Essays - homeschooling
Changing a Lightbulb the Homeschooling Way
Posted 2008-09-01 17:34 by manarafo
Q: How many homeschoolers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: First mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then the kids make models of light bulbs, reads a biography of Thomas Edison, and does a skit based on his life. Next, everyone studies the history of lighting methods, wrapping up with dipping their own candles. Then everyone takes a trip to the store, compares types of light bulbs and their prices, and figures out how much change they'll get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill.
Tests
Posted 2009-07-27 17:01 by manarafo
The single most common misuse of any test score is as a sole evaluation tool, contrary to test makers' recommendations.
Tests do not measure what they are said to measure.
Standardized tests cannot measure creativity.
Test scores reward children who have one style of learning, and penalize all other children for having a different style of learning.
Standardized tests cannot measure the ability to think, and actually teach children bad thinking habits, such as trying to outguess the test makers, rather than thinking for themselves.
Standardized tests result in a type of evaluati
Socialization
Posted 2009-07-27 17:00 by manarafo
I can't believe I am writing an article about socialization. The word makes my skin crawl. As homeschoolers, we are often accosted by people who assume that since we're homeschooling, our kids won't be "socialized." The word has become such a catch phrase that it has entirely lost any meaning.
The first time I heard the word, I was attending a Catholic day school as a first grader. Having been a "reader" for almost 2 years, I found the phonics and reading lessons to be incredibly boring.
The Real Cons of Homeschooling
Posted 2009-07-27 16:59 by manarafo
You've read about them in homeschooling articles, you've heard them brought up in conversation, and you may have even written a letter or blog entry defending against them - that's right, we're talking about the CONS OF HOMESCHOOLING. (Insert suspense movie music here.)
So many non-homeschoolers stress over their perceived cons of homeschooling, and we explain ourselves again and again. But, the answer is always, "Those aren't cons, those are pros!" I wanna say, "Give me a *real* con to discuss."
So here it is. A list of real homeschooling cons, from a homeschooler who is in the know.
The Process of Unschooling
Posted 2009-07-27 16:58 by manarafo
What is Unschooling?
Unschooling is trusting the learner to be in charge of his or her own learning. It is not a method of instruction we use on our children, but a process we adults go through to unlearn the lessons and undo the effects of our years of schooling.
Schooling taught us that learning only happens in a certain place and time, under the direction and/or force of a teacher. Unschooling ourselves restores our child-like curiosity.
Politically Incorrect and Proud of It
Posted 2009-07-27 16:57 by manarafo
We homeschoolers accept the fact that our practice is threatening, even offensive, to many people. Why? Because it's politically incorrect—it's anti-establishment, non¬conformist, even elitist. We are suspected and distrusted because we are questioners, thinkers, doers; we are self-motivated, innovative, creative and (worst of all) unpredictable.
Not Everyone Should Homeschool
Posted 2009-07-27 16:56 by manarafo
Yup. Agreed.
And not everyone should send their kids to public school.
Not everyone should send their kids to private.
Not everyone should use a charter school.
But…
Anyone can homeschool. Anyone can succeed in homeschooling.
That is not true for the other three.
For, homeschooling can be adjusted any way we need to in order to find success.
The "not everyone should homeschool" stems from the fact that not everyone is willing to be flexible and open-minded about how to go about finding success.
Library as School
Posted 2009-07-27 16:55 by manarafo
Years ago, John Holt talked about the difference between libraries and public schools—both government-run. He described the difference as largely centered on the attitude of the employees. In libraries, the attitude is ALWAYS, "How can I help you?" There is an understanding that the patron is seeking information, and the purpose of the employee is to help the patron find it. No questions asked.
How Unschooling Works For Us
Posted 2009-07-27 16:53 by manarafo
What is Unschooling?
Unschooling has many, many definitions - probably a different one for each family that calls themselves unschoolers. To me, unschooling means interest-led or child-led learning. There are also many different levels of unschooling. Some families require a set amount of Math and English done each day, and then their child is free to explore whatever subjects he would like. Others unschool totally until their child reaches a certain grade level, and then start requiring some structure.
Defining Unschooling
Posted 2009-07-27 15:08 by manarafo
What is Unschooling?
There are as many different ways of defining unschooling as there are people doing it. Reading through what various people have to say about it may help you to a better understanding, or at least be interesting and make you think! These are not meant to be complete definitions.
Unschooling is primarily about process not content. The process of learning, the process of knowing yourself, openness, confidence, self-determination, independent thinking, critical thinking....none of which one gets when following other people's agenda.
