Last month, Karen shared her wisdom and encouragement for some of the frustrations that come along with nursing a toddler and received a warm and enthusiastic response from so many of you. Today she returns to share her thoughts on schooling choices in general. As you'll read, she has experience with every format that educating our children can take. I know you'll appreciate hearing her thoughts on the choices available to parents today.
One of the most important decisions we
make as mothers involves teaching our children. It begins at the
moment of birth, and continues into adulthood. And, as our
children's very first teachers, it is with some trepidation that we
all begin to contemplate that important part of their small lives...
education.
As a mom of 6 kids, four of whom are currently in school, I have had a bit of experience with childhood education, in all of its many forms. Through the years, we have done it all – public, parochial, private, and homeschool. And I have learned a lot on the journey. The first thing to remember is that no matter which path you choose for your children, you need to feel confident in your choice. And, as I have learned, different circumstances may necessitate different schooling choices.
Advantages to parochial/religious and private schools - exceptional education, small class size, family atmosphere, accountability, and serious college prep. The individual attention devoted to each child is phenomenal. The value of citizenship and personal responsibility is stressed. The faculty is devoted to the success of your child individually, not simply focusing on the whole class. The cons: If you are not of the same religious persuasion as the school, you may have to do some explaining as to the differences in theology and doctrine your children have been taught since birth, and what they are exposed to at school. Not always big deal, but it is something to consider. Expensive, although financial aid is generally available. Don't let need keep you from applying. Smaller schools may be lacking in the wide range of extra-curricular activities found in larger private and public schools. But local school districts will often work with you to allow your children to participate in the sport or activity of their choosing.
Advantages to a public school education: It's free. Well, mostly. There are still activity fees, and other nickel-and-dime charges that no one really talks about. But there's no tuition. There is a full range of extra-curricular activities – something for everyone. Cons: Large classes and over-worked, underpaid teachers can provide a less-than optimal educational environment. Classes also tend to cater to the lowest common denominator of student, which may not be a great fit if your child is gifted. More and more, discipline and respect are lacking, and teachers have little recourse to enforce basic rules. And although the Character Counts program is taught in some schools, basic morality (NOT religion, but right/wrong) is often avoided, for the fear that toes may be stepped on. Of course there are some wonderful school districts out there. But you do need yo be an informed consumer, as with everything else.
Advantages to homeschooling: You are not tied to anyone's schedule but your own. This frees you to take family vacations on a whim, or to just take the day to go explore a museum or other natural attraction. Everything is a learning experience, and lessons are everywhere. You can tailor your curriculum to not only your child's ability, but also interests. Your children socialize with other children and adults who share your philosophies. Schoolwork is most often accomplished in a matter of hours, instead of consuming the entire day, allowing for creative play, social activities, and other pursuits. Cons: It can be daunting to choose a curriculum. There are so many good ones out there, and so many different approaches, from classical education with its roots in Greek and Latin, to unschooling, and everything in between. It can take some trial and error to fine-tune your system, even after you find a program that fits your needs. It can be challenging to enroll your child in extra-curricular activities, even though most public school systems are supposed to work with homeschoolers to accommodate them. Homeschooling still carries a stigma, in many places, that even though unfounded, can be hard to overcome.
But, all things considered, the things that you most need to discern is which is right for YOUR family. There is no one right answer, and you may find as your kids grow, and your circumstances change, your schooling needs will evolve, too. Don't be afraid to ask questions, interview schools, and learn all your options. For education, as everything else, follow your heart.
Karen is a 41 year-old SAHM to six of the best kids on the planet. She blogs at My Hands Are Full, But So Is My Heart where she chronicles her life on a semi-regular basis.
photo courtesy of david.nikonvscanon






























