Many families approach even pre-school at home with great seriousness and sour faces. “The time has come, the child must be “taught” certain things and we must be methodical about it. There are worksheets to be filled out, there is printing to be done, sounds to be learned, colors to be matched. We will sit here until it is perfectly learned and parroted back.” This seems to be the attitude of some parents who teach at home.
Most parents of this generation grew up through an institutional educational system of some sort, either private or public. In the same way that we teach from our particular learning style, we also teach from our experience. The very word “School” conjures up vivid memories, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and emotions, for us all. If we disliked our own experience in schools we will seek to give our children something different. If we have wonderful memories of teachers and classes, we will seek to replicate those same things for our children. It is important to recognize this and be intentional about the choices we make in our own homes.
Everyone has an impression of what education at home should look like. The question begging to be asked is this: “Why must it be that way?” Must children really recite lessons? Must there really be timed math tests? Must we memorize our spelling words and write them ten times if they are incorrect? Must workbooks be filled out, every page faithfully, never missing one? Must textbooks be used for every subject? Does it really need to take eight hours of every day? Why instead could the lessons not be short and exciting? Why could we not bounce on a trampoline for a few minutes between phonics and math? (It’s Phys. Ed., after all!) Why should the child not choose some subjects of particular interest to study? Why should he not skip the last three pages of the grammar lesson if he already knows the rule perfectly? Why should he not be set free after only two hours if he has accomplished everything set before him?
As preparations are made to embark upon another school year, much care is put into the choosing of curriculum, the planning of lessons, and the preparation of materials; as it should be. However, just because the “package” has been purchased, does not mean that the package will fit every child. The instructions are clear and concise for each lesson… and make it easy for us to blindly follow with no thought toward the true outcome or the actual need of the child at hand. The package in and of itself is not bad, but it may not be adequate. What is your child passionate about? What will kindle a love of the subject he dreads more than broccoli soup? How can you leave him begging for just five more minutes of Art History? Think! Be creative! Take the time to know your child and make his education personal. If you are stuck, and can’t see how to do it, ask your child! Believe it or not, he likely has some valuable insight on how he learns best and can help you to help him!
“School” need not consist of a series of dry textbooks, followed by a series of dull worksheets, followed by someone else’s idea of what your child should read at a given age. In institutional education, some of these things are necessary evils, due to the diversity of student ability and the sheer number of children in a classroom. Not so at home! One of the great blessings of home education is the freedom to learn in the way that best suits a particular child. Do not assume that the manufacturer of your curriculum has a better handle on how your child learns than you do! Take charge! Use that curriculum for all it is worth, and replace the parts that are worthless! Breathe life into the mundane! Add in the fun stuff, or the weird stuff, depending on your kids! Why not grow your own frog instead of reading about metamorphosis in the text book? Why not put a trampoline in your school room and practice spelling words while bouncing… some kids in public school even do this! (Thanks to my Aunt Patti and her wonderful Reading in Motion program!) Why not blend History and Geography into a family genealogy project, to be presented at the family reunion? Why not use these last few weeks before the school year starts to brainstorm with your children and plan some really wonderful projects together that will breathe life into your school year and stir the greatness within them!
May I encourage you to be inspired by a different vision of educating children and to have the courage to create an Education for your children and not just another School? Give them more than learning, give them a breath of fresh air!