Each year more than a million children are homeschooled in the United States, and that number is steadily growing. While some parents believe homeschooling is an ideal situation, others fear that a student's education can be severely hindered in such an environment. When making a decision about your child's education, which is the more reasonable school of thought?
I was helping out one full day a week at our son's school. But it wasn't enough. Just watching the inefficiencies made me realize that taking our son out would give that poor, overworked teacher a bit of relief!
Do they not teach the History of Education any more to teachers? Compulsory Education is a fairly new development in the history of our nation. It is only about 100 years old. During colonial and pioneer times there was a 95% literacy rate. The kids weren't reading drivel either! Oh, and the children were being taught by their parents or grandparents, or in a local "dame school," while some had tutors. This is what homeschooling is much like now.
Parents can be taught about learning styles. I can help them analyze their child in a few days.
While teachers often like to pretend they know everything, parents are open to saying, "You know, that's a good question! I don't know the answer, but I think I know who might!" And off they go to find a real expert. We have visited Vector Control when our yard was invaded by unfamiliar insects, etc.
For civics, we all worked on a local campaign. As our son said, while poll watching at a local school: "Mom, I bet those kids have only read about the election process! I know why we are poll watching, and I know how big a precinct is because I've walked one!" Our candidate won, and appointed our son to the Youth Commission where it got a chance to influence policies and activities for youth in our city. Many of his ideas were incorporated in the town's new teen center. How's that for being a good citizen?
Not a bit of our son's social interaction was contrived! He was always in real situations, where cooperation wasn't being forced, but was something his friends - both adults and kids of all ages - needed, and the results were real change.
He has graduated from college now with a degree in economics. He has started his own business as an insurance agent (and part-time CFO for our home business.) Is this his "fullest potential?" I couldn't say. But I know he has the courage to determine his own way in this world, and he still gives his parents hugs.
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