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Replies to '11/24 Great School Debate'
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November 28, 2006, 12:55 pm PST
 Quote From: kschmittz of how things can be misinterpreted. Unfortunately, you missed the whole idea behind my post. I simply used Chinese as an example as you had mentioned that in your post. My point was that many homeschool/unschoolers claim certain techniques, curriculum and methods used in public schools are unfair and/or useless compared to their methods and curriculum. Again, depending on your career field,interest and hobbies Chinese may be useful. For others, it's really not. Just as learning Spanish (as I have taught my boys) is useful in California for them being close to the border , the reality is not all of us have the same situation. It's a shame that those outside of the "system" don't seem to have the worldy attitude they claim they use everyday. My public schooled child has traveled, visited nursing homes, museums, science centers and everything in between. He also participates in sports and has great friends. He is everything an unschooler/homeschooler claims their children to be. Is that so unimaginable that two kids with different backgrounds could be equally great? By the way, my dad (also a PHD) and my brother (business owner) and my Mom ( community activist) have never really found the need in their lives to learn Chinese. Is that because they are sheltered? Or maybe they just have different circumstances than your family. Why is there such a dividing point that one way is better than the other? Maybe one could explain. It is my opinion that there really shouldn't be a dividing point about which method or choice is better than any other. I do take offense when public schools are made out to be drop off centers for lazy, less loving or uncaring parents etc.
My children attend traditional schools, public elementary and high schools. The eldest is in her second year in college. The other three are attending high school.
I do not prefer nor am I biased over one method of educational over another. I feel that it's up to the individual to deeply contemplate, discern and research what is best for their children and their personal situation.
I have always been involved within my children's schools in the hopes of enhancing their education. Not just in helping out with homework or supervising field trips, helping in the classrooms, on the playground etc. No, I have repeatedly pulled my daughter out of school to attend specific events that I felt would be very beneficial in her growth both intellectually and emotionally. She has racked up more absences than most, yet the school administrators all completely respected and supported my decision.
Education is not about tossing ones child onto a school bus and expecting that the teacher will magically create a well rounded intelligent human being for me. It's about a parents lifelong commitment to develop and enhance our children's learning and unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Providing various exposure to a wide variety of experiences is paramount. Furthermore if ones child is in the traditional school system, it is STILL every parents responsibility to motivate their children's desire for learning. In doing so we thereby support both our children as well as their teachers.
I have nothing but praises for my children's public school teachers and their abilities and commitment to do right by our children. Certainly there are some who are not all that.....yet for the most part I truly thank them from the core of my being for their tremendous efforts.
I feel that whatever choice we make is fine; so long as we parents are fully committed to nurturing our children's minds and overall development for the long haul.
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November 29, 2006, 10:26 am PST
Quote From: kschmittz of how things can be misinterpreted. Unfortunately, you missed the whole idea behind my post. I simply used Chinese as an example as you had mentioned that in your post. My point was that many homeschool/unschoolers claim certain techniques, curriculum and methods used in public schools are unfair and/or useless compared to their methods and curriculum. Again, depending on your career field,interest and hobbies Chinese may be useful. For others, it's really not. Just as learning Spanish (as I have taught my boys) is useful in California for them being close to the border , the reality is not all of us have the same situation. It's a shame that those outside of the "system" don't seem to have the worldy attitude they claim they use everyday. My public schooled child has traveled, visited nursing homes, museums, science centers and everything in between. He also participates in sports and has great friends. He is everything an unschooler/homeschooler claims their children to be. Is that so unimaginable that two kids with different backgrounds could be equally great? By the way, my dad (also a PHD) and my brother (business owner) and my Mom ( community activist) have never really found the need in their lives to learn Chinese. Is that because they are sheltered? Or maybe they just have different circumstances than your family. Why is there such a dividing point that one way is better than the other? Maybe one could explain. Let me first start by saying I'm sorry. And I am not being sarcastic. Although, I truly believe every child in a supported family could unschool, that doesn't mean school doesn't produce equally as great children and adults. I DO think aspects of school are harmful though experience because I was harmed by them and so were/are many of my friends. That doesn't mean teachers are BAD or schooled kids are BAD. I just don't agree with the fundamental idea of "school" as it exists now. However, I don't think I missed your point. I understand Chinese was just an example, but I wanted to make two points: 1) That the subjects schools deam normal--science, math, english, etc. may actually not be the best way to recieve a well rouned education for today's world. To speak in schooled terms...I think a full year HTML course would certainly be more helpful than advanced math. And I know many people believe math helps develop logic or critical thinking, so can numerous other "subjects." 2) Is Science silly, then, if you are positive you don't want to be a scientist? Should I be forced to learn calculus (sp?) if the chance of my needing it in life is as slimer than needing Chinese? "Well, science prepares children's brains for other persuits." Of course, but so does Chinese, cartooning, and just about anything else under the sun that makes people think. Does that make sense? |
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