Seven Undeniable Truths of Homeschooling
Nov. 9, 2005 at 8:13 AM
Homeschooling
While surfing one of my favorite sites, Trivium Pursuit, I came upon the Seven Undeniable Truths of Homeschooling wrtitten by Harvey Bluedorn. Here are the first three with a brief excerpts of his explanation:
1. Homeschooling is not Alternative Education
I do not like being listed among alternative options in education. The presumption seems to be that government schools were here first, then private schools were invented as an alternative for rich kids, then religious schools were started for racist conservatives, and finally, homeschools came along for the terminally antisocial.
Well, I am here to say, we were here first, and we have been here the longest. We are just coming back, and we are coming back strong. God put children in the care of parents. Adam and Eve’s kids were all Homeschooled. And in Deuteronomy 6:6 we read,
2, 2. All Parents are Homeschoolers
The second undeniable truth of Homeschooling is that all parents are Homeschoolers. It’s just that some parents Homeschool more than others.
3. God Gave Children to Parents as their Stewardship
The third undeniable truth of Homeschooling is that our children are given to us as a stewardship from God. The government did not give birth to our children, neither did the government give our children to us, neither can we trust the government to raise them for us, neither should we let the government take them from us.
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord:and the fruit of the womb is His reward."(Psalm 127:3)
Click here To read the rest of the list ....
1. Homeschooling is not Alternative Education
I do not like being listed among alternative options in education. The presumption seems to be that government schools were here first, then private schools were invented as an alternative for rich kids, then religious schools were started for racist conservatives, and finally, homeschools came along for the terminally antisocial.
Well, I am here to say, we were here first, and we have been here the longest. We are just coming back, and we are coming back strong. God put children in the care of parents. Adam and Eve’s kids were all Homeschooled. And in Deuteronomy 6:6 we read,
...these words,which I command thee this day,shall be in thine heart:And thou shalt teach themdiligently unto thy children,and shalt talk of themwhen thou sittest in thine house,and when thou walkest by the way,and when thou liest down,and when thou risest up.If that’s not Homeschooling, I don’t know what is.
2, 2. All Parents are Homeschoolers
The second undeniable truth of Homeschooling is that all parents are Homeschoolers. It’s just that some parents Homeschool more than others.
3. God Gave Children to Parents as their Stewardship
The third undeniable truth of Homeschooling is that our children are given to us as a stewardship from God. The government did not give birth to our children, neither did the government give our children to us, neither can we trust the government to raise them for us, neither should we let the government take them from us.
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord:and the fruit of the womb is His reward."(Psalm 127:3)
Click here To read the rest of the list ....
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11 Comments and Trackbacks
posted by Harriette on Nov. 9, 2005 at 9:19 AM
Very good ~ the term "alternative" is an all too quick fix for homeschoolers on defense of their decision......especially for those who may have had their children in what is deemed a "traditional school setting" (be it government or private). This is a needed reminder ~ for MYSELF ~ that it is NOT an alternative form of education but the original. I know I have mistakenly used the phrase "alternative choice" and then later even on my blog posted "Homeschooling: it's only natural"... I believe the emphasis is following God's lead for raising our children rather than being distracted by worldview.......and it's the world that throws that term "alternative" at us.
Thank you for this post,
Harriette
posted by Daryl Cobranchi on Nov. 9, 2005 at 10:20 AM
Spunky,
I have to disagree STRONGLY with #2. The g-school at home folks are constantly trying to call what they do "homeschooling," thus jeopardizing our freedoms. In 1994, when this list was compiled, calling all parents homeschoolers might have been safe. No longer.
Edited by spunkyhomeschool on Nov. 9, 2005 at 7:28 AM
posted by spunkyhomeschool on Nov. 9, 2005 at 10:27 AM
I understand what you are saying Daryl. But I also think that what Mr. Bluedorn was saying is also true. In that, all parents are providing some sort of an education. All parents are teaching their children. Some are teaching them to rely on the government. But all parents educate. I don't think he was referring to the disctinctions in the home school community. Taken from that perspective, you are correct. Many who use that term do muddy the waters and make the laws difficult to interpret.
posted by gottsegnet on Nov. 9, 2005 at 6:53 PM
OK, I have to take issue with something, too. Maybe because I'm a terminally anti-social homeschooler : ) But one item on his list was about how homeschooling produces the best socialization, but that is not true. I think what is meant is the teaching of social skills, but that is something totally different. I kept my children out of school to PREVENT socialization. I have a whole blog about this here: http://homeschoolblogger.com/gottsegnet/20868/
but basically, socialization means:
the process by which culture is learned; also called enculturation.
During socialization individuals internalize a culture's social
controls, along with values and norms about right and wrong
That is a process I definitely wish to avoid...God determines what is right and wrong, and that does not fall into the categorie of values and norms determined by society.
posted by FunnyFarm on Nov. 9, 2005 at 7:32 PM
Great Blog today.
I'm still looking for Nancy. The traps we set last night were all cleaned out and the computer was warm to the touch this afternoon so I think I'm getting closer.
Take Care -- Tony
posted by Harriette on Nov. 9, 2005 at 7:46 PM
Agreed on the socialization comment. I am not a big proponent of "arranging play dates" and so forth. I also am not a big proponent of the "group field trip" ... inasmuch as it seemed too much like "organized school trips" and there are too many distractions that interrupt the sole purpose of the outing.....
I agree w/Spunky and the author that we are by virtue of becoming parents "homeschoolers"......notwithstanding a child born with special needs and/or disabilities, do we send our infants off to an organized setting to learn to talk, crawl and walk? ...Well, maybe for those children whose lives are destined to exist in daycare...how sad. Of course not...........
aahhhh........I need to put this soap box up.........
This is a great article and resource to have available for quick reference~
thanks again,
Harriette
posted by JavaMama on Nov. 10, 2005 at 8:14 AM
Thank you for this wonderful informative article. I am going to enjoy reading it. The idea that HS is just an alternative is upseting to me. Like Bluedorn says it has been here since the beginning of time and the idea that the government believes that they are more capable and equiped to raise our children rather than their own parents is ridiculous, who knows a child better than their parents. This article points out a lot of very good points I can't wait to share it with other HS and non HS. Thanks.
posted by Anonymous on Nov. 10, 2005 at 11:54 AM
I have posted this twice since you have two blog sites.
One should use caution in using scripture and dogma when attempting to make a point. It can often undermine the point trying to be made and provide fodder for detractors.
EX: "Well, I am here to say, we were here first, ... and we are coming back strong. God put children in the care of parents. Adam and Eve's kids were all Homeschooled. And in Deuteronomy 6:6 we read..."
You are likely to get a response such as, "Yeh--and one of them was the first murderer and fratricide on record!"
Tony Arnold
http://tonyarnold.blogspot.com/
posted by Anonymous on Nov. 10, 2005 at 12:10 PM
Are Adam and Eve, the people that caused the fall of man, the role models of homeschooling you want to put forward?
BTW, I am a Christian who believes that Jesus is the crucified and risen Savior and is God.
I have a few questions or points to consider. And please do not misunderstand, I am not opposed to homeschooling. But I am worried about Christians being to quick to withdraw from the world and also being too critical of those "left behind".
1. If all Christians homeschool, how do we go minister and provide an example to those in our public schools? These are not evil people, they need Christ as much as we do, but how will they be influenced? Aren't we just abandoning them to the "bad" influences from which we are fleeing? Is this not giving up?
2. Just because you are a Christian of deep faith and conviction, does not mean you have the skill sets or aptitude to be a good teacher of all the subjects that our children need.
3. If Christians isolate themselves, how do we bring the Kingdom of God to fruition on this earth? Christ clearly calls us to be a light to the world. Do we not think our children are smart enough to eventually detect the hypocrisy of teaching them the song "This Little Light of Mine" behind closed doors?
Hide it under a bushel--NO!
Tony Arnold
http://tonyarnold.blogspot.com/
posted by Anonymous on Nov. 10, 2005 at 3:08 PM
ON THE ROAD HOME
by Wallace Stevens
It was when I said,
"There is no such thing as the truth,"
That the grapes seemed fatter.
The fox ran out of his hole.
You....You said,
"There are many truths,
But they are not parts of a truth."
Then the tree, at night, began to change,
Smoking through green and smoking blue.
We were two figures in a wood.
We said we stood alone.
It was when I said,
"Words are not forms of a single word.
In the sum of the parts, there are only the parts.
The world must be measured by eye."
It was when you said,
"The idols have seen lots of poverty,
Snakes and gold and lice,
But not the truth;"
It was at that time, that the silence was largest,
And longest, the night was roundest.
The fragrance of the autumn warmest,
Closest, and strongest.
posted by MakariosMom on Nov. 11, 2005 at 1:01 AM
I think the concern about withdrawing from the world is very real – I just don’t think that’s what most homeschoolers are doing. Christ requires us to be in the world...but not of it.
1) I think that Christians have a responsibility to be engaging with and helping children who do not know Christ. I think that many Christian adults are called to engage children in the schools. I just don't think my children are! They are not mature enough Christians to be dealing with the stresses of being the only Christian in a group of thirty or more non-Christian peers, during a stage in their life where they are forming personality more than influencing others' personalities. Missionaries spend years preparing to enter the field. We owe our children no less.
2) On a philosophical level, God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called. If you are homeschooling in obedience to God, you have (or will have) what it takes to do the job and do it well. On a practical level, you don't have to know it to teach it. I'm teaching my children to learn. I am mostly doing this by learning along with them. We are all learning Spanish and Greek together (no prior knowledge at all - it's taking everything in me to keep up with them!)
3) I can't help being a little hurt by the implication that homeschoolers are hiding under a bushel. There are hundreds of families out there serving God as families in shelters, foodbanks, nursing homes, and a myriad of other places. Even in our own churches, homeschoolers are shining as lights - examples of how dedication and obedience can bring blessing.
My husband and I are insulating and sheltering our children. Not for the purpose of keeping them "behind closed doors," but to allow their roots to go down deep into the good rich soil so they will not be withered by the harsh sun.
With God's help, we're raising the next generation of missionaries who will be mature enough to further the Kingdom of God.
My nine year old’s not quite there, yet.