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the Liberal Arts and Singapore math too!
I will be educating my fifth grader at home as of this fall for more reasons than I could ever begin to list here. So much of this decision has been inspired by KTM-2 discussions and I thought it appropriate to thank you for sharing your ideas, resources and thoughts in this forum. We're looking forward to a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum that continually raises the bar.
You keep blogging and commenting, I'll keep reading and learning ....
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13 comments:
Congratulations on your decision!
Oh, well, just saw this:
The False Promise of Classical Education
http://www.theobjectivestandard.com/issues/2007-summer/false-promise-classical-education.asp
Good luck -- there are so many resources out there for homeschoolers, have a fantastic time this year. How does your child feel about the decision? Enthusiastic or grudging acceptance?
I found ESTER's link really interesting, but I wouldn't get discouraged by the title "The False Promise of Classical Education."
This may be a case of definitions getting in the way of substance. If I am getting the theme of VanDamme's article, she is saying "Classical Education" as promoted by some big names in the anti-progressive and homeschool arenas is a huge improvement over what is taking place in most public schools now, but that many of the foundation texts (including Hirsch) are deficient in that they lack a hierarchical structure.
I agree with much of what VanDamme is saying -- most subjects are cumulative and hierarchical, especially math and science, and a good education plan builds on what has gone before. I think the article is criticizing some of the influential "Classical" curriculum texts as introducing lots of random facts without building cumulatively through the years.
Enthusiastic! My daughter learns deeply and is an explorer. This will allow me to set the pace and continually challenge her.
I agree... it's all about substance. There was no one "philosophy" that comes neatly packaged in a box or book, yet all along I've been supplementing with certain types of material and ideas. Substance, continuity and breadth. I've finally embraced the idea that it was all leading up to this.
The proper goal of education is to foster the conceptual development of the child—to instill in him the knowledge and cognitive powers needed for mature life. It involves taking the whole of human knowledge, selecting that which is essential to the child’s conceptual development, presenting it in a way that allows the student to clearly grasp both the material itself and its value to his life, and thereby supplying him with both crucial knowledge and the rational thinking skills that will enable him to acquire real knowledge ever after. -- VanDamme
Absolutely. This is why I am educating at home. One-size-fits-all does not fit my child.
But neither does "four tracks fit all" either.
(Btw, there are some comments I want to leave on the Singaporemath blog, partially to clarify things as a Singaporean [okay okay, a lot of it is offering my opinion!], but it's closed to team members only?)
Congrats! But honestly, from my readings of your blog it seems like you're already homeschooling...It's just that now school won't get in the way and mess up your efforts. :)
Just visited Day by Day Homeschooling... great blog!
Congratulations!
This is a great, great decision.
I would absolutely homeschool if I had it to do over again.
Gosh...just the chance to sink your teeth into all this stuff, learn along with your child, NOT HAVE TO WRANGLE WITH THE SCHOOL ----
It's going to be great.
Gosh...just the chance to sink your teeth into all this stuff, learn along with your child, NOT HAVE TO WRANGLE WITH THE SCHOOL ---
My sentiments, exactly.
Thanks!
btw, my sister pulled her 8th grader out of school for this year -- it went great
she started her first day of high school today!
//Just visited Day by Day Homeschooling... great blog!//
Thanks!
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