News Letter articles - issue 11

Choosing an individual education

 

There are many children for whom school is an unpleasant experience, who wake up each morning dreading what the day has to offer; children who suffer ill health and unhappiness because of bullying; children who have poor academic achievement and whose personal talents are overlooked by the curriculum; children who are stressed by the culture of testing.

Of course parents try to make things better for their children. But when parents have done their best in talking to the child and negotiating with the school and things are still unresolved – what then? What are the options?

Did you know that there are an increasing number of people in the UK who have chosen not to gamble their children’s individuality by sending them to school, preferring instead to educate them in the family and within a broader community of like-minded people?

In law, education is compulsory – schooling is not.

There should be many parts to a child’s education. For schools to focus too specifically on the “academic” portion is to neglect other important elements. Children should also learn practical life-skills such as how to grow and cook food, and equal emphasis should be given to fostering creativity and experiencing the natural world. By pursuing a holistic education with a dedicated adult, children can learn self-confidence, self-discipline, self-sufficiency, and self-motivation.

Children educated at home don’t have to follow the National Curriculum or have a structured timetable – children learn naturally, any time and anywhere. Parents are not usually trained teachers – it is much more important skill to demonstrate an enthusiasm for learning.

The chances of having a healthier social life are also increased - the organisation “Education Otherwise” reports that “Research has shown that a home educated child often has greater social skills and maturity than school children”.

My own experience of educating my children within the community has been a happy and successful one. My role is not to teach but to extend their learning, to respond to their numerous questions as they occur. Sometimes I know the answer, more often we look for further information, learning alongside each other. I am able to watch where their learning is taking them and to make sure they have the necessary resources and help they need to continue. My role is to facilitate their many friendships, building a healthy community for them to grow in. My role is to nurture their self-confidence and encourage them to value their individual talents.

If you are unhappy about your child’s education, it’s always nice to know that there are other options.

Visit Education Otherwise at www.education-otherwise.org. Like thousands of other families, you can choose to take the responsibility for your child’s education back into your own hands

Sharri