Traumatized By School
How many of us are walking around scarred by our school experiences?
In an article entitled Seven Sins of Our System of Forced Education, Peter Gray referred to school as prison. He's not the only one to make this comparison, having heard school referred to this way by students themselves! In his article, Dr. Gray explains that the school system is guilty of seven sins, including: the denial of liberty, the fostering of shame and hubris, interference with self-direction, linking learning with fear, and more.
Ten Steps to Successful Homeschooling
Homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially at first. When I started homeschooling, I didn't know the first step to take. I didn't know what the law was, how to do the required paperwork, how to choose (or create!) a curriculum, or how to find sports and group activities for my son. It took me a month to find NYCHEA because it wasn't listed under the word homeschooling. And then, slowly, with the help of a wonderful support group, I found my way.
Over the past two decades I have sorted through the advice of teachers, parents and friends, and now, through the miracle of hindsight, I feel that I know just what the right steps are to take. I hope that this list will help others who are just starting down this path.
If you have any questions on homeschooling, just ask!
Ten Reasons Why Self-Directed Learning Works So Well
I discovered the child-led approach simply by paying attention to what worked. If my child wasn’t interested, learning simply didn't happen. You can’t force someone to want something, but a good teacher’s enthusiasm can be contagious, and it is possible to inspire interest.
But why go to such lengths when interest is already present? Skills in reading, writing, analysis, communication, presentation (and more), are much easier to acquire when the student’s interest is at the center. Yet I was unprepared for the real results of this approach. My children found their direction much earlier than I had thought possible, seeking higher learning in their chosen areas when they were barely middle school age.
With that in mind, here are 10 reasons why self-directed learning works so well: