Comments on: Why I Think School is Just a Big Waste of Time

By: Susie

Susie — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:37:44 +0000

Read the book Dumbing Us Down, by Gatto.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:43:17 +0000

Hi Makenzie!

I homeschooled my daughter for the first three years of her academic life. The curriculum was much more advanced than anything she could have been learning in public school. However, I also made sure she was receiving the full required attendance hours by the state and she was comprehending the subjects without any difficulty. I know it made a difference in her life and gave her an added head start beyond her public school class. I would still love to be homeschooling her, but she begged me to let her attend public school. I think she felt like she was missing out on the socialization and normalcy of being a kid. She is thriving in public school and remains to keep an A-A+ average in all her subjects. I know it is because she was taught at an early age the importance of education and was given my complete utter attention in every course which is something she wouldn’t have received in public school.

I’m stopping over from MBC and now following you!

By: Makenzie Kelly

Makenzie Kelly — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:58:47 +0000

Hi Angela, I completely know how you feel! The socialization is important, but I think with the increase in homeschoolers now, they have it pretty well figured out. Some homeschool groups even create their own classes and activities. Of course there are advantages and drawbacks to both sides. It certainly doesn’t seem like the traditional school systems are getting any better! Good luck with your schooling situation! ~Makenzie

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:34:18 +0000

I agree with you. My son started Kindergarten this year and it has been a complete let down. Our schools are highly rated but with the number of children per teacher, the number of special needs kids in the classroom and the lack of focus, I just think he’d learn better at home. But we’re sending him for the horrible “socialization” and with the idea that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

We may be way off base but in that case, we always have homeschooling as a back up plan. I’m following from the MBC. Thanks for sharing such informative articles.

By: Gina Carroll

Gina Carroll — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:23:23 +0000

OMGosh, Makenzie,
So glad you found me so that I could find you and your site. You are an inspiration to us entrepreneurs and mothers. Super glad to be connected!!

By: Tess

Tess — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:40:33 +0000

I have mixed feelings about school too and I think its more dangerous than its worth sometimes.

By: Makenzie Kelly

Makenzie Kelly — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:55:11 +0000

Good points Nile. I was laughing when I was reading your post because my parents were in Amway too! And for all of the bad press that Amway got, I think the motivational and educational part kind of rubbed off on me! I remember at the age of 5 going to seminars and the meetings etc. I think there is value in teaching those real life skills to children. I guess my question is: We only have a limited amount of time here, what is the best way to educate ourselves and our children?

By: Nile

Nile — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 06:26:27 +0000

School definitely does not prepare people for the real world. Most of it is done on experience. There are people who have studied and have degrees, but their career does not have anything in common with their education.

I do know that my son, who is just turning 7 today (December 3rd), he is at a level that I was not at in school when I was his age. However, he is in a lot of advanced programs, another thing that was not around in the late 80s.

I did not get into the business mind until my father took up Amway. To me, I do not like Amway, but I did learn a lot of things from the people that spoke on the tapes and even the books I eventually picked up. Now, I am in a degree for business…lol. I wish there were more opportunities where children could learn the basics, and then by junior high or high school be given the opportunity to more programs that will better prepare them whether they become an entrepreneur, CEO of a big business, or anything else.

Writing a grant, writing for a scholarship, social media/ marketing, etc…those would be awesome to learn in school.

By: Nancy Adler

Nancy Adler — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:35:41 +0000

Great blog Makenzie!

I appreciate what you are saying about being a non-conformist. I am certainly an out-of-the-box non confomist myself. Rules and regulations ~ Some good as guidance ~ Some can be restrictive to creativity and adventure that you speak of.

While my expertise is not in California Schools, I am certain they are as most States pressed economically and that I surmise will limit curriculum based programs. The sense of commaradarie and group participation in schools is of high value I believe.

I agree with your writing in regards to teaching financial independence, adventure ~ the creative side! ~ I am suggesting perhaps this is the time as Parents to reach out to the community for resources to provide those creative outlets and, quite frankly, basic economic principles that are not taught in schools.

Again, great blog and website. ~ Thanks for your post!

Blessings, Nancy

By: Makenzie Kelly

Makenzie Kelly — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:43:37 +0000

Agreed Dan! I think that in California (which is my only frame of reference), that I could likely engage my children in social activities that would allow them those options. But unfortunately, the schools are under such pressure (No Child Left Behind) to get kids to pass tests rather than teach them what is really important in life…true life skills as you explain. I am proponent of time, not of bureaucracy. I am not taking my kids out of school now, unless we see a big opportunity for a real-life learning adventure! Cheers, thanks for the comment!