover that the questions are sarcastic or trying to be ugly,
and I have to say I have only come across one of those, everyone else is very
interested, I just stop talking and walk away. Those people are only trying
to cause trouble, not really interested, so I say I really don't have time to
go into all the many facets of homeschooling, but there is a great website
for homeschooling and there is the local support group that has a great deal
of info. Then walk . I am not defending myself, or trying to change
anyone's mind, but I am willing to answer any one who is interested.
Teresa
<< My answer to her was(with a smile - she had no idea I was insulted and
uncomfortable with noisiness and intrusive line of questioning; only
sort of confused), "oh, we hs everyday of the year, all day, every
day". That one shut her right up, although I must say she did look
baffled, haha! >>
Kelly,
Hi and welcome. It sounds to me like you handled that like a pro! Any
questions I get, I assume are because people are interested, I answer in that
vein, if I discover that the questions are sarcastic or trying to be ugly,
and I have to say I have only come across one of those, everyone else is very
interested, I just stop talking and walk away. Those people are only trying
to cause trouble, not really interested, so I say I really don't have time to
go into all the many facets of homeschooling, but there is a great website
for homeschooling and there is the local support group that has a great deal
of info. Then walk . I am not defending myself, or trying to change
anyone's mind, but I am willing to answer any one who is interested.
Teresa
eddie
-----Original Message-----
From: Kelly Thielen <kellylyn@...>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: Tuesday, September 07, 1999 7:51 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Digest Number 189
where there are few hs'ers.Many people know me and know I hs my 2 children
(8 & 10) They either 'forget' or choose not to bring up the
subject.Sometimes I'm not sure. I try not to let it get to me, but sometimes
it just seems so dis honest. The other thing is; I know a few parents from
our ex school who now completely ignore me, even though my son plays hockey
for their school team! Yes it is amazing ,mostly I laugh but sometimes it
hurts. You are not alone Also I would like to have the quick and clever
response to 'those ' questions. Always Learning!
From: Kelly Thielen <kellylyn@...>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: Tuesday, September 07, 1999 7:51 AM
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Digest Number 189
>From: Kelly Thielen <kellylyn@...>I can relate to this sort of encounter.I live in a small town
>
>Hello,
>
>I am have been homeschooling my 2 kids(ages 6 & 8), for almost 2 years
>now. We are unschooling, actually. We took my ds's best friend(who is
>also my SO's son, being raised by his mother-so he is family), shopping
>for school supplies today, as he was at our home visiting for his last 2
>days of summer vacation, and starts school tommorrow, I offered to take
>him to get supplies. He starts 3rd grade tommorrow. So, I am at the
>store shopping with the 3 kids and I run into an acquaintance. Well,
>this woman, who's children are all grown and live in another state, and
>is here studying at the local university to become a grade school
>teacher, comes over to say hello and asks us if we are getting ready to
>start school. I've told her we are hs, before, but she must've forgot,
>but I just casually said "we are homeschooling we are here buying
>_______ his school supplies." She then says to me, "who is
>homeschooling your kids?" I literally did not understand her question,
>and for a second thought maybe she didn't know what hs is(obviously
>not). She asked me again, and says "who's hs your kids, you?", as if
>this is such a surprise, I tell her yes, and she says "oh, you are very
>brave" or some such comment. She then asks, "and what time does school
>start for you tommorrow?". This all happened in a matter of a minute or
>so, of course, but I was very confused. I thought she was asking what
>time, ds's friend went to school tommorrow, and perhaps she had assumed
>he lived with us???? But, no, she meant what time to we get up and
>begin hs everyday!? I was so caught off guard and confused by her line
>of questioning and it really annoys me. THis happened over an hour ago,
>but I am just really irritated by this and was wondering how some of you
>others out there feel about these sorts of encounters, if it happens to
>you, and how you deal with other people's ignorance and judgemental
>attitudes?
> My answer to her was(with a smile - she had no idea I was insulted and
>uncomfortable with noisiness and intrusive line of questioning; only
>sort of confused), "oh, we hs everyday of the year, all day, every
>day". That one shut her right up, although I must say she did look
>baffled, haha!
> I am feeling sort of alone right now as I don't know any other hs'ers,
>locally.
>Thanks,
>Kelly
>
>--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
>ONElist: your connection to people who share your interests.
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>Check it out!
>http://www.unschooling.com
>
>Kelly ,
where there are few hs'ers.Many people know me and know I hs my 2 children
(8 & 10) They either 'forget' or choose not to bring up the
subject.Sometimes I'm not sure. I try not to let it get to me, but sometimes
it just seems so dis honest. The other thing is; I know a few parents from
our ex school who now completely ignore me, even though my son plays hockey
for their school team! Yes it is amazing ,mostly I laugh but sometimes it
hurts. You are not alone Also I would like to have the quick and clever
response to 'those ' questions. Always Learning!
Andi Kaufman
kelly,
it is really terrible when people start questioning about school. worse is
when they start testing your kid. but for some reason isaac really likes
like.
I just tell them that there are other ways of learning besides school. but
these people do throw us off target. so try to relax and not let her get to
you
Andi...domestic goddess and active volunteer
mom to Isaac
tl2b@...
Never Underestimate the Power of This Woman!
it is really terrible when people start questioning about school. worse is
when they start testing your kid. but for some reason isaac really likes
like.
I just tell them that there are other ways of learning besides school. but
these people do throw us off target. so try to relax and not let her get to
you
Andi...domestic goddess and active volunteer
mom to Isaac
tl2b@...
Never Underestimate the Power of This Woman!
Diana Asberry
Chin up Kelly!
in some states parents are required to have "qualifications" to hs--ged,
college degree, not sure what else...
anyway it's all crap! we have our kids' best interests... we know how our
kids' learn... what excites them...how to raise AND teach them..and that's
enough qualification for me!
DianaA.
"the world is our classroom"
----Original Message Follows----
From: Kelly Thielen <kellylyn@...>
Reply-To: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Digest Number 189
Date: Mon, 06 Sep 1999 16:19:48 -0800
From: Kelly Thielen <kellylyn@...>
Hello,
I am have been homeschooling my 2 kids(ages 6 & 8), for almost 2 years
now. We are unschooling, actually. We took my ds's best friend(who is
also my SO's son, being raised by his mother-so he is family), shopping
for school supplies today, as he was at our home visiting for his last 2
days of summer vacation, and starts school tommorrow, I offered to take
him to get supplies. He starts 3rd grade tommorrow. So, I am at the
store shopping with the 3 kids and I run into an acquaintance. Well,
this woman, who's children are all grown and live in another state, and
is here studying at the local university to become a grade school
teacher, comes over to say hello and asks us if we are getting ready to
start school. I've told her we are hs, before, but she must've forgot,
but I just casually said "we are homeschooling we are here buying
_______ his school supplies." She then says to me, "who is
homeschooling your kids?" I literally did not understand her question,
and for a second thought maybe she didn't know what hs is(obviously
not). She asked me again, and says "who's hs your kids, you?", as if
this is such a surprise, I tell her yes, and she says "oh, you are very
brave" or some such comment. She then asks, "and what time does school
start for you tommorrow?". This all happened in a matter of a minute or
so, of course, but I was very confused. I thought she was asking what
time, ds's friend went to school tommorrow, and perhaps she had assumed
he lived with us???? But, no, she meant what time to we get up and
begin hs everyday!? I was so caught off guard and confused by her line
of questioning and it really annoys me. THis happened over an hour ago,
but I am just really irritated by this and was wondering how some of you
others out there feel about these sorts of encounters, if it happens to
you, and how you deal with other people's ignorance and judgemental
attitudes?
My answer to her was(with a smile - she had no idea I was insulted and
uncomfortable with noisiness and intrusive line of questioning; only
sort of confused), "oh, we hs everyday of the year, all day, every
day". That one shut her right up, although I must say she did look
baffled, haha!
I am feeling sort of alone right now as I don't know any other hs'ers,
locally.
Thanks,
Kelly
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
ONElist: your connection to people who share your interests.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check it out!
http://www.unschooling.com
in some states parents are required to have "qualifications" to hs--ged,
college degree, not sure what else...
anyway it's all crap! we have our kids' best interests... we know how our
kids' learn... what excites them...how to raise AND teach them..and that's
enough qualification for me!
DianaA.
"the world is our classroom"
----Original Message Follows----
From: Kelly Thielen <kellylyn@...>
Reply-To: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Unschooling-dotcom] Digest Number 189
Date: Mon, 06 Sep 1999 16:19:48 -0800
From: Kelly Thielen <kellylyn@...>
Hello,
I am have been homeschooling my 2 kids(ages 6 & 8), for almost 2 years
now. We are unschooling, actually. We took my ds's best friend(who is
also my SO's son, being raised by his mother-so he is family), shopping
for school supplies today, as he was at our home visiting for his last 2
days of summer vacation, and starts school tommorrow, I offered to take
him to get supplies. He starts 3rd grade tommorrow. So, I am at the
store shopping with the 3 kids and I run into an acquaintance. Well,
this woman, who's children are all grown and live in another state, and
is here studying at the local university to become a grade school
teacher, comes over to say hello and asks us if we are getting ready to
start school. I've told her we are hs, before, but she must've forgot,
but I just casually said "we are homeschooling we are here buying
_______ his school supplies." She then says to me, "who is
homeschooling your kids?" I literally did not understand her question,
and for a second thought maybe she didn't know what hs is(obviously
not). She asked me again, and says "who's hs your kids, you?", as if
this is such a surprise, I tell her yes, and she says "oh, you are very
brave" or some such comment. She then asks, "and what time does school
start for you tommorrow?". This all happened in a matter of a minute or
so, of course, but I was very confused. I thought she was asking what
time, ds's friend went to school tommorrow, and perhaps she had assumed
he lived with us???? But, no, she meant what time to we get up and
begin hs everyday!? I was so caught off guard and confused by her line
of questioning and it really annoys me. THis happened over an hour ago,
but I am just really irritated by this and was wondering how some of you
others out there feel about these sorts of encounters, if it happens to
you, and how you deal with other people's ignorance and judgemental
attitudes?
My answer to her was(with a smile - she had no idea I was insulted and
uncomfortable with noisiness and intrusive line of questioning; only
sort of confused), "oh, we hs everyday of the year, all day, every
day". That one shut her right up, although I must say she did look
baffled, haha!
I am feeling sort of alone right now as I don't know any other hs'ers,
locally.
Thanks,
Kelly
--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
ONElist: your connection to people who share your interests.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check it out!
http://www.unschooling.com
Diana Asberry
DJ:
oooooh you're good!
you go!
keep on keepin on!
Diana A.
"the world is our classroom"
----Original Message Follows----
In an earlier post, Kelly writes of a "testing" remark that a woman made
to her regarding her homeschool "shedule," and said that she was
"just really irritated by this and was wondering how some of you
others out there feel about these sorts of encounters, if it happens to
you, and how you deal with other people's ignorance and judgemental
attitudes?"
Kelly, I am irascibly Irish, and I LOVE a chance to get back at people
who try to treat me condescendingly. Now, granted, I DON'T recommend
doing what I do. I just DO it!!!
I have had very few encounters with anyone judgemental. Texas is a very
friendly state toward homeschoolers. But I usually take the offensive,
smile condescendingly, and say to them, "Oh, homeschooling isn't like
THAT. Children are free to focus more on learning, not just some simple
regimented schedule."
(Ain't I ornery?)
Good luck.
DJ
oooooh you're good!
you go!
keep on keepin on!
Diana A.
"the world is our classroom"
----Original Message Follows----
In an earlier post, Kelly writes of a "testing" remark that a woman made
to her regarding her homeschool "shedule," and said that she was
"just really irritated by this and was wondering how some of you
others out there feel about these sorts of encounters, if it happens to
you, and how you deal with other people's ignorance and judgemental
attitudes?"
Kelly, I am irascibly Irish, and I LOVE a chance to get back at people
who try to treat me condescendingly. Now, granted, I DON'T recommend
doing what I do. I just DO it!!!
I have had very few encounters with anyone judgemental. Texas is a very
friendly state toward homeschoolers. But I usually take the offensive,
smile condescendingly, and say to them, "Oh, homeschooling isn't like
THAT. Children are free to focus more on learning, not just some simple
regimented schedule."
(Ain't I ornery?)
Good luck.
DJ