Beginning to home school?
Everyone I know in town is asking me if we’re “going to start” home schooling Austin next year. Most of these conversations are very casual and way too brief to really get into the idea of unschooling and the concept of aiding vs “teaching” so I’m kinda at a loss as to how broach the idea that we’ve never begun we’ve always been home schooling and end up just mumbling “yeah.” How would any of you deal with this subject, dear readers? Most of these people are willing to be educated. Most didn’t even realize that the government doesn’t enforce a curiculumn and that you are allowed to home school past grade eight. Several home schooling families in our area have been told (by whom is never clear) that they can only keep their kids home until high school age. People are entitled to maintain their ignorance of the rules if they choose but I take issue with them spreading misinformation to others without proof. You are at least in Ontario, entitled to educate your children as you see fit. The onus is on the government education system or anyone who files a complaint to prove you derelict in your duty. The assumption is that you are providing a sufficient education and you can provide home instruction into the college years if you and your child wish to. So, rest easy, Ontario parents, and disregard any information to the contrary even if it comes from your local school. Most times the people misinforming others are not evil but simply ignorant. Go to the source, my friends, let the misinformation stop here.
“Learning happens all the time”… I say that often, I think. I’m not interested or willing to debate others over my choices but I’m willing to talk and explain if there’s real interest in knowing what I think, even if it’s not what they would choose to do. I just really want to be respected for the choices I make. After all, I make them because I want the best for my children!
There is so much more information out there now about the merits of home learning and even unschooling that you could always share with those interested. Here’s just a couple recently shared on Facebook, maybe you’ve seen them?:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kakCOKJ9AUE
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/200908/trustful-parenting-may-require-alternative-conventional-schooling
http://www.ted.com/talks/gevertulleyon5dangerousthingsfor_kids.html
Comment by Annie — September 23, 2009 @ 11:53 pm