Thoughts on School

A few mothers from Madeline's Sunbeam class (church primary) and I got together and set up a co-op preschool for the kids to visit with each other and enjoy learning about the weather, dates, and letters twice a week. She knows how to write and sound out letters and words, but it's a good chance for her to help other and also have some playtime with good friends for a couple hours. It lets me have time with just Abbie too, since it's during Brayton's morning nap.
Next fall she'll be of Kindergarten age. I don't have as much support as I did in Alaska for homeschooling, but I will be my children's teacher. I'm really looking forward to helping Madeline love the process of learning. I imagine that if you were to peek into our home next fall, it will look the same as it does now - lots of reading; art projects; the occasional trip to a museum, library, park or zoo; taking nature walks; involving Maddie with chores and cooking; inspiring her to learn; and engaging her in thoughtful activities/discussions; etc. I don't plan on doing "school at home" with worksheets and structured classes, but rather a more natural approach to how she'll gain a leadership education.

I'll save my deep thoughts on homeschooling for a later post (or two or three), but I did want to include a quote on socialization, as that's the biggest concern of others when I say I'm going to homeschool. I am not concerned, however, and I do think that that sentiment is sometimes a rote response, so here's something to get you really thinking...

Now, don't think I'm completely against public school or anyone who goes that route. YOU are the expert on your home.

From Dr. Julie Earley as quoted in Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning by Oliver and Rachel DeMille (page 139):

"No matter what you do or where your children are for their educational experiences, they are being socialized. We are always learning social skills and habits. To say that socialization is bad or wrong because it is such an emphasis of public schools is to throw the baby out with the bath water.

"Not only is is neutral, it goes on whether you plan it or not. Employee education socializes for jobs, professional for the world of experts and therefore Leadership Education must also have a direct and specific curriculum of socialization. It may not consume as high a percentage of the curriculum as in public or professional education, but it it still an important part of educating a leader.

"Leaders must feel comfortable in different situations, with people from different cultural, national and socio-economic backgrounds. A leader must be able to work with all different types of people, and in many diverse situations. We socialize a leader by taking them to a homeless shelter or soup kitchen, to symphonies, to rest homes, to formal balls, to political receptions, areas of crisis where help is needed, etc, etc. They need to understand how to be, and how to act in different situations.

"We can never just train them for social experiences, because we don't know exactly what type of social settings they'll need to master during their lives. This requires education - they must learn principles so they can use them in whatever situation in which they may find themselves. This type of socialization is more than just a nice by-product, it must be part of a conscious effort of mentoring a leader in the making.

"Like I said earlier, they will be socialized, it will happen regardless, but what will they be socialized for?"

Each child is a genius with a divine mission to fulfill. I truly, truly believe that. I want to see firsthand my tender little children grow, blossom and flourish.

And I will...