Sorry about the late post, I had some computer problems over the weekend.
This post was about the growing trend of home-schooling in New York City.
These parents call it the "unkindergarden" movement, and with registered home schoolers over 2,600 students this year, it really is catching on.
Instead of going the main-stream home schooling route (following a strict curriculum or the teachings of John Holt) these parents do a sort of day-to-day education, that is much less structured, but still every bit as educational and effective. One mother described how they out one day, and she made her son read all the signs that he saw, and count out all the change when they bought something.
Not bad for a 5 year-old.
These parents try to make everyday activities a lesson, instead of doing formal classes. They call it "out-in-the world home-schooling." With parents and children rapidly drifting apart when the child starts school, some parents see home schooling as a way to stay connected with their children.
Not everybody agrees with this out-in-the-world style of home-schooling. When Ms. Rendell told her story on an online journal, she received a great deal of a criticism (a whopping 200 comments.) This was mostly because she described taking the child out to a bar when she got a drink. Rendell describes the reaction as culture shock, because she is British. She also described how they live rent free in a college dorm, surrounded by students.
This brings me to my main question about the article:
-As much as "out-in-the-world" schooling is a good thing, are there some aspects of the world that a child shouldn't be exposed to at such an early age? 5 is a little young to be hanging around in a bar. Even though they couldn't possibly undestand some of the stuff that's going on, it could be a potentially scary place full of potentially scary people. Same with a college dorm. So in short, should children be exposed to these aspects of the world at a young age, or should some things be kept from them until they're older?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I think that what a child should be exposed to and should not be exposed to is all relative to the rest of their environment and upbringing.
Sorry, that comment wasn't finished! I also think that while some modes of education work and some do not, success cannot be based on just one or two experiences. I think that it is a great idea to integrate learning in everyday life for young children, and that it depends on the atmosphere in a bar as to whether or not I would be against that particular experience. Haven't we all been to a restaurant combined with a bar and eaten with our parents while they have a drink? I think it all depends on the collective educational experience, not just one or two decisions. People need to be understanding, not so quick to judge all the time.
I think that the way an environment is defiantly plays an important role in "out-in-the-world" schooling. There are communities that are not appropriate for children of such young ages to be brought to a bar or other adult atmospheres. Then there are also bars that are "family" bars in which it would be a good place to bring a 5 year old. I don't believe that bringing a 5 year old to live in a college dorm would be such a great idea. The are so many things that go on in a college dorm that would not be appropriate for a 5 year old, it's almost making them grow up too fast by know what goes on in an "adult" atmosphere. What could a 5 year old possible learn by living in a college dorm to begin with? There are definitely good ways of teaching children through everyday life experiences, I agree. Grocery shopping, going out to dinner, just driving around reading signs, walking outside to name things around you, these all are great ways to teach children the basics at a young age. All in all adult environments are not a good place to bring children to teach them outside of the home.
I think this can work well. There would be a lot more one on one help along with motivation to progress. However, I do believe it is important for home school students to be exposed to social environment. In a home school situation it is difficult for the student to socialize with a diverse crowd. With that, I do believe it can be a great thing as long as the home school teacher or parent expose the student to other education forms.
Post a Comment