Education for Life
Recently someone whose opinion I value & respect, commented on the phrase “education for life” saying that it sounded more like “life coaching” than “homeschooling”. Hmmm, food for thought, said I.
After chewing on it, I replied:
“Actually, in my mind, homeschooling is life coaching - preparing & equipping our kids for life, which in my mind is waaay more than academics. Teach them how to learn & when life hits them in the face, they’ll know how to find the information they need. Also, teaching them about character, integrity, good work ethics, spending & saving etc…In my opinion, not every kid needs Algebra, Chemistry, Calculus, etc. Some do, depending on their individual “bent”, some don’t. But all of them need to know how to be productive citizens, parents, individuals.”
I realized that, that has become my homeschool philosophy and each year into it, I believe it more strongly.
Question: What did you learn in highschool that stayed with you, that has proven to be of practical value in your adult life?
No matter what method or curriculum you use in homeschooling, your kids can’t learn everything there is to learn! There will gaps. This is true of any education system, public, private or home. So often, kids ask, “Why do I need to learn this?” I think it’s a question worthy of our attention. Is this work of value? Does it bring us closer to our goals or is it “busywork?”
A dear friend, who graduated her youngest from homeschool last year commented to me, “I think of all the things I made them do simply because someone told me I should. I wish I had used life experiences more.” Yes, there are those things they need to learn, like multiplication tables, that they can’t appreciate or understand at the time, but don’t overlook the education life provides. Teach them how to handle money, balance a checking account, cook, clean, do laundry, sew on buttons, problem-solve, help a neighbor simply because it’s the right thing to do.
What you can do at home is impart your values using life as your teacher. No institutionalized system can do that. As the old saying goes, “experience is the best teacher”. Whatever shape your home education takes, watch for those life experiences that will help your kids learn. Be their life coach and educate them for life!
Next time, Tip : Homeschooling Support
Until then, press on!
Sue
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Technorati Tags: Home Education, homeschool, life coaching, Life education
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on Thursday, November 1st, 2007 at 6:15 am and is filed under Home Education.
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November 1st, 2007 22:45
I think it is important to remember that there will be gaps in any system. No education is “perfect.” But with homeschooling, we can better tailor what is left out and what we concentrate on to help our children…and best, we can focus on teaching how to learn so that they can fill in necessary gaps on their own without feeling like they are behind!
November 2nd, 2007 07:03
Dana, I couldn’t agree more or have said it better! Thanks!
November 6th, 2007 17:09
I have homeschooled my children from the beginning. My daughter is now a college sophomore. She acknowledges that there are gaps in her “knowledge” of course content. However, she has managed to receive a 4.0 every semester since she started college. Here’s her take on why…..
“I don’t think I’m “smarter” than the other kids, I just think I know how to learn.”
That’s what “life coaching” will do for you!
November 6th, 2007 19:09
Linda,
Thanks for sharing this - it’s what educating for life is about! Teach them how to learn & they can accomplish whatever task is put before them. Good for your daughter & good for you! Again, thanks for sharing such a real-life example!
November 7th, 2007 19:14
thanks I enjoyed that
jen’s last blog post..The Cross Roads
November 8th, 2007 01:19
Thanks, Jen. I appreciate your letting me know!
March 26th, 2008 21:22
You have put into words my thoughts about homeschooling that I had only a couple weeks ago when I started my second blog. My blog is titled in a similar vein as yours—Homeschooling for the Real World. I blog about like skills that kids should learn beyond just the three R’s (cooking, first aid, using the phone book, and even knot tying!)
I’ve enjoyed reading your site so far, and look forward to reading even more!
Joy’s last blog post..WFMW: Safety & First Aid
March 27th, 2008 05:52
Joy, Thanks for sharing! There’s so much our kids need to know to become responsible adults. We/they can learn it the hard way - like I did :), or learn it while at home, where it’s safe to make mistakes. Wishing you the best with your new blog! check it out everyone!