Home Schooling

Home schooling Christmas carol

Monday, December 20, 2010

To the Tune of "The 12 Days of Christmas"
Sent by Terra Linda More

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We lost Denny Mather

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

One principled, compassionate, and down-to-earth homeschooling mom...

I am terribly sad to be writing this. Denny Mather, one of the first contributors to this site, passed away earlier this month after years of battling cancer. She initiated the Home Schooling blog on MoBB and opened the eyes of many readers to the everyday life of homeschoolers. She had an honest and insightful way of capturing the large and small but all-important experiences that go into deciding to homeschool and the ongoing challenges of pulling it off. She raised and educated one terrific young man whose loss is that much greater because of the kind of woman and mother Denny was. My love and deep condolences to her wonderful family. More

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Comments

mom from denver commented on 31-Aug-2010 10:55 AM

Oh, how sad. I enjoyed Denny's pieces very much and like Clara says had my eyes opened to homeschooling. My deep sympathies to her family.

tina commented on 31-Aug-2010 11:15 AM

I am so sorry to read this. My condolences to Denny's family and to you Clara. Losing a good friend is like losing a loving sister. We will miss Denny and her interesting and informative blogs.

hs01 commented on 31-Aug-2010 02:07 PM

May she rest in peace. We will miss her.

Karen commented on 31-Aug-2010 05:35 PM

I'm so sorry to read this. Denny's contributions were great and I will really miss them. I know that her love and generous spirit will always be with her family.

Terra Linda commented on 31-Aug-2010 09:11 PM

How sad. I'm so sorry. And to think that Denny was writing her blogs while she was battling cancer... she must have been feeling so bad so much of that time... and we had no idea.

Jack commented on 31-Aug-2010 09:42 PM

Hi everybody it's Jack. I'm really sad about Denny. She was a really great woman and I really loved her. She was really wonderful. I regret the time that I was playing Wii and not paying attention to anyone else. It was very sad that it was the last time I would ever see her. She'll never be dead to me. She will always be alive in my heart.

Joanne commented on 31-Aug-2010 11:16 PM

Terra Linda is so right. It breaks your heart to think how much Denny was suffering while she was writing. Or maybe that distracted her from her suffering. I'm sure thinking about having made her son happy was a joyful thought. May that joyful spirit stay with her family.

--------------- commented on 01-Sep-2010 09:03 AM

she sounds like a very nice person and a wonderful mother... hopefully she's in a better place...

Harry Potter commented on 01-Sep-2010 10:30 AM

I had not seen Denny's pieces and I just read them. I'm so sorry about her family's loss and I wish them new sources of joy. It's also a loss for this website and its readers. thank you for sharing Denny's story Clara.

main mom commented on 01-Sep-2010 11:21 PM

I'm very sorry. My best wishes to Denny's family. It was wonderful that Denny shared some of her stories with us. I'm sure she continues to look on and take pride in her son.

mom of 3 boys commented on 02-Sep-2010 09:18 AM

Rest in peace Denny, you did a fine job as a mother. ain't easy!!!!

Karli commented on 02-Sep-2010 10:04 PM

She sounds like a wonderful woman and mother and will be missed sorely. It is very touching that she shared her story while going through such a difficult time.

Steve commented on 03-Sep-2010 09:31 AM

My condolences to her family and many thanks to Denny for her articles. She brought up a lot of interesting points of view and ideas that I hope other will discuss further.

Ellie commented on 03-Sep-2010 10:40 PM

I'm very sorry for Denny's loss and I'm thankful that she shared her experience with us. Many thanks Denny, wherever you are now.

Carmen commented on 06-Sep-2010 05:47 PM

I am very sorry to read this. Denny's blogs were interesting to me since I have no experience with homeschooling. She was a courageous woman to take on something so big with no teaching background. I don't think I could do such a good job. Here's to you sister...!

V from CA commented on 13-Sep-2010 10:58 AM

Thank you Denny for your wonderful articles and for telling us what it's like to homeschool your kid. May you rest in peace and forever take joy in raising a good young person. I hope he and the rest of the family find joy in life.

When Homeschooling Doesn't Do the Job

Monday, May 10, 2010

By Denny Mather

Home schooling is not for everyone. I met one mother who seemed to be too lazy to get her kids off to school in time so stayed in bed until whenever and then would eat (cereal from the looks of the counter and table and splatters on books) before going on to whatever lessons might be available. Maybe I should give her some slack, I was only in her home once… Maybe an illness? More

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Reactions from Family and Friends

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

By Denny Mather More

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Comments

Clara commented on 21-Apr-2010 10:03 AM

Yes, people's reactions can be quite funny. One friend asked me if I had become a republican and was going to "tea parties" now!

Anonymous commented on 21-Apr-2010 11:17 AM

thank you for covering so many aspects of home schooling. I've learned a lot from your experiences.

Vicki commented on 21-Apr-2010 02:43 PM

What a good idea to write about family reactions. It's so important to have family support. Home schooling is not always an easy decision to make. Thanks for bringing up the question of support.

Pam commented on 21-Apr-2010 04:58 PM

You are lucky Denny! Afters years of homeschooling my brother stll says, don't you think your daughters deserve a real education?

robyn commented on 21-Apr-2010 08:37 PM

One of the best things about home schooling is that family members, friends and the community at large can turn into teachers for the kids. That's the way it was in the past and the way it really should be. Children have so much more fun this way and feel included in the life of the community. Thank you Denny for your contributions. I have reallly enjoyed them.

hs01 commented on 22-Apr-2010 10:08 AM

One thing that needs to be said is that home schooling is also a kind of sacrifice. The parents who do it give it a lot of time and resources. it sounds very rewarding though so no problems with that. But what about all the tax money that parents pay for the few social services that they are supposed to get?! They get even less back for their tax money.

Clara commented on 22-Apr-2010 10:15 AM

Pam, a funny thing! I heard a homeschooling mom report that she got the same comment about "deserving real education" from her father. Seems like that's a common response. Real education, my foot!

anonymous2 commented on 22-Apr-2010 08:16 PM

ha ha ha I love the comments about home schoolers not getting real education --- real education as in the stupidity they teach in public schools????

Sophia commented on 28-Apr-2010 12:10 PM

I wonder if these people who think school is real education remember anything they learned in school?! They probably remember all kinds of things they DIDN'T learn in school.

How I Became This, Part 4

Thursday, April 01, 2010

By Tyler

We moved from Surfer Town California, to Wyoming, and, more than that, we moved to Dyed-in-the-wool CowboyTown, Wyoming. More

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Comments

Clara commented on 01-Apr-2010 10:42 AM

You sure did turn out well. Thanks to your parents but also probably thanks to yourself too. I'm sorry you still have a loathing for humanity but I'm sure humanity doesn't have a loathing for you!

anonny commented on 01-Apr-2010 11:07 AM

Humanity's not worth loathing! Good writing, Tyler. Keep it up.

Chris commented on 01-Apr-2010 12:08 PM

Excellent article Tyler. You did turn out fine. Maybe even a notch higher than just plain old fine. Good luck and write more.

Joanne commented on 01-Apr-2010 01:25 PM

Thank you for writing this series Tyler. It is sobering. But it also makes me hopeful that there are young men like you. Good luck to you and I hope to read more of your writing.

Anonymous commented on 01-Apr-2010 04:29 PM

You are a wonderful young man and I wish you the best. Thank you for sharing your honest and thoughtful observations.

Tina Kar commented on 01-Apr-2010 04:46 PM

And you can write too! You forgot to add that to your A's and your fencing. Thanks for writing.

mom from denver commented on 02-Apr-2010 07:48 AM

Great piece. I hope more boys/young men speak out. Though it would be a mistake to think bullying necessarily happens more with boys than girls.

Caitlin commented on 05-Apr-2010 01:07 AM

I just read all four pieces and very much enjoyed them. Well, I didn't really enjoy but appreciated very much. You are a great guy Tyler and you write very well. Thank you for sharing your view. It is very important that guys like you tell the rest of us what it's like.

sparks commented on 06-Apr-2010 12:38 AM

This is a really good article. you are right tyler and I hope you write more.

Katie Rob commented on 06-Apr-2010 10:21 AM

Thank you again for these blogs, Tyler. Very interesting and eye opening. I really do hope you continue to write here.

Vicki commented on 06-Apr-2010 07:48 PM

And why were you trying your best to ignore the well-adjusted kids?! If you don't like well-adjusted people I have bad news for you: You have turned into one yourself! Keep writing!!!!!!

xxxxxxx commented on 07-Apr-2010 11:03 AM

Stick around Tyler....!!!!!

CA Mom commented on 10-Apr-2010 05:38 PM

Dear Tyler, thank you for these articles. i agree with all who said that it is very important to hear from boys/young men about their experiences and how they see things. It really helps me understand what our sons experience every day. It brings us closer and is a big help in trying to solve problems.

river commented on 13-Apr-2010 12:17 PM

hey i just discovered you tyler... i like what you write and how you write... very true

How I Became This, Part 3

Thursday, March 25, 2010

By Tyler

So, a few years later now, and I have undergone a transformation. I am no longer afraid of fighting; I now see violence not as something bad in and of itself, but a means to an end... I also have been labeled as having an anger problem and have been forced to see the school counselor a few times. (Story for another time.) More

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Joanne commented on 25-Mar-2010 11:56 AM

Very interesting observation about bullies testing social waters by fighting. Perhaps kids are just more honest!

anonny commented on 25-Mar-2010 07:48 PM

Yup, the war to end all wars. We've all been hoping for that.

Erick commented on 25-Mar-2010 08:24 PM

I'm afraid this is too true.

mom from denver commented on 25-Mar-2010 08:31 PM

Thanks for being so honest Tyler. We really need to hear things from the kids' perspective. Unfortunately not all young people are as articulate as Tyler.

anon too commented on 25-Mar-2010 08:46 PM

This sounds terrible that you have to be violent to get respect. It's depressing. Are we supposed to just accept that this the way things are and no other way is possible? I don't want to accept that. I appreciate your honesty Tyler but do you still think violence is the only thing that gets results? Then what's the difference between you and the bullies? I know, you're going to say self defence or that you don't initiate violence, but still you engage in it. Do you still think this is the only way to react? I don't mean to blame you at all. It just depresses me.

Kathy commented on 25-Mar-2010 10:58 PM

So bullying is a kind of socializing!!! Talk about dysfunctional...!!!

TSE commented on 26-Mar-2010 05:11 PM

No feedback was left by this visitor.

TSE commented on 26-Mar-2010 05:13 PM

Very good blog. I agree with your observations. Yes it is depressing.

Tyler commented on 26-Mar-2010 11:20 PM

@Anon too: it I tried to knock your teeth out, would you defend yourself?

Oh, you would? Then, by your logic, you're just as bad as me.

You want the difference between me and the bullies? Here it is: they fought for power and I fought for the privilege of not getting the shit beat out of me every day.

How I Became This, Part 2

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

By Tyler

Fast forward a few years, and find a first grader. He is doing well in school because his parents have already taught him most of what he is supposed to be learning. He has no problems at home. However, he gets in fights all the time. He gets in confrontations almost once a day and comes to blows with someone at least once every two weeks. More

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Comments

anonny commented on 16-Mar-2010 01:35 PM

Tell 'em like it is, Tyler! You're a fine specimen.

hs01 commented on 16-Mar-2010 01:45 PM

I am so impressed with you Tyler. You are not only bright and perceptive but also brave to be so plain spoken. And did I mention you're a good writer too? A very handy combination!!!

Katie commented on 16-Mar-2010 03:26 PM

Another excellent installment. I wonder if any school officials are interested to hear from young men like you?

Tetrachord commented on 17-Mar-2010 09:15 AM

Very interesting. This is the kind of honest stuff we need to hear. Thanks Tyler. You are very talented.

Christine commented on 17-Mar-2010 11:18 AM

What a great story! Thank you for sharing this. It's so good to hear it from a kid's perspective. This is what it feels like. Wow.

Joanne commented on 17-Mar-2010 12:11 PM

Another great one Tyler. Thanks on behalf of lots of moms.

Jody commented on 17-Mar-2010 12:34 PM

This really makes you feel how kids feel. You are right Tyler. This is very serious and adults must take bullying very seriously. I hoe teachers are reading this.

Anonymous commented on 17-Mar-2010 03:11 PM

It's hard for adults to imagine all this. We must have forgotten all about our own experience. Than you for telling the truth.

Richard commented on 18-Mar-2010 02:00 PM

We've all been there but guys aren't really allowed to talk about it like it is. We don't say anything and then it comes to blows and like Tyler says it works. Well sometimes, at least!

Tyler commented on 19-Mar-2010 12:49 AM

... no.

Clara commented on 19-Mar-2010 09:42 AM

You mean it always works, Tyler?!

Kelly NY commented on 20-Mar-2010 10:23 AM

Well, whatever you have become sure ain't so bad kid! I think you are just too smart to have turned really bad even if you had stayed in school. Just a thought!

Rasta too commented on 20-Mar-2010 02:00 PM

You tell the truth Tyler. Good luck to you.

Tyler commented on 21-Mar-2010 06:48 PM

It may work out, like Richard said, yeah, but it never works out /well/ when it comes to things like this.

How I Became This, Part 1

Monday, March 08, 2010

By Tyler, age 19

I honestly feel as if I have lived two lives. More

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Comments

Clara commented on 08-Mar-2010 10:24 AM

Probably the best piece on this site ever! The observation about the abyss gazing into you is brilliant. You are one hell of a budding writer, Tyler.

Katie Rob commented on 08-Mar-2010 01:07 PM

What a great piece. Can't wait to read the rest. You are a great guy Tyler.

Anonymous commented on 08-Mar-2010 01:21 PM

All power to you, Tyler. I hope someday to read a book by you.

Chris commented on 08-Mar-2010 07:08 PM

Holy smoke, kid! You got it right. You're right on a lot of things but I won't enumerate one by one. You just got it right!

Vicki commented on 08-Mar-2010 07:24 PM

You are a brilliant young man.

Suz commented on 09-Mar-2010 06:13 AM

Thanks for sharing your very own poignant example of The War on Kids.

from Maine commented on 09-Mar-2010 09:14 AM

Thank you for such a perceptive and well written article. I am glad you escpaed from these "hellhole" schools whole. Good for you and for your family. You are a very smart young man and I wish you lots of success.

anoon commented on 09-Mar-2010 10:25 AM

Wow, this is such a good piece. Can't wait for more. I hope there are many more parts to this article!

Joanne commented on 10-Mar-2010 09:14 AM

Your observations are absolutely right Tyler. Intelliget and articulate boys/young men are exactly the people we need to be hearing from. I have no idea who comes on this site but I hope some of the people who do are the people who need to be hearing fom boys like Tyler.

anonny commented on 10-Mar-2010 10:46 AM

A breath of fresh air.

Timorthy G commented on 10-Mar-2010 11:25 AM

Excellent article. Keep it coming.

Anonymous commented on 11-Mar-2010 11:38 AM

We definitely need to hear from the boys themselves. Great writing Tyler.

Kate commented on 11-Mar-2010 03:41 PM

You are very lucky!

Jack Oakley commented on 11-Mar-2010 06:39 PM

This is horrifying and funny both—not easy to do. What you have, Mr. Tyler, is a deep sense of humor.

Boy, I tell you, it seems like this place is going to the dogs. Of course, people in general have never been kind and gentle; they tend to look after themselves first. But there have always been and are ever more, though a smallish number, people who do care for each other. I think that cooperation is a human trait, too, that evolved as an aid to survival. And I think that there has been progress in compassion. But there is sure a big number of bullies.

And some societies are better than others. This one is very militaristic these days; look at organized sports, for example—training kids in competition and aggression. Look at any number of things (which I don’t feel like doing right now).

Thank you for writing. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

Jody T commented on 13-Mar-2010 09:34 AM

Wow, this is eye-opening. I totally agree that we need to hear from young men like this. Thank you Tyler. You are not just smart but brave.

Suryian commented on 13-Mar-2010 03:02 PM

Tyler's story shows how we are shaped by our environment, and how he could have gone in a destructive direction if his parents had not taken the difficult decision to remove him from our increasingly dysfunctional public school system. I am curious for the rest of his story!

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Of Drugs and Coyotes

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

By Denny Mather

I reread the article “Drugging Kids” by John Merrow this morning and it really made me mad – again! More

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Katie commented on 02-Mar-2010 06:50 PM

It's very interesting to read about people who school their kids differently. It makes you realize how everything can be a lesson and every place is a classroom. I love the coyote episode!!!

Anonymous commented on 04-Mar-2010 11:15 AM

Dear Denny, you really do a good job of making us see life as a home schooling family. I never thought about what that is like. Though my children are now in college I am trying to imagine what it would have been like if I had home schooled them. I still think I wouldn't be able to!!! You must have worked so hard.

Tahoe Ed commented on 04-Mar-2010 11:48 AM

Schools are a big problem, aren't they?

Suzie Q commented on 07-Mar-2010 03:59 PM

I sometimes wonder if we all would not have been much better educated and much happier if we had been home schooled. But I wonder how many fathers or mothers can really educate their offspring.

Tetrachord commented on 07-Mar-2010 04:08 PM

Right on, Suzie Q!! You too, Denny.

Anonymous commented on 07-Mar-2010 05:03 PM

You sound like a very organized person, Denny. I guess people who don't keep track of things like you do could get harassed. I've heard child protection services visitiing some home schooling families!

from Maine commented on 09-Mar-2010 10:47 AM

It really is interesting to hear these stories. There is so much room for creativity when you home school.

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Looking up "transmogrify" and other teaching strategies

Monday, January 25, 2010

By Denny Mather

Happy New Year. Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.
More

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Comments

KarenT commented on 25-Jan-2010 12:05 PM

Thanks for another good one Denny. I think I could use a little education myself! Your math self-education is very inspiring.

Clara commented on 25-Jan-2010 12:12 PM

My dictionary doesn't have transmogrify!!!!

hs01 commented on 25-Jan-2010 01:34 PM

Congratulations, Denny on the good job educating yourself and your son. BTW what GPA would you give yourself?!

Denny commented on 26-Jan-2010 06:48 AM

hso1: to be utterly fair, I would give myself a 4.0 GPA! You know, I really never thought about it. I am proud that we did it, it took many people's help, so I can't say it was all me.. Thanks to all of you for your kind words.
Denny

Clara commented on 26-Jan-2010 08:57 AM

I'd give you a 4.2, Denny. But then again I may be biased (I have to be good to my writers!).

Anonymous commented on 26-Jan-2010 01:19 PM

You make it sound easy Denny!!! You definitely deserve 4.0 but man would I ever flunk: F-

thalia commented on 26-Jan-2010 02:18 PM

I like the comment about American History! You don't want your kids to learn about the sixties, do you? Sex, drugs and rock and roll? No no no... just rewrite history and take all that out!

Anonymous commented on 27-Jan-2010 10:02 AM

Wow!!! All power to you Denny!!! I just took a look at your other pieces and will go back and read all of them. This sounds so interesting.

tir098 commented on 31-Jan-2010 04:32 PM

I think homeschooling parents should get paid the money that they save the government by not sending their kids to public school. I think the whole community would become more educated that way.

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