Posted in Teaching Thoughts

In the homeschool world, evaluating sources at times seems to be common.  There is a large group of homeschoolers who wish to avoid all reference to "old earth" and evolutionary ideas, especially with their youngest students.  Reference is often made to books that are "fine, except that the first few pages present evolutionary ideas." 

Yet there are positions of bias found in many other areas that are all to often overlooked.  An example came up recently during discussion of  a newly published American history book aimed at elementary students. The American Story by Jennifer Armstrong.

From a homeschool perspective, the book has a lot to recommend it.  The chapters include dates for coordinating the information.  Some of the anecdotes are new, unusual, or unknown to many folks.  Unlike some anthologies of American history, the material is not weighted toward early American history, but continues up to the present day.  In addition, it includes stories that focus on cultural literacy, such as the origin of "Uncle Sam," the story of "Typhoid Mary," and Pac-Man. 

All of these things make the book very appealing.

But, there are still things to consider.  The book carries the title The American Story.  Nothing wrong with that, except that  it lends credence to the idea that these are the "primary" stories of American history. 

However, in the introduction, the author acknowledges that she is looking for patterns in American history and trying to connect these stories.  She desired to be "inclusive" geographically, thematically, and ethnically.  She's chosen her stories in the interest of emphaizing the patterns that she sees.  She acknowledges her bias.

As homeschooling parents, we have the duty to recognize this authorial bias and then determine how it may affect our children.

For instance, do elementary students need to read a chapter entitled "Battle of the Sexes" (the story of the tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs)?  Or the required repairs of the Hubble Telescope?  These types of stories stretch the notion of what defines history and present ideas to students that may conflict with their familial values.

Some parents argue that exposing children to topics that challenge their beliefs is helpful in that it encourages discussion and an understanding of one's values. 

I entirely concur.

But, I also think that children should be given a thorough background in the solid aspects of a subject before being exposed to topics that stretch the boundaries of shared cultural understanding.  You can't see the challenge of the topic until you understand what it is challenging.

They also need the chance to incorporate their family's values and beliefs into their worldviews before being asked to question those very beliefs.  You cannot question what you don't understand.

Finally, it's necessary for the parent to be prepared for these topics, in whatever subject they are found, and be available to discuss the ideas and questions they present as they arise.

And this is where homeschooling truly departs from state-run education.  In a homeschool, parents will be there to answer questions and guide discussion.  Conversations on controversial topics can be held, and encouraged when the parent-teacher knows the child and his or her maturity level intimately. 

To this end, every homeschool parent needs to be aware of the messages, overt and otherwise, that are embedded in the materials their children use.  Not so that they can shelter their children form the world and its confusing messages. 

But so that they can raise their children with a firm foundation of beliefs and knowledge so they can make their way in the world when the time comes.