You're a great writer Kristine. There are flaws in the public and private schools, and there are flaws in home school. I think that you have inoculated your kids against whatever might be warped. Knowing that we function in an imperfect world and accepting that, is already a great learning. Then there is just the navigating between some obstacles in the most graceful way. No need to be grumpy or to pick a fight.
Kids can learn to choose what for now is their highest aspiration. Then fit that into the ongoing flow. They'll come back to you when they need a bit of coaching.
Learning to walk the line between camps is something I have done in other areas of my life, so it's not surprise I've been given this opportunity as well. To see the merit, the value (as well as the shadow sides) of all forms of education knowing that ultimately partnering with my kids in their learning was a role I took for granted until I couldn't overlook it any longer.
The opportunity to build this foundation in these formative years, though that was the never the plan, has taught us all so very much.
These are some reflections on education that I have come across. Everything that you see in the world, must have been born in the schools. Wouldn't it be something to study before all else? I would like to get more into it.
✓The reasons for education leads to how kids can become enthusiastic and excellent learners. Should schools be focused on academics, as measured by test scores? Or is the purpose to stimulate, capitalize on, and sustain motivation and intellectual curiosity, awe and wonder the child possessed in the beginning? Transmit knowledge: or become reflective?
Schools were originally designed to teach children routine skills, and memorize religious texts. The quest for the right answer sought to produce believers rather than thinkers. Of course, it is a continuum, not either/or.
✓Some say there are two classes of ability, the workers and the creatives, and school is there to sort them out. Education as a "process of living" not preparation for some future. Is education planned to be best for the student or best for society? Is it Education as an investment for productive workers and future profits? So far, the economic rationale for schooling has triumphed.
"Few parents have the courage to care more for their children's happiness, than for their success." Eric Fromm
✓There is a disconnect between what we say we want for kids in the future, and what our schools are doing to prepare for that. There is a confusion between these long-term goals and the short term "necessities" that seem to crowd out these future considerations. Starting from overemphasizing Achievement.
Talking about natural motivation, that then in school programs gets extinguished. How to motivate? just another control of reward and punishment. Children will grow to hate it. The whole idea of "motivation" may be a myth. Extrinsic motivation reduces intrinsic motivation. Some features of school do more harm than good.
✓Not saying that high achievement doesn't matter, but that it is a by-product of interest. Student disengagement is the most important focus of school reform. Others say you are erasing the distinction between school and recess.
Relevance is constructed when natural curiosity meets rich and important themes. Some people view the world through the dichotomy where the only possibilities are work and play. Therefore, school should be "work". A third possibility is "learning", not play-like enjoyment, but nevertheless deeply satisfying. But it is not "zero-defect" work either. I would never refer to school as work, but as activities, projects, and their learning. Learning can also be pursued rigorously.
These are someone's views in a field of many contrasting opinions. It is a rich field of exploration and sharing.
Hi Kristine: A Substack acquaintance has just put up a master-thread, as an overview of major education issues. So far there is already some interesting material on it in a short time. I see that is a hot topic for you, (and could be for everyone). I thought to share this link. https://urge2evolve.substack.com/p/edu-index-everything-good-and-everything
Your glimpses into the past of 2020 shook, my, soul. Because what a word picture. The before. And the after. (And how were the girls only in second?? Sob)
Beautifully written here - I know so many resonate with your story.
Thank you, Ang! What a journey it's been. And I know you've been here in your own way but for different reasons. These are the parts of motherhood I didn't expect (among many others!).
You’ve navigated this season well my friend and will continue to as things shift. Glad we were able to take that risk together, the waterfall one and the homeschool one 💖💖💖
Thank you love! I think in many ways the waterfall one, that moment of “let’s do this!” so encapsulated not only what you and I both were trying to do but what we wanted for our girls (and my boys), especially in those early days: to find the beauty and thrill and awe in utter madness, to step into our own version of finding healing when it was offered even if it sounded far-fetched. Stepping into that in the beginning of the homeschool journey was EVERYTHING.
Such a beautiful retelling of a beautiful journey! What a blessing to have walked beside you the past four years and to get to watch you handle all the challenges and changes so far and those to come with courage and grace! You’re doing so amazingly well!
Your support and insight has meant the world to me. This road is not for the faint of heart and so often you've made me feel a little more sane than the experiences might merit!
You're a great writer Kristine. There are flaws in the public and private schools, and there are flaws in home school. I think that you have inoculated your kids against whatever might be warped. Knowing that we function in an imperfect world and accepting that, is already a great learning. Then there is just the navigating between some obstacles in the most graceful way. No need to be grumpy or to pick a fight.
Kids can learn to choose what for now is their highest aspiration. Then fit that into the ongoing flow. They'll come back to you when they need a bit of coaching.
.
I appreciate your thoughts! And thank you!
Learning to walk the line between camps is something I have done in other areas of my life, so it's not surprise I've been given this opportunity as well. To see the merit, the value (as well as the shadow sides) of all forms of education knowing that ultimately partnering with my kids in their learning was a role I took for granted until I couldn't overlook it any longer.
The opportunity to build this foundation in these formative years, though that was the never the plan, has taught us all so very much.
These are some reflections on education that I have come across. Everything that you see in the world, must have been born in the schools. Wouldn't it be something to study before all else? I would like to get more into it.
✓The reasons for education leads to how kids can become enthusiastic and excellent learners. Should schools be focused on academics, as measured by test scores? Or is the purpose to stimulate, capitalize on, and sustain motivation and intellectual curiosity, awe and wonder the child possessed in the beginning? Transmit knowledge: or become reflective?
Schools were originally designed to teach children routine skills, and memorize religious texts. The quest for the right answer sought to produce believers rather than thinkers. Of course, it is a continuum, not either/or.
✓Some say there are two classes of ability, the workers and the creatives, and school is there to sort them out. Education as a "process of living" not preparation for some future. Is education planned to be best for the student or best for society? Is it Education as an investment for productive workers and future profits? So far, the economic rationale for schooling has triumphed.
"Few parents have the courage to care more for their children's happiness, than for their success." Eric Fromm
✓There is a disconnect between what we say we want for kids in the future, and what our schools are doing to prepare for that. There is a confusion between these long-term goals and the short term "necessities" that seem to crowd out these future considerations. Starting from overemphasizing Achievement.
Talking about natural motivation, that then in school programs gets extinguished. How to motivate? just another control of reward and punishment. Children will grow to hate it. The whole idea of "motivation" may be a myth. Extrinsic motivation reduces intrinsic motivation. Some features of school do more harm than good.
✓Not saying that high achievement doesn't matter, but that it is a by-product of interest. Student disengagement is the most important focus of school reform. Others say you are erasing the distinction between school and recess.
Relevance is constructed when natural curiosity meets rich and important themes. Some people view the world through the dichotomy where the only possibilities are work and play. Therefore, school should be "work". A third possibility is "learning", not play-like enjoyment, but nevertheless deeply satisfying. But it is not "zero-defect" work either. I would never refer to school as work, but as activities, projects, and their learning. Learning can also be pursued rigorously.
These are someone's views in a field of many contrasting opinions. It is a rich field of exploration and sharing.
.
Hi Kristine: A Substack acquaintance has just put up a master-thread, as an overview of major education issues. So far there is already some interesting material on it in a short time. I see that is a hot topic for you, (and could be for everyone). I thought to share this link. https://urge2evolve.substack.com/p/edu-index-everything-good-and-everything
Thanks
.
Your glimpses into the past of 2020 shook, my, soul. Because what a word picture. The before. And the after. (And how were the girls only in second?? Sob)
Beautifully written here - I know so many resonate with your story.
Thank you, Ang! What a journey it's been. And I know you've been here in your own way but for different reasons. These are the parts of motherhood I didn't expect (among many others!).
You’ve navigated this season well my friend and will continue to as things shift. Glad we were able to take that risk together, the waterfall one and the homeschool one 💖💖💖
Thank you love! I think in many ways the waterfall one, that moment of “let’s do this!” so encapsulated not only what you and I both were trying to do but what we wanted for our girls (and my boys), especially in those early days: to find the beauty and thrill and awe in utter madness, to step into our own version of finding healing when it was offered even if it sounded far-fetched. Stepping into that in the beginning of the homeschool journey was EVERYTHING.
It's been a wild past four years. You're amazing and I know things will be great as we move into this new season with the kids.
Couldn't have done it without your buy-in, belief, and how hard you work to make so many things possible for our family.
Such a beautiful retelling of a beautiful journey! What a blessing to have walked beside you the past four years and to get to watch you handle all the challenges and changes so far and those to come with courage and grace! You’re doing so amazingly well!
Your support and insight has meant the world to me. This road is not for the faint of heart and so often you've made me feel a little more sane than the experiences might merit!