Q: How does a home schooler change a light bulb?

A: 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 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.

-- Jane (jwagman@mail.com), April 07, 2002

Answers

That is WONDERFUL!

-- Bonnie (51940@aeroinc.net), April 07, 2002.

Love that homeschool humor!

Have you seen the one about 12 Days of Homeschooling...a play on the 12 Days of Christmas?

-- Lav, Central Maryland (lavenderbluedilly@hotmail.com), April 07, 2002.

More truth than fiction here, but a great post. We run a farm tour business. I have many school groups, day care centers, etc. who come on a 'by appointment only' basis. I could tell you whether the group I am hosting is a group of home schooled children or not by simple observation. For example the following describes a home schooled group: The parents insist the children listen quietly to the information given. In most cases the children are already listening quietly and politely. When a child has a question he/she either raises a hand or says to me "Excuse me". The parents do not stand in the background visiting with each other while I am trying to talk. When I ask whether anyone has any questions, several people respond, both children and adults, and the questions show forethought. With many other groups, the children interupt, the parents talk to the children or to each other while I'm trying to make a presentation, the parents feed the children answers to any questions I ask, and when a child has a question he/she either hollers "Hey" multiple times, or just comes up and starts pounding on me. It's truly amazing.

-- Dianne Wood (woodgoat@pacifier.com), April 07, 2002.

That is great!!!!! OH yes, so true (lots of giggles)

-- Thumper/inOKC (slrldr@yahoo.com), April 07, 2002.

Hey Dianne, I work in a pet store and asked a women if she needed help to which he son said not a really nice no to (his back was also to me) When I said, "The correct answer is "No, thank you." He said it and she gave me such a dirty look! No wonder kids are the way they are.

-- Dee (gdgtur@goes.com), April 07, 2002.

Yup, thats us. You should see what happens when we ( we meaning our 2 girls and me ) cook dinner.... LOL....

-- Kristean Thompson (pigalena_babe@yahoo.com), April 07, 2002.

Loved this - anyone else got any more?

And could you please post the 12 Days of Homeschooling?

Thanks

-- V (WraitheLadyA@yahoo.com), April 07, 2002.

My dearest freind unschools and I am becomng a very loose ecclectic. It's amazing how much "schooling" goes on with out even trying when you just stop an dconverse with each other!

-- Novina in ND (homespun@stellarnet.com), April 08, 2002.

I try every year to take a set of kids (goat) to the local public schools (they have one for every 2 or 3 grades) for my children's classes. The kids are ruly and loud, and i have to tell them more than once to not chase the babies. the kids are just so excited to get out of class and see an animal other than a cat or dog up close. they do (usually) listen to my short presentation and ask questions, but you can tell a difference in the kids who's parents are really involved in them. they raise a hand and wait for me to notice. the ones that have problems in class (i asked so i know this) with attention, etc are the ones that hit me to get my attention (i tell them to stop and then ignore them until they do) or say hey over and over. it really is an eye opener to go to your public schools with a show and tell like this.

-- laura (okgoatgal@hotmail.com), April 08, 2002.

I try every year to take a set of kids (goat) to the local public schools (they have one for every 2 or 3 grades) for my children's classes. The kids are ruly and loud, and i have to tell them more than once to not chase the babies. the kids are just so excited to get out of class and see an animal other than a cat or dog up close. they do (usually) listen to my short presentation and ask questions, but you can tell a difference in the kids who's parents are really involved in them. they raise a hand and wait for me to notice. the ones that have problems in class (i asked so i know this) with attention, etc are the ones that hit me to get my attention (i tell them to stop and then ignore them until they do) or say hey over and over. it really is an eye opener to go to your public schools with a show and tell like this. the children are not allowed to pick up the kids, if they do they are made to sit down and just watch. i keep a close eye and if the kid gets scared, i pick it up and only allow one child at a time to pet it.

-- laura (okgoatgal@hotmail.com), April 08, 2002.

I used to sub in a public school when I had time (many eons ago before homesteading made me wish that I could add another day or two to each week just to get the basics done!) I was astounded by how little discipline there is! The kids scream, run around in the classrooms, throw food, etc. I was actually told by the principal that children not only could not be paddled, but the school policy forbade speaking negatively or harshly to them for any reason. They were afraid it would damage them psychologically! I raised my two sons to respect adults and to mind their manners. When they disobeyed, they got their little fannies warmed. (Nowadays that is called "child abuse".) Both my sons are grown men now, and they are the most decent, kind, polite and respectful men I could ever have hoped for. Their psyches turned out just fine for having reasonable restraints and expectations imposed upon them while they were still young enough to benefit from that instruction. (And small enough to control!) I see so many hateful, disrespectful and abusive teens these days, and I know that most of those kids were allowed to do whatever they wanted as they grew up. Either their parents didn't care enough to teach them how to behave, or they weren't there to teach them. If they don't learn when they are little, they usually don't at all. Kids need limits. It makes them feel safer and more secure. Too bad there are so few people these days who seem to understand that.

-- Deborah Stephenson (wonkaandgypsy@hotmail.com), April 08, 2002.

oh , but you forgot the discussion from the child about , remember when we put up the windmill and the solar panels.......

thanks , a homeschooling/unschooling mom, whos child is quietly sitting downstairs Baking Cookies!

-- Beth Van Stiphout,in ND (willosnake@hotmail.com), April 08, 2002.

sorry about the double post yesterday, finger moved faster than my brain. wanted to relate a story-9 year old daughter got a call the other day. the girl says "caitlin" that's it. nothing else. i called caitlin to the phone and said "if she can't ask for you properly, next time she will not be allowed to call back." the next call from that little girl she said "may i speak to caitlin please." rudeness is never appropriate or allowed in my home, regardless of which child it is.

-- laura (okgoatgal@hotmail.com), April 09, 2002.