How Homeschooling Isolates Me by Rachel Cote
"Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].” Phil. 4:8 (Amplified New Testament)
I was prepared to write something in this space that would reflect the above scripture - something also to suit the upcoming holiday season. I wanted something that would help parents and families loosen the grip of uncertainty left behind in the wake of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and the daily news of war. I thought I should remind homeschool parents to find the strength of friendship and support through networks of groups, and family or church.
“Thinking upon good and excellent things,” was going to be my theme. Today, however, during a first-quarter meeting, my student Rachel, handed me a composition written as an assignment for her homeschool co-op essay class. It follows my intended theme and I thought that her honest words penned from a homeschool student’s perspective would bring encouragement and a smile to adults and children alike. - Jane Boswell, Editor
How Homeschooling Isolates Me
by Rachel .E. Cote
Homeschooling is a wonderful thing. I think it's a lot better than public or private school. Home schooling isolates me, but in a different way. It isolates me in a good way. It allows me to get a better and more personal education. I get to travel a lot more and see new places. It gives me more time with my family and it keeps me from the wrong friends. It has taught me to think better and make good decisions in my life.
How I get a better and more personal education is because someone who loves me and with whom I have good relationship is teaching me. I can have fun because it's my mom {or dad} that is teaching and I don't have to worry about them sending me to the principal or detention. Sure, Mom may ground me or something, but I don't feel trapped in a schoolhouse. I get a better and more personal education because I can listen better and I get taught the way my mom wants me to be taught. She doesn't have to worry about learning disabilities because she can teach me in any way that helps me learn.
Another benefit in Homeschooling is that I can travel more and see new faces and places. When I was studying the pilgrims, I got to go see Plymouth Plantation. I also got to see Native American things, and their teepees and wigwams. When I was studying the British, my sister moved to England, so when we visited her, we went to see old castles like Warwick Castle, and cathedrals, and other historical sites. We also went to Pennsylvania and saw battlefields for the Civil War study. I can see my history; I don't have to just read about it.
Homeschooling gives me more time with my family. When my dad comes home I'm not still doing my homework from school. I'm finished because I did it all that morning. I can spend time with my mom after school too, like when we finish sometimes we'll go out to lunch, or invite a friend over. I can see my brother there when he comes home and not have to worry about doing school when he's home, so I can talk with him and with his girl friend. I can enjoy my afternoon.
Homeschooling also keeps me from wrong friends and I don't have to worry about bullies while walking home or riding the bus. I just get to stay home - safe and sound. When I grow up I won't be with the friends that use drugs or smoke; I'll be with the right friends - Christian friends too. Homeschooling also brings me closer to God so I'll always have the right friend. Homeschooling teaches me to be kind and to respect my elders. I have better practice too. I can enjoy my life safely and happily.
Homeschooling does one awesome thing for me - it teaches me to think better and make right decisions in my life. I get taught to think the way my mom wants me to think. I also get taught to make the right decisions in my life by reading the Bible and good books that have lessons in them. I can go to collage “smart and not half-smart.” I can live a life that honors God.
Homeschooling can teach you a lot of things, but it has taught me to stop guessing and think. It's taught me to live my life gloriously. My life is what I want to cherish, and I want my life to be wonderful for God.
About the author:
Rachel Cote lives with her parents in Windham, ME. She is enrolled as an 8th grader at Royal Academy which provides a tailor-made program for her. Some of her favorite topics this year include Equestrian Studies, Latin, the Lord of the Rings, Medieval History, Maine Studies, instrumental music, theater and Algebra. Rachel’s older sister and brother are Royal Academy graduates.
