~ sole-mama ~

Individualized public education through homeschooling, the future of quality academics!

2011-07-07T18:54:00.000-07:00

Like most parents I have entertained the idea of homeschooling. Looking for a good quality education that fits within my budget as a single parent and allowed me to be more involved in my child's academic career, beyond what the set standards are within a group, to see if they are successful learners are not. All children learn differently from birth, it's a fact, why penalize them knowing this information can build or lower their confidence level for life.

My concern is, with all the politics of having a good education and viewing the documentary, "Waiting for Superman" by Davis Guggenheim, it really worried me that so many children over the years have been duped out of their education with no recourse based on criteria unknown to most parents. If you haven't seen the movie see it, it's heartbreaking and highly upsetting.

Recently while watching a T.V commercial for K-12 a homeschooling program I got curious and began looking up any information I could find. I went to the website for more insight and as I read, I really liked the idea of the parents having more involvement by supporting their children's learning levels and the teachers nurturing an individualized education to encourage students in their academic goals just seemed promising. http://www.k12.com/

We now understand in comparison to the world our education system is far and behind. Our children begin public school at age four to five years old when other countries including third world countries begin at 3 years old, plus in many foreign countries dual language begins from the time the children can talk compared to our children sometimes never having that skill if the parents don't speak another language. I know this because I was shocked when my little cousin living in the Caribbean islands was able to recite her multiplication table from 1-5 at 4 years old. I immediately thought how many children back home I know that can do this?

Its my personal opinion that many problems we face today are because of our education system failing so many. It affects all levels of understanding economics (applying for loans and credit from banks as well as budgeting to financial planning),to jobs being filled and new industries being developed. There is no reason a country so powerful in the 21st century would sacrifice a nation because of who can and can not get a good education. Everyone rises or falls together. Lets face it, if everyone had a good quality education not everyone will be the boss or the leader. This is what greedy indignants worry about. What it does is ensure everyone is working at their highest standard of education, that they can achieve and have the ability to have more control of their own destiny and add to Americas prosperity.

Implementing financial education on a realistic level and basic math as a standard for early education wouldn't hurt anything as well as starting school earlier than 4, I think are all great ideas that should be looked at. We've taken the arts and home economics out of many schools which I think is also a mistake. I'm leaning toward implementing my own education standards so whenever I see something worth mentioning I know I can't be alone I just wanted to plant the seed! In the end we as the parents have options and always have choices.

Customized education will eliminate alot of elements that distract students from performing well and becoming idle. Bullying another element, which prevents a child from learning and teachers that are overwhelmed to reach out to those students in need of more help. Many state education systems still allow these home-students to socialize in extracurricular activities with field trips and events however parents still have the option to choose extracurricular programs accordingly.

Just an FYI....

2011-07-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

I am new to blogging and just learning about setting up the page, so plz bear with me as I make it visually stimulating. Feel free to read and post thoughts or ideas. Tips are always welcome ; )

The State of Florida never ceases to amaze with their B.S.......

2011-07-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

If the rest of the country hasn't learned by now you can always count on the State of Florida to drop the ball when it comes to any government proceedings to elections right on to trials. Today the jury found Casey Anthony not guilty of killing her daughter, Caylee Anthony. It makes you really wonder what is going on here. Florida has many issues even holding one of the worse states with four cities (Orlando,Tampa,Jacksonville and Miami) in America for employment and horrible pay to cost of living standards, but as the world can see it's not wrap to tight with legalities.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/05/casey-anthony-trial-verdict_n_890173.html

How well do you know the Declaration of Independence? Take our quiz.

2011-07-04T21:06:00.000-07:00

How well do you know the Declaration of Independence? Take our quiz.

Learning from my children!

2011-07-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

My children are my greatest gift. As they get older and become more independent of me, I've realized some lessons that I've taught them, they now re-teach me. My 14 year old daughter, is a self proclaimed cartoonist and very dedicated to her talent. Day in and day out she never misses a chance to do what she loves most and build on top of her self-taught talent. I have watched her over the years get better and better and I sit back impressed with her drive to reach her goals. To become an animator, I then remember myself, always stay steady and focused on the things you want. When it makes you feel good doing it and your envisioning yourself sitting in your studio, people enjoying your work it all falls into place effortlessly. Each moment, your inner thoughts becomes more and more a reality.

As a single parent for me, it use to feel like everyday was a lonely walk in the park. Expressing that feeling ate me up inside, it began to show in everything I did. The facade of being happy was truly a game face for me. I wanted the traditional family but it didn't seem to work or fit for me after several attempts. My children would ask me about marriage and having a dad in their life but being so young, I couldn't explain to them the complex dynamics of relationships. So I focused on being a provider and raising them with my mother as my co-parent, making their life as normal as possible.

We make a choice to raise our children solo and go through the motions of at some point completing it with a partner- which is all good(with the person in tune with were you are in life and sees where you want to go). However, many of us decide to just go it alone for many reasons whatever we come up with, it's all possible. I now understand that all along I have a partner or partners! We entertain each other, we laugh, love, cry and dream together.

We are a team each members role just as important as the next. Above all, each one is teaching one from the youngest to the eldest. I have found through my daughters' dedication, my zest for life once again. To experience all the world has to offer and to constantly be developing the person I love as much as I love them, and thats me.

Through the light in her eyes of loving what she does, my middle sons constant wheel turning of business ideas and analytical mind exploding when he gets a innovative master plan to my 2 years year olds, no fear take charge attitude at life, playing every step of the way but not taking no as an answer, I have relearned all the traits of myself through them. The core of what really made me tick and made me happy beyond measure, to never be limited to what I could do at will. All from my children, my greatest gift and greatest teachers.

Holla back!

2011-07-03T03:43:00.000-07:00

Since I started (BSMA) Black Single Moms in America, I thought it was time to add a blog page for our dearly faithful and loyal supporters! Although we count for a large amount of Americas household, our voice or needs are rarely met.

I felt this would be a good time and arena to get really open with discussion and dig a little deeper into those things that we think about as well as drive important messages home as we rally around sustaining our homes in these trying days. No topic is off guard and I am always on the look out for knowledge and anything we can apply for a better quality of life!

Its not always about the serious stuff - so don't be surprise if I post products,jokes, news or give my personal opinions. We may sometimes agree to disagree but it's all in the name of sharing info in this high-tech world we now live in.

As always I want questions, suggestions and participation from all!