I keep reading in the homeschool books that I need to develop my philosophy of education. That might be as simple as choosing a style--Classical, Charlotte Mason, Unschooling--or something a little deeper. That idea is totally overwhelming to me. Every school of thought has reams of articulate, rational explanations for why this philosophy of education is the most logical, humane, moral, ethical, Christian, etc., approach.

What I've decided is that I'll develop my philosophy as we go, or we'll never get started. In the Rivero book I've been reading I did come across an idea that might serve as a guiding principle: Education isn't about showing what you know, but learning something new. Seems obvious, but for a kid who has already mastered everything they teach in his or her class, they quickly develop the opposite philosophy: "I go to school to report what I already know."

Kids who thrive on positive strokes from their teachers might do well for a long time with this belief. Kids who don't particularly care about that will quickly start to wonder what the point of all this is. And then when other kids (or maybe a teacher!) suggest, "You don't really know that," there really is no point.

So Mission One for the Red Sea school has to be ingraining in all of us a focus on learning rather than demonstrating mastery. With all the testing and placement and concern about "working to potential" around here it may take a sustained period of focused effort to accomplish that. How is it done? Something tells me I won't find out in all my books . . .

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Posted by DCS

What a thought. Teach her something she doesn't already know. Strange that her school did not consider that idea. I also think that a little practice and successful performance is a good idea - just a good balance.

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Posted by quotfu

About all the philosophies, that they all had merits, and it was quite overwhelming. We don't subscribe to any philosophy, and it works out fine for us.

As for teaching her something she doesn't know, ask her what she wants to study, hit the library and enchanted learning, and go for it!

DD wanted to do butterflies. We got books and videos and dove in, and the enthusiam caught immediately. We ended up lucky enough to find several monarch caterpillars and watched them metamorphosize right on our kitchen table!

Sometimes I think that we do better when I think and plan less and just go for it. I get less caught up in the "I shoulds" and we have a better time. Plus, DD remembers those lessons best.

Trust yourself Shaun! You're a very intelligent woman who knows and loves her child! Who could do better than you?

FWIW
-Jo

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Posted by phatmommy

I agree about the philosophy-in-progress attitude. I wrote a post about that recently on my own blog. And I laughed out loud at your description of yourself as a mix of introvert and leader - that is me, too!

I'm hosting the Carnival of Homeschooling next week and would love it if you submitted a post. This one would be great or a new one, if you want to write something else.You can read more about it on my blog or send your submission to phatmommy@gmail.com.

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Posted by cudltot

This is wonderful. I never really thought of the fact that we don't have a philosophy. I have always said that we don't fit into any of their molds.

Great Post!

Chrissy

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Posted by SusannahCox

Saw you linked at the 12th Carnival of Homeschooling! Way to go!

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