In the last decade, the earliest years of schooling have become less like a trip to "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" and more like SAT prep. Thirty years ago first grade was for learning how to read. Now, reading lessons start in kindergarten and kids who don't crack the code by the middle of the first grade get extra help. Instead of story time, finger painting, tracing letters and snack, first graders are spending hours doing math work sheets and sounding out words in reading groups. In some places, recess, music, art and even social studies are being replaced by writing exercises and spelling quizzes. Kids as young as 6 are tested, and tested again—some every 10 days or so—to ensure they're making sufficient progress. After school, there's homework, and for some, educational videos, more workbooks and tutoring, to help give them an edge.
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This is not what childhood is supposed to be about. They're not cattle to be herded around, branded by a system not their own. They're not eggs in cartons waiting with hopeful little eyes and hearts to be graded A or AA. Each child is highly individualized, the way God created him or her to be. They are so unique. Some learn quickly and are ever-ready to move to the next level. Others won't be for a year or more. Why place them all inside the same schoolbell box when they are so very different? And my word, they're just babies. They should be PLAYING during these first years. This is how they learn about their environment around them. Do you know why? Because from their earliest years, they will be motivated to learn because they WANT to. Playing allows for discovery, exploration, new ideas. Inventions. Excitement as they figure things out on their own. It's all so new, this wonderful "learning thing" they do.

Homeschooling allows the parent to be the real teacher. And you could not ask for a better one, because who, other than the parent, knows their child better? Who can customize learning for them the best way available? And who is there with an always genuine hug, a compassionate ear, and TIME to give? Mama (and in many cases, Daddy - more and more Dads are taking the front seat of the homeschool - where they belong).

Parents: Keep them home where they belong.

HT: Dena and Annemarie

Comments

Sep. 4, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by jengresak

I'm giving you a standing ovation right now!!!!!!!!! Great words!! Thanks!

Sep. 4, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Julie

Thanks for the wonderful reminder.We start school tomorrow and that's just what I needed to hear!

Sep. 4, 2006 - all work, no play

Posted by MommaJoy

Good post!

I was explaining (at the insistance of this woman) what my schooling plans were for this upcoming year. My Lil' Man *just* turned five and I said we were going to take it slow and see if he is ready to learn how to read. Lots of books, lots of play, just taking it slow. I really want to make sure all my children can read WELL as this helped me so much in my education.

Well, this woman was appalled!! She was a previous pre-school and K teacher (an "expert") and began listing all the things my "poor little boy" would be missing in my homeschool: science, math, history, language arts, music, art, PE, and on and on and on. I just looked at her with astonishment and said "He's FIVE. I'll think we'll get to all that eventually".

*sigh*

Let 'em play. Let 'em explore. Let 'em *want* to learn about the world God created all around them. What wonderful things are we really taking away from our children by pushing all this on them at 5 years old???

~MommaJoy~

Sep. 5, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by jacobsacademy

A 5 year old is still a baby - that breaks my heart to read she (a 5 year old) was sobbing because she couldn't write an essay/story. What is wrong with people - what do they really think they are accomplishing? Gut wrenching.

hkj

Sep. 8, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by theheartofthehome

Oh ditto again and again, Gena.
Here school started last week and even the K's are coming home with homework! I about fell out when someone told me her little 5 year old daughter had to leave the playground so she could get her homework done. This was the first day of school, no less.
Yes, as you say, keep them home where they belong. Know what we did on Wed? Went to a Korean fortress and came home and took a nap! What a great day!
You are a blessing,
Janet (visit my blog at The Heart of the Home)
Visit the Military HomeFront Support Our Nation

-gena

www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com

Related Tags: first grade, early education, elementary education, compulsory education, testing, test readiness, children, playing, homeschooling, homeschool, home school, home education