When homeschoolers get together often the question comes up "What prompted you to consider homeschooling?" For Kathryn Judson it was hearing the phrase "age ghettos" which referred to how public schools segregate according to age. In Peer culture and its downsides she explains:
"I suppose you might be wondering how a liberal-leaning columnist cured me of my objections to home schooling? It's simple. She wrote a column on an educational program that combined senior citizens and kids. I can no longer remember the details (perhaps it was a senior center located on a school campus???), but I remember that it involved interaction between old people and young people, and it had proved to be very good for both young and old. More to the point, she discussed in this column what we'd done to our kids - how much damage we can do to them - by segregating them in 'age ghettos.' That turn of phrase - age ghettos - zinged right into my brain, and I've never been able to shake it."
(Hat tip: wittingshire)
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Technorati tags: homeschooling, homeschool, home school, home education, parenting, children, education
6 comments:
Thanks for the link, but I would like to clarify something. I'm not a homeschooler. I'm not even a mother. (If you listen to feminists and zero population people too long, sometimes you change your mind too late...)
I am definitely cheering homeschoolers on from the stands, though.
Thank you for clarifying.
As I reread your post I realize that you are writing about your change in attitudes. I apologize for misunderstanding.
No apology necessary, I assure you. Thanks again for linking.
I am thinking about homeschooling my 5th and 2nd graders- my biggest concern is that they will miss out on vital interaction with other children. How do I ensure that they still make friends and learn to deal with others?
Thanks,
JB
"How do I ensure that they still make friends and learn to deal with others?"
A couple ideas:
1) Facilidate play dates
2) Invites families over for dinner
3) Sign your children up for afterschool sports
4) Volunteer at a Senior Center
5) Attend homeschool park days
I am sure there are dozens of other ways.
I won't worry too much about your children's socialization. If you model reasonable social responses they'll learn how to behave.
You may find this and this helpful.
Hi,
A fascinating read!
Our business, Tellatale, produces learning materials and children's educational books for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Whilst it would be premature to suggest we are running on a large scale at the moment (we are only young, in terms of business and individual age) we do feel that home schooling is, if orchastrated efficiently, a quality method of teaching.
The lack of distractions, behavioural problems and individual grievences may however be balanced out by the experience of social interaction and general discipline that accompanies teaching in a school environment.
Either way, those indiviuduals prepared to dedicated time and effort to teaching their children and purchasing useful resources, deserve praise.
Ross - Tellatale.
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