When Homeschoolers Grow Up
Feb. 8, 2006 at 9:55 AM
Homeschooling
WorldNetDaily had an exclusive commentary by Samuel Blumenfeld that presented some idea of where homeschoolers have gone once they move out on their own.
By the way, Dr. Blumenfeld's book, How to Tutor, was the first book I read on homeschooling. I'm not even sure how I acquired it. I also used his book AlphaPhonics (still only $29.95) to teach my children to read. I have a great deal of respect for Mr. Blumenfeld and his work. Unfortunately, my favorite book of his NEA, The Trojan Horse in American Education is out of print.
It has been over twenty years since I read that. Now my own daughter is nearly graduating. Where did all the years go? Thankfully, I still have one who can't even read yet. So my well worn AlphaPhonics will be pulled out once again. This time, I'm going to have my younger girls use it to teach their little sister. The circle of life and homeschooling continues.
If God allows, I will homeschool for nearly 40 years. Wasn't that how long Moses was in the desert before he saw the promised land? Thankfully, my experience has not been a journey in the wilderness.
What was the first book you read on homeschooling?
(HT: Homeschool Buzz)
Related Tags: parenting, phonics, homeschooling, home school, education, reading
Parents interested in homeschooling often want to know what will happen to their children when they grow up and have to work for a living. Will employersTo find out click here.
recognize their homespun high-school diplomas signed by Mom and Dad and the local homeschool association? Will corporate America welcome them as competent "human resources"? Will the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force accept them? All legitimate questions which deserve to be answered.
By the way, Dr. Blumenfeld's book, How to Tutor, was the first book I read on homeschooling. I'm not even sure how I acquired it. I also used his book AlphaPhonics (still only $29.95) to teach my children to read. I have a great deal of respect for Mr. Blumenfeld and his work. Unfortunately, my favorite book of his NEA, The Trojan Horse in American Education is out of print.
It has been over twenty years since I read that. Now my own daughter is nearly graduating. Where did all the years go? Thankfully, I still have one who can't even read yet. So my well worn AlphaPhonics will be pulled out once again. This time, I'm going to have my younger girls use it to teach their little sister. The circle of life and homeschooling continues.
If God allows, I will homeschool for nearly 40 years. Wasn't that how long Moses was in the desert before he saw the promised land? Thankfully, my experience has not been a journey in the wilderness.
What was the first book you read on homeschooling?
(HT: Homeschool Buzz)
Related Tags: parenting, phonics, homeschooling, home school, education, reading
4 Comments and Trackbacks
posted by gottsegnet on Feb. 8, 2006 at 11:39 AM
I'm not sure I could tell you the first book I've read on homeschooling. I could tell you the first book I read that seriously got me thinking about the problems in education, the principles of which lead me to the decision that I did not want my children in that system.
I believe that the title was, "Ethics in Teaching." It was a short book which outlined several ethical problems for discussion in teacher's education. It bothered me. Now, ten years later, I still remember two of the scenarios. One dealt with a science teacher. He was teaching evolution and had a problem. Several of his students had attended a seminar in their church and demonstrated an in depth knowledge of evolution, but did not believe it. They instead argued the flaws of evolution and favored creation. He wasn't sure if it would be ethical to pass them for their knowledge even though they did not believe the theory. And education is not about indoctrination?
The other dealt with abortion. Some young girl comes to you and is pregnant and the basic scenario is that you want to drive her some place to get an abortion.
I think I'll look and see if I still have that book. It should be required reading for anyone contemplating sending their children to public schools. It is always good to get a look at teacher training.
posted by jaminacema on Feb. 8, 2006 at 4:06 PM
I don't remember my first book, but my first catalog was Timberdoodle. I was so excited to know I could order homeschool supplies form somewhere. This was before the internet, so it seemed like a miracle that I could access the world of homeschooling! Boy have times changed!
posted by jacobsacademy on Feb. 8, 2006 at 6:13 PM
Christine Fields' first book, then Rebecca Rupp, then Debra Bell.......then after we brought our sons home - I read "Dumbing Us Down" by my hero, John Taylor Gatto - I wish someone had given me that book as a wedding gift - would have saved me a lot of time and frustration. But.......like those who wandered in the wilderness.......some of us are not "listening" and paying attention as well as others........!!
H~
posted by on Feb. 8, 2006 at 11:32 PM
I went back to school for teacher certification in New York originally for an elementary focus. All of the K-12 classes were full and I had to take philosphy of education with the early childhood department. It made a deep impression. We read Rousseau's "Emile." The professors were passionate about the fact that hands-on learning ceased in public school around 2nd grade. Children who were given the freedom to move, explore and discover in pre-K were then forced to conform to a rigid workbook/textbook style of learning, with little connection to exploration and/or life experience. When I started thinking about homeschooling these thoughts came back to me. I heard a lecture by Karen Andreola about Charlotte Mason and purchased her companion. This approach embodied everything that was positive to me about early childhood ed., while adding the spiritual dimension of character development.
Edited by kindredspiritMom on Feb. 8, 2006 at 8:34 PM