Today’s blog is for all you homeschool moms out there who sometimes second guess yourselves and begin to doubt that you are doing the right thing for your kids.
The cover story on the December issue of The Philadelphia Magazine is, “Is It Just Us, Or Are Kids Getting Really Stupid?” They don’t read. They can’t spell. They spend all their time playing computer games and texting and hanging out with one another on Facebook. But the problem is much worse than you think, because the way your kids live now is rewiring their brains…by Sandy Hingston (see link for entire article).
http://www.phillymag.com/articles/feature_is_it_just_us_or_are_kids_getting_really_stupid/
My two daughters are 18 years apart in age, and their schooling experience was different. My oldest went to public school for kindergarten and 1st grade, then Catholic school until 8th grade, and then Girls High School, (a public high school that at the time was one of the crème de la crème schools in the city of Philadelphia). My youngest (who is a senior), went to private school for 1st grade (a total waste of monies) homeschooled 2nd – 7th grade, and then private school. Since 8th grade she has attended a small Messiah Jewish school that has catered to many homeschool families in the area. And though my two daughters schooling had some similarities there were differences, but the bottom line is that they both received good educations and have a lot in common as to how and what they learned.
In the magazine article, the author talks a lot about her son, and she was amazed to find out that his AP English class did not read books but watched movies that had been made based on a book. She was trying to connect with her son and thought if she read a book he was reading it would give them something to talk about. When she asked him what they were reading, he told her “The Great Gatsby!” When she asked what he thought about it, he told her that one of the actors was a distraction because of holes in his skin. What!!??!! And it just goes down hill from there. He took an English course at a community college and they did the same thing. Oh no!!!
I guess for me one the of the saddest parts of the article is how professors from the University of Pennsylvania are upholding that this is okay and it’s a new way of learning. The author’s son is in an AP program but he doesn’t know the days of the week…this was freaking her out, and with good reason I say. But one of these great professors told her that all he needs to know based on his 6 day school week, that this is day 1, or day 2….What!!??!!! If you have time please read the article. Oh, and the reason for watching movies is because they say it is hard to get children to read anymore. Help me here Lord!
Now there is one common thread for most homeschoolers and that is grammar, (which most public schools no longer teach) and the ability to read, and write. Both of my children have received what some would call “a good old fashion education”. They can do mental math, love to read, write well and are well rounded. My oldest daughter, who will soon be 36, received her primary education before the computer age exploded and before the state of Pennsylvania deemed the Philadelphia public school system so bad that they had to take it over. When it was time for my now17 year old to start school, I knew she was never going to step foot in a Philadelphia public school as long as God gave me breath. Not only because of the poor system we have, but there is a danger for your well being that didn’t exists so much when my oldest attended school.
The article also talks about how this new generation can’t spell because of “spell check” and “texting” terminology. We have gone from “okay” to “ok” to “k”. And that’s okay for texting, but how many will not be able to spell the word, “Okay”? Probably too many! What about “U R” does this mean they will write “your” when it should be “you’re”? I’m seeing it a lot already.
When I was growing up I was not allowed to use “slang” when speaking to my mother or any other adult. So I grew up knowing when and where to speak the “Queen’s English” and when to talk like my friends. Same for my girls, they had to know what is correct and acceptable. But so many today only know one way, and in my book it’s mostly unacceptable.
Most Philadelphia public schools have long cut their music programs or departments and along with that have gone the music appreciation classes. The article also talks about how classical music is something many young people know nothing about, and again one of these so called “think tank” professors, said, “So what if classical music is lost.” What!!??!!
To all you homeschool moms out there who have ever been on the verge of tears teaching your child to read, write, spell and listen to classical music—know that your labor of love has been one of the best gifts a parent can give. Every time you demand that they read one of the great classics of all time and you give them a vocabulary test on it, just ignore them when they huff and puff about it. Rest in the fact that one day it will pay off for them and any grandchildren you might have. We can only pass down what we know, and if picking up a book and reading is something we know, then we will more than likely pass it on.
Mothers, on those days when you feel like giving up and putting your kids in public school, I want you to remember what the Philly Mag article had to say about how children are being taught and what they are not being taught, and I’m sure that will help you to jump out of your moment of temporary insanity! ~Smile~
Love & Hugs
Ponnie
Friday's Blog: "Freedom Part II"
No comments:
Post a Comment