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November 07, 2007
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There are reasons that I don't homeschool. First and foremost? The safety and sanity of all the members of our family, the tall and the small. Do I have ideas on what should be included in my kids' education? Absolutely. And I'll feel free to supplement when I deem it necessary. But I feel there is something important to be said for learning how to function in a society that has more than one viewpoint, for learning to respect other people's beliefs and for experiencing other cultures.
That said? Sometimes I think some of these people are crazy. Scary crazy. Please don't get me wrong. I know a lot of people who have successfully homeschooled their children and done a good, well-balanced job. But...as a result of participating in NaBloPoMo on my other blog, I have been wandering around new sites via the randomizer. And it just seems to me that lately homeschool=christian. And not just any, but the "we're keeping our kids away from those dangerous scientists, liberals and atheists" variety.
Why is this? Why is religion so incompatible with education that people feel a need to segregate? Why can't religious values be taught separately from secular lessons? What kind of society are we creating by forming new barriers between people? Sure, a lot of home-schoolers have groups that they belong to but I am guessing that these groups are made up of like-minded people. Again, no way to learn to interact with people of differing views besides avoidance. It's all a little scary to me.
There are days when I would love to be in charge of every little thing that enters my kids' brains. There are also days when I am not drinking. Seriously, I am not capable of teaching, with any degree of competence, a high school level science curriculum. Could I teach some of the courses with competence? Sure. But not all. And what if my weaknesses could possibly be areas where my child would excel?
As far as theology, do I express my opinions at home. Absolutely. Most families do through teaching, tradition, church, etc. But that doesn't mean that I won't let my kids explore other ideologies if they are drawn to them. Am I going to break down and give up on them if they decide they want to go to church? No. Do you think that these kids who are being homeschooled the "christian way" would be allowed the same freedom to choose not to believe in a deity?
Get out there. It's a great big, scary, wonderful world. You give your kids the best you can and trust that they are prepared. For some, I guess that means home schooling. I just feel concern that the choice to home school isn't always predicated on more than one factor.
Posted by michelle at November 7, 2007 02:50 PM