I don't necessarily agree or disagree with this cartoon, but I thought it brought up and interesting debate.
I am really interested to know people's honest opinions and experiences about how they made or are making their decision to school their children. So if this cartoon sparks something in you... please share.
Several months ago a friend invited me to go to with her to a workshop about how to home school your children. I've toyed around with the idea of home schooling my children but I've never been to dead set on it. I am a bit... okay a lot... intimidated by the idea. Yet then there is a part of me that gets so excited about it. So I went with her just to see what this home school thing is all about.
During our break I was in a group of experienced home school moms and I told them they had 5 minutes to convince me to be a home school mom. They did a pretty good job. They all spoke of how wonderful their teenagers were and how versatile they were. How they could interact really well with all sorts of people-- little children, their peers and adults-- and hadn't ever gone through the rebellious teenager phase. They also spoke about how much fun it was to home school and about what a great community of home schooling families there is in our area.Yet I think that their most convincing argument for me was:
- Several of the moms (at least 1/3rd) had been trained as school teachers and had worked in the schools for several years. They had made the decision to home school their children because they knew that if they wanted to freedom to teach like they wanted, and if they wanted their children to get the best, absolutely the best education they would have to get it at home.
There is something so innately holy and beautiful about the home and in a day in age when the family is so under attack I sort of like the idea of keeping my children tied closely to their family and to their home-- spiritually, physically and mentally.
Yet I do have some concerns about home schooling. I feel kind of strongly about public education and about making sure all children, no matter their situation, have a good education. I feel like taking my children out of public school would be a bit selfish because I could use the energy towards making public schools a good experience for all children. Also, I'm afraid of getting "mother burn out". Already, I sometimes fantasize about how nice it will be to send my children away for a good part of every day so that I have time for myself and time pursue some of my personal pursuits. Yet, then I remember that there really is no other job more important than being a mother and that the most important work I can do is to teach and lead my children to do what is good and right.
Basically.... I haven't decided on how I want to educate my children. I know I still have a couple of years before I have to make that decision, but I feel like something as important as how your kids are educated should be given a lot of thought. I think I am going to attempt a home school pre-school and see how it goes. I'll just take it one step at a time because... really, the idea of home schooling kind of scares the pants off of me. Yet then again so did the idea of having a home birth, but I conquered that one with God's help and gave birth pretty much fear free both times. I have no doubt that if God tells me that home school is what is right for my family that I will be able to do it and conquer my fears.
But... I haven't asked Him yet so I'm not quite sure what we'll do. Still I'd like to get other people's thoughts about schooling. How did you make the decision to educate your children?
If you home school your children (or are planning to) what are your reasons?
If you public school your children (or are planning to) what are your reasons?
29 comments:
As a school teacher I have to say that I disagree strongly with that cartoon. I work very hard to differentiate my instruction so that I can reach each of my students on their own levels and work with their individual learning styles. My students are on different levels, but are still able to pursue their own interests, ideas and show off their own creativity. Each of my students has made remarkable educational gains this year, and I work at a title 1 school where not very many students have support from home.
I have nothing against home school, but I do think that it is a matter of doing what is best for each individual child, so it should be a matter of careful thought and prayer. You're right, it is a huge responsibility.
I receive a lot of support and professional development from my school, colleagues and administration that I would not have if I were teaching at home. And I truly believe that each of my students benefits from that support.
I also think that the field trips, assemblies and activities our school puts on are amazing. We just had a huge family literacy night where authors and illustrators came to speak. There were classes for parents to teach them how they can best help their kids at home and all sorts of classes to help kids see how much fun reading and writing are. This experience was invaluable for my students.
I've actually given the same question a lot of thought, and like you am undecided. I was home schooled until I went to high school (except for 5th grade) so I have some experience with both systems. Like you, I think it would be so nice to be able to send my kids to school, and have part of the day free, and honestly, home schooling is somewhat terrifying. But I also have to remember that even if I decide to send my kids to school, it is still MY responsibility to teach my children. That isn't something that can just be delegated to a public school teacher any more than I can delegate their spiritual education to primary teachers.
No matter what, my home has to provide the foundation for all their learning, both spiritual and temporal.
It is interesting, because Chris went to public school and he is ALL FOR home schooling. He felt that the public school environment encouraged him to think of learning as something painful and difficult, and unrelated to normal life. There was school, and then there was everything else, and the two weren't really connected. Education was something to be endured for 6 hours every day. And although I think no matter how you go about it there is going to be some hard work and "pain" in the process, there is something to be said for education being a part of everything that you do.
It's interesting to me that when the subject of home schooling is brought up, one of the biggest arguments against it is the issue of "socialization." I've thought a lot about what this word means, and often I think that, maybe without realizing it, what people really seem to mean is "the ability to be popular". They think that if you home school your children there is no chance of them being part of the "in" crowd. In this case, the issue of socialization seems to be a ridiculous one, because their are plenty of kids who go to public school who never seem to "fit in."
However, if what is meant by socialization is that the kids have the ability to be polite, considerate of others, able to carry on intelligent conversations with all sorts of people, the ability to play nicely with other kids, etc., then I think that the home might be the very BEST place to teach "socialization". In fact, I'm not sure how throwing them in with 30 other 5-6 year olds is going to teach them these characteristics.
One thing I am grateful for is that today there are all sorts of alternate forms of education. There are public schools, charter schools, private schools, online programs, and lots of combinations. I am also grateful for the fact that I don't necessarily have to decide on any option and then be stuck there forever. What might be right this year might not be right next year, and the same is true for each child. This is one of the beautiful things about being able to receive personal revelation.
Anyway, those are just some of my thoughts on the subject. Sorry to write a book, but obviously you struck a chord :).
Hi, i'm not sure if I've commented on your blog yet, but I drop by from MMB every so often. This strikes a chord with me too, because I have a 2 year old and another about to pop out and say HI! and I am very seriously considering homeschooling. In fact, I've basically decided. What I'm not totally sure about is exactly how I'll go about it, and I too am a little worried about mother burn out. But, I also have a super supportive husband, and I think that if I can manage to schedule in time for myself with his help, I should be able to survive just fine. What I have been doing is just reading all kinds of stuff. I could recommend some really awesome books that should really be able to help you see public schooling from a new perspective, even the really good ones like your first commenter talked about. In fact, as someone who decided to homeschool years ago when she was an Elementary Ed major in a very good program and working part time in elementary schools, because she was so appalled at the WASTE of a child's life public school can be, I have to say that that teacher does sound awesome and that school pretty rare. Most assemblies and field trips are pretty lame (that's how I remember it!) and remember that when you homeschool every day can be a "field trip", and not one that involves 3 parent volunteers for 25 students and being herded around a museum with a worksheet and no real opportunity to stand at one display a little longer if you're REALLY interested and you probably can't even hear the teacher because you are in the back of the group anyway. Not to be a total pessimist, but that is mostly how I remember it! lol.
Also, something else I have realized lately, as I've researched, is that I don't have to commit to the whole 12 years (or less as you don't really need that long) but I can commit to smaller chunks of time. One book by John Taylor Gatto (highly recommend anything by him) talks about how if you can do nothing else keep them out of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade, as this is most often the time that can really kill the soul and love of learning in most children. I know an LDS family that keeps their children home until they are 8 and I think this is a really fascinating compromise. As members of the church we know that 8 is a special number in the lives of children, when they have more accountability and can have the Holy Ghost with them to help them discern truth and make good decisions. Before that children are VERY impressionable and susceptible and I don't know if it's really RESPONSIBLE to let my very young kids be taught who knows what by a string of people I don't know very well. Granted, most of it is probably fine, but a lot of it is not. There is also a great talk by Ezra Taft Benson that talks about how unnecessary things like preschool are, especially as they take young children away from their best teachers (the mothers who love and know them) and as they cause unnecessary strains on household budgets. In fact, he calls preschool and other things of that nature the "fashionable ideas of men and experts".
(cont. from last comment)
As wonderful as SOME of the latest training and education of certified teachers is, a lot of it is just the latest "fashionable idea" and not at all proven to actually be beneficial to kids. Its also highly influenced by government policy and is often proven ineffective mere years later. How much of your elementary school experience was as big a waste in "group work" as mine was?
Anyway, I'd look into Charlotte Mason and Ambleside Online, she's the "curriculum" I'm leaning toward the most right now, also Thomas Jefferson Education, also called Leadership Education has some really interesting ideas too. Unschooling philosophies scared me at first but undeniably work really well for a lot of families, and of course you could also just go for something tried and true and awesome like a Montessori philosophy or a Waldorf kind.
Anyway, good luck!! Sorry to talk your ear off!
I have a lot of the same thoughts/dilemmas as you. I really really wish I could find something that combines the two ways of schooling, as strange as that might sound. My ideal situation would be some kind of lovely charter school that met only in the mornings, no homework. Then the kids would have the afternoons to play and exercise and explore and just be kids! Sadly I live in a smallish community that has one no-frills school system. No charter schools, etc.
I relate to your dilemma too, Heather! I really struggled back and forth as we neared the time when my oldest would enter kindergarten. I was so torn because I didn't want to let her go, but she wanted to go to school so bad. In the end, we decided to give public school a shot. Now that the year is almost over, I can say that I've seen her grow so much over the past year, and I realized that there were so many things the school offered her that I couldn't have given her. She has gained so much confidence in this past year. I have missed her, but I can definitely say in retrospect that sending her was the right decision. I don't know what the future holds, and I may choose to homeschool down the road... we'll see. But, for now, this feels right for her, so I think we'll give public school at least another year.
We did do a year of "homeschool" preschool before kindergarten with some other friends in our ward. The moms took turns teaching each week (two days a week). It was such a great experience, and I'm doing it with my 4-year-old now as well. It's fun and free... I'd definitely recommend something like that!
But I think you're right that in the end it comes down to personal revelation, so I know you'll approach it prayerfully and receive the right path for your family from the Father. :-)
We're unschoolers and I'm not aware of any public or private schools in our area that would embrace an unschooling approach to education.
It's just not an option to provide the sort of educational experience we want for our children anywhere but our home (and community because learning doesn't happen only at home).
When people ask me how I do it I'm honestly confused. I'm not a teacher - I'm a mother. If I wanted to be a teacher I'd be off teaching. I help establish a learning environment and ensure our children have access to the materials they need to complete their learning. I don't write curricula or grade worksheets.
I live, I laugh, I cry, I be.
I'm also thinking about whether or not I will homeschool. My three step kids (ages 10,8,6) go to public school, so I've definitely seen that side of things. We have really good schools in our area but the hardest part is how much of their day is spent in school. You add a few extra-curriculars and homework and the day is shot. I wish that evenings could be spent more peacefully instead of rushing through everything.
I still have a few years to decide what to do with our kids. Asher isn't even 2 yet. It will depend on where we live and what the schools are like and of course on what my kids needs are.
The thing about homeschooling that really appeals to me is that time would be used so much more efficiently. There would be more time for outings that really add their education. In an ideal world I would love to send me kids to school either a half day or 2 days a week and then do everything else at home.
I highly doubt I will send Asher to pre-school. I'm going to be doing a little co-op learning/play group soon. I'm excited to see how that goes.
Keep in mind, I AM a teacher, so I'm biased.
I work at a charter school, which means I have had the opportunity to witness a few of the different outcomes that may come of parents taking over their children's education.
Outcome #1: The children THRIVE. They are well-rounded individuals who are knowledgeable, sociable, and successful.
Outcome #2: The children struggle. They are the high school students who do not shower and do not know how to hold a conversation with someone their own age.
Outcome #3: Every possible outcome in between.
So there's the problem! I do not really think that homeschooling is likely to effect the student any more than public schooling would. I think that a student's success is going to depend on his/her attitude and the parents' attitude.
Because that's really what makes the difference.
If someone wants to homeschool their kids, they (as the parent) need to set the right precedent and have the right attitude and determination from the very first day. It's a LONG HAUL.
So, for whatever it's worth, here is my plan:
I am going to send my kids to school. But that does NOT mean that I have to let their teacher be in charge of their entire education. Core curriculum is not a secret, and I am planning on making it my business to supplement my kids' education. That way, I feel like they get the best of both worlds.
Maybe that is naive of me, but at the moment, that's all I've got.
Wow, thank you all so much for these comments so far. It is nice to know that I'm not the only mother struggling about what to do with her children's education. I really think the over arching theme I picked up from your comments is that 1) the most important thing, whether you homeschool or public school, is to be an invovled parent and take responsibility for your child's education and 2) make it matter of prayer and be open to your options.
I like it.
Ooh, and I love the symbolism and idea of keeping your child at home until the age of 8-- until they are accountable.
So interesting and so much for me to think about!
Heather, I often read your blog and find myself thinking "I could have written that!" Not that I want to take credit for your ideas, but I often have the same thoughts.
One of the most influential comments I've heard is "Our kids may not need public schools, but public schools need our kids."
As a former public school teacher, I have a little bit of insight:
1. Teachers nowadays are trained very very well, but it is impossible to incorporate all the neat things we learn because of testing, etc...
2. Teachers burn out so fast! It's HARD! So even a good teacher may not be that great!
3. Public classrooms can only go as fast as the middle kids. That sounds mean, but they aren't equipped to accommodate for quick or slow learners. It just isn't feasible.
4. Regardless of where your kids learn, you are their primary teacher, and I can tell you a million times over that the kids I taught that succeeded did so because their parents were involved. The kids who struggled, and often failed, had no such luxury.
I'm still not sure if I'll homeschool, but check out this blog if you haven't:
http://confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/
This gets me excited to homeschool.
With a complicated decision, there are SO many things to consider- I'll throw a few more in the mix-
My mom pulled me out of school for all of 5th grade, then I homeschooled half days through 6th, 7th, and 8th, and went back to school full-time in highschool, so i've had a little of everything. Here's my thoughts-
First of all, we lived out in the country, so homeschooling full-time in a small town (so no other homeschoolers for a support group) we were very isolated. I felt like I kind of lost all my friends besides those at church when I went home for the year. That was hard. Something to consider- will your children be in an area where there are other homeschoolers to work with? I think that's valuable.
Second, I think it's important to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. My mom knew from the start that she would be better than any of our teachers at history and english. And I am sure she was right. However, her weakest points were science and PE. And in 5th grade I did virtually none of that. So- as far as a quality education- it's important to be well-rounded and my mom recognized there were areas that would be hard for her to teach. I think that's probably why she ended up settling for the 1/2 day approach.
Third, although you are your child's best teacher in many ways, your child is also likely the most relaxed around you. I see my brother who is homeschooled part-time getting very little done during his school days because he is completely unmotivated and it's hard for my mom to get him to accomplish everything she would like him to. In that way, sometimes a school teacher would be better for some kids because of the strict-ness, requiring them to step up to the plate a little more. Of course there's a double-edged sword there. Also, I think it's easy as a mom to say- well, I'll let you sleep in, and we'll do a big breakfast, and then oh, let's finish this and that, and the school day doesn't start until 11am. Although I think sometimes parents are more efficiently able to teach, there may also be a lot of wasted time at home. Perhaps that's a good thing...I don't know.
Finally, I've really debated about whether or not to homeschool and one thing I worry the most about is if I would be able to give the highest quality of teaching I was able to give when I have other little ones at home, and if I could give the little ones the attention they need at the same time. I don't know the answer to that but it's something to consider if you're wanting more children. Good question- got us all talking! Good luck!
This is an interesting topic, and I enjoyed reading all the great comments!
A few thoughts:
I completely agree with the preschool thing that others have mentioned - I feel that our children only have so much time with us at home before they start kindergarten, and we really should take full advantage of that. One thing I worry about with preschool is that the line between preschools and day-cares is pretty fuzzy nowadays. I attended preschool and LOVED it, but I had an exceptional, motherly teacher and I had a wonderful experience. What I am planning on doing is some type of home preschool with a few other mothers in my area. I have been looking into Joy School and am really excited about it.
As for K-12 education, my kids will go to public school. A few reasons:
I know that I couldn't manage it and not get mother burn-out. I don't feel that I could give my children the greatest, well-rounded education in ALL subjects.
I had a wonderful experience in public school, and one thing that stands out in my mind are the wonderful teachers I had. My 2nd grade teacher in particular was AMAZING, she really inspired me to be creative and use my imagination. I remember learning and memorizing poetry, and doing lots of creative writing and artwork. She made learning so much fun. Many other teachers come to mind as people who truly inspired me and taught me so much, and got me excited about learning.
I do think that, as parents, we truly are responsible for our children's education. However, to me that does not mean that I need to be their only teacher. In fact I think that children benefit so much from having other wonderful, inspiring adult teachers and mentors in their lives. I truly learned so much from each of my teachers, and am so grateful for their influence in my life. I think that is important. In fact, my 5th grade teacher came to my wedding reception! It was so wonderful to see him, he was an amazing teacher.
Yes, I will most definitely supplement my children's education and continually teach them (didn't we just hear in General Conference that the mother should be the main teacher in the home? :)). I look forward to being their at-home helper/teacher: teaching them, asking them what they learned in school and helping with homework - and I think that role is really important. If I home schooled my kids, that role would disappear. You can't be your child's main teacher, and then ask, "What did you learn at school today?" I mean you could, but it would be completely different :) In fact, even though I have a college degree in piano performance and have taught for many years, I am not even sure I will teach my kids piano lessons (still debating on that one) - just because I think it would be hard to distinguish between the role of mom and the role of teacher, and help my kids stay motivated to work hard and practice.
I think that there are many things my children would miss out on by not being in public school - opportunities to join the school orchestra, try out for school plays and talent shows, be a part of spelling bees and science competitions, join in a big game of kick ball at recess, etc....
(continued from last comment...)
I know the whole "socialization" issue comes up all the time with this debate. And I'm not sure I agree with the comment about it meaning being "popular" or in the "in crowd." I was never "popular" or in the "in crowd" - I was pretty shy for the first few years of elementary school, and had my share of awkward years, let me tell you. But I really feel like being in public school helped me to learn how to make friends, and helped me come out of my shell. It gave me opportunities to make friends I otherwise would not have made, to learn how to interact with peers and adults.
I somehow came out of my shy shell enough to become student body president in 6th grade, and this did wonders for my shyness and forced me to speak at assemblies, interact with faculty and other adults in the community, and be a leader. I think it's important for our children to have opportunities for leadership, opportunities to meet all sorts of people (who may not be the type that would be in your home-school group or in your church, but are still wonderful people), and opportunities to be an example to other kids. Some parents may worry about sending kids to public school where they will learn who knows what from the other kids - and the world is a scary place! However, I think if you keep an open communication line going at home and talk about things that come up, your children will thrive, your family will be strong and your children will be better off for not being as sheltered from the world.
Holy cow, sorry for the novel!! Apparently I feel strongly about this! haha
hello dear heather!
ok, i obviously do not have kids so please take my comments with a grain of salt. also, everyone has their own opinion based on personal circumstance, so i would never dispute someone who chose to home school their kids, and think it's wonderful we have the freedom to do what we'd like!
so - i went to public school from preschool to graduation, and i have to admit that even though i hated high school and suffered through severe depression throughout my time there, i wouldn't think twice about sending my kids to public school. my mom was amazing at supplementing my education, and encouraging me to as well - not in anything formal, just in her example of constantly reading, our travels, etc. - so i don't feel like the paucity of educational meat i was exposed to at my high school made me dumber, or that i could have learned more at home. because here's the point: public school is obviously not just about learning facts and history and equations, it is about learning about the world and how to interact in it. this was what was critical for me to go through in public school. it was more challenging than i can say, but it was SO NECESSARY for me to grow as a functioning human being. we are in the world - we do live in the world and have to interact with it - i think if we consistently limit our children's interaction with both the bad and the good, there will be a shocking rude awakening later in life that could bode very ill.
i feel i did have both experiences: i had the exposure to the troubled perversities of the world, while also living in a supporting, spiritual, and comforting home. i feel wiser having had both, and would be a very different person had i only been limited to the latter. i don't mean to say that all home schoolers are sheltered - i think they can learn a great deal and it can be an amazing experience. i'm just saying that i know from my own (tough) experience, i had to go through public school to be better adjusted to face life after leaving home for good.
anyway, there is my 2 cents. i do actually feel strongly about this and that's why i wanted to comment. hope it helps - and good luck! i think you're amazing as always!!
love!
julianne.
Hi, Heather,
Jenny gave me the link to your blog.
I wanted to leave a short note on "socialization." The actual definition of this term means to incorporate children into society so that they will become productive members thereof. Most people get this mixed up with "socializing," which means to be social and hang out with their peers. Unfortunately, socializing with one's peers is not a good way to become socialized. Larry Shyers did a study in 1992 and found that home-schooled children played more nicely together than their public-schooled peers and had fewer problem behaviors.
While many public schools are quite good, the trends should worry us all. In some schools, parents are blatantly discouraged to participate in their children's education. Teachers are encouraged to teach certain things for political reasons even (and especially) if it goes against the wishes of the parents. Art and music programs are being slashed. There is too much emphasis on testing. Bullying is a serious issue and few administrators do anything to curtail it. Sometimes even the teachers do the bullying.
When my family lived in New York, my mother worked and slaved to put her energy into making the public schools better, into a place where all children would thrive. It was an uphill battle. She was told, "What do you know? You're only a parent. You don't know anything about children." They tried their best to cut her out of the whole process. And it worked - in 1994 we had had enough. My mother pulled us out. I graduated from BYU in 2005, and my two siblings are currently attending college now.
Homeschooling may seem scary, but it's not. There are many, many resources available to make it easy. Sometimes it's as simple as sitting down with your child and reading a book together.
http://www.fairlyhappy.com/2010/04/born-to-fly.html
I found public schooling to generally damaging to my education. I mean, I made it through okay, but my mom and I both agree that it would have been better if I had been homeschooled or private schooled. Now that I am preparing to be a mom (only one more month) I've already started looking into how I want to teach and school my child from the beginning. I'm loving everything I am reading about montessori and I know there is a bunch on homeschooling montessori blogs out there. Maybe you should check that out.
I think there is such a fine balance to find between home and the rest of the world-- especially with the world becoming such a scary place and with the home becoming so devalued. I liked all the comments about how public school helps children learn how the world works and how to negotiate it. I think that is such an important skill and one that kids may struggle with later in life if they don't have the opportunity to develop.
I think I need to find some sort of beautiful in between land-- a mix of homeschool and public school. Like Claire I REALLY LOVE the Montessori philosophy. I read "Education and Peace" by Maria Montessori in College and loved it. Maybe I'll have to keep looking more into that.
I think that where I educate my children will be highly influenced by where we end up living. I REALLY REALLY worry about the type of influence my little boy will be getting from the world around him-- and I know that things are just going to get worse and harder.
The public schools, even in utah, that he will be going to will be NOTHING like the schools I went to. The world is changing so fast and not in the right direction.
I have so much to think and pray about. Thank you all for your beautiful and insightful comments!
I think we'll be unschooling. Margaret is already learning so much on her own and I'm not using an curriculum or anything. I just read to her and we live. I don't see why suddenly at 4 or 5 kids need a curriculum. Why mess with a good thing?
Wow, it took me forever to read all of this and there are some really great points. I think what I picked up more than anything is that it’s important to look within yourself and your family and decide what is going to be the best option specifically for you and whatever conclusion you come to, go with and be happy about it. I don’t think it will be the same for everyone. I also loved "Education and Peace" and I definitely think that will be the best option for my over the top three year old and her tagalong kid sister. I have toured all of the Montessori schools in the area and picked out the one I like. While it will be a huge financial commitment, I think the benefits my kids will receive will be the best for them. Just one persons thoughts ;)
P.S. From a person that was public schooled her whole life and reaped more benefits that I could ever express here, I found it a tad off. But as you said, the school are kids attend will be worlds different and that really is a scary thought!
A friend just sent me this link and I thought it was really interesting.
http://www.todaysparent.com/schoolage/education/article.jsp?content=20100316_122141_13940&page=1
wow so much to think about, a question I already feel like I don't know the answers (yet) for my family.
Holy moly! Lots of long comments. Too many to read. I have no self discpline and therefore could NEVER home school. However I also don't think public schools are up to par. I've decided on charter schools. They have several awesome ones in the area I live. Now I just have to hope that my kids get accepted. :)
Hey Heather! I know I already commented, ha. I just ran across this on another blog and thought you might be interested - it is a special deal on a book about homeschooling that looks interesting. Thought I'd pass it on! P.S. I enjoy reading your blog!
http://musicmattersblog.com/2010/04/16/special-book-price-for-music-matters-blog-readers/
you probably already follow this blog but this article seemed to fit your question perfectly: http://simplehomeschool.net/should-i-homeschool-or-not-part-one/
Obviously, any philosophy that involves what matters most (our children) will be highly debated. When it comes to our cars, most of us trust a mechanic. When it comes to our teeth, we trust a dentist. But when it comes to our children, we either trust the system, or we don't, based on our experiences.
I recall one September day in 12th grade when my dad said to me, "I can help you with your calculus, but you'll need to let me read your book so that I can stay caught up with you." My dad is a very intelligent man, but just like his son, he is not a teacher. I don't recall ever asking for his help in math , but I knew he was there because he always helped my older sister. My parents were always there, if I needed them. My mom is still the best pre-school teacher in the world (just ask my nieces and nephews). My dad taught me how to change the oil in automobiles, but that's about all he knows about cars. I've done more with cars than he'll ever do.
I'm sure that sounds like rambling, but my mom and dad could probably say about the same things about their parents. Each generation progresses further than the one before, but it hasn't always been that way. In the dark ages there wasn't a lot of progression. Other than the 'light' that has come into the world, what is the difference? I'd say it has to do with the division of labor. Let people do what they are good at and we will all benefit. I enjoy the teaching moments that I share with my girls, but I am not a teacher. I can do all the high school math assignments my friends children have brought me, but my friends children aren't any closer to doing it themselves because of our interaction.
My wife is an amazing teacher. She recognizes when children need help, and most of the time, she knows just what to do to help them. But sometimes (rarely) she doesn't know and asks the teachers (the good ones) at the local elementary. Other times, some kids (daughter #2, for example) refuse to learn certain things from her (the alphabet, for example).
I am grateful to live where we have nearly unlimited resources to supplement our weaknesses. I am also grateful that I have the knowledge of what really is the most important thing in the world. For this, my kids go to public school to learn, and they come home, where they are loved and learn too.
As a soon to be teacher I feel that I should put in my two cents.
First of all, I would like to touch on the idea that curriculum is unimportant. Although many people feel that learning is natural, there are many different things about learning that do not come naturally. It is important in what order children learn concepts. As I am in the public schools I see the children who have been homeschooled. Some do excellent, but most have gaping holes and lack certain key concepts. This does not mean that ALL curriculums are amazing, but there are reasons for them. Good curriculums are inherently created to teach children concepts in the correct order. This is especially true for things such as reading and math. Although people think that these are easy and you can teach your child by just picking up a book and reading, it will almost never teach your child to read. This is the same for math. I personally know that when teachers are instructed in their math education they are not just taught how to do the math but must learn the theories that go into math concepts. It took hundreds of years for civilization to move from simple arithmetic to complex algebra. Just because you have learned it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can teach it. This is even truer for reading. This is what language actually breaks down to. Alphabetic language is the concept that a symbol, called a grapheme, can represent a sound, called a phoneme, which you then put with other graphemes to create a representation of an object. These representations are then put together to create even more abstract ideas in the form of a sentence. This kind of learning is not an inherent part of our biological make up, this is why it must be TAUGHT.
I completely disagree with the idea that you should keep your children out of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade and then put them into the public school system. These are my reasons. First is the fact that this is the most innocent stage, so the idea that you are “saving” them from society isn’t really true. Most children of this age have no ideas about the bigger social problems of the world, and they could actually care less. The second and most important reason is because these are the critical years of your child’s education. These are the years that your child will learn the art of language, and in turn be able to use this tool to gain access to further education. Almost every reading specialist agrees, statistically, if your child is struggling in reading by third grade they are more likely to struggle for the rest of their education, not only in reading, but in ALL subjects. These children have lower grades and higher dropout rates. If your child is in the school system the teachers are better able to recognize if the child has missed a concept that needs to be addressed and fixed, whereas most parents wouldn’t be able to recognize something as simple as lack of initial consonant recognition. ALL education is based on the student’s ability to read. If you choose to home school I would encourage you to do so after the third grade. After this grade your child should have a good grasp on reading and you can build securely upon this foundation.
There is a distinct difference between being a teacher and being a parent. Successful students are successful because their parents are involved in their education. I have NEVER heard of a teacher excluding a parent from the classroom because teachers know that parents are the key to a student’s success. The hard thing with home schooling is that students become used to having a tailored education. Their parents are always there for them and they never need to struggle on their own. Most home school parents cite the fact that their teenagers are more complacent. I feel this is negative, not a positive. The teenage years are critical in developing a self-reliance that will serve them for the rest of their lives. As I have witnessed time and again in the public school system, home schooled children come in with much less emotional maturity than their public school counterparts. Although this is bad, it becomes extremely difficult when they leave for college. It is illogical that parents will be able to continue with a child’s education through college. Most don’t even finish through high school. The shock that their curriculum in college will not be tailored directly for them makes a hard transition for many home schooled children.
There is a direct correlation between countries who have certified teachers in an education system and higher literacy rates, more college attendees and graduates, and better standard of living all around. The reason a lot of third world countries can not break the poverty cycle is because education is always the key. There is a reason teachers spend years going through rigorous training to get a degree, and it is not for the money.
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