Reflections

Reflections The Big Decision

By Jane Offer

Having been a teacher in the state and private schooling system in the past, I had seen some situations that led me to think seriously regarding the benefits in undertaking Home-schooling. Since those days I have met many people who have chosen this option, with a growing number since the pandemic restrictions. However, when the word is mentioned, it fills many with horror due to association with the unexpected incarceration of parent and child under one roof, trying to follow a schooling model via Zoom, with no training.

Many parents, especially mothers, have to work just to make ends meet and to have the stress of trying to work from home, plus the responsibility cast on them by the lock downs to educate their own children, was a stress too far. I was told of many occasions when lesson times were set, yet when the child logged on there was no teacher in evidence, or the quality of the lesson material was poor. It gave parents a chance to see what actually happens in the classroom and I feel this caused many to rethink their view of the schooling system.

“I was told of many occasions when lesson times were set, yet when the child logged on there was no teacher in evidence…”

One of the main objections that is trotted out when the subject is raised, is the lack of the social interaction with other students gained by going to school. Yet the children of these objectors are engaged in some type of sporting activity most evenings for that very purpose. Inventive parents have counteracted the problem, if it is a problem at all, by grouping with other families and engaging one or more of the many teachers who chose to step away from the mandates. Mainstream Media reports that 2,500 teachers, who made that choice, have been removed from the ranks. The figure is probably much higher and many are offering tutoring services to support the Home-schooling Program.

One of the many complaints I hear from the 14 -16 year-old age group is that the subject matter they are required to study has little or no relevance to their life currently, nor do they see how it will help them in the future. This is nothing new as my own children, now 52 and 49, said the same when they were in that age bracket. It is the separation of the subjects that seem to create the issue, an area I have never understood. For example, in my teaching days, an English essay was marked for grammar, spelling and punctuation. When the essay was homework for a history lesson, it was marked for content only. A more integrative approach is applied in Home-schooling, as the teaching is of an experiential nature and practical application helps the relevancy of the subject matter to be easily understood in the context of life.

Home-schooling is a commitment and not for the feint-hearted, as it is fulltime filling every part of life. Every situation is a learning experience; routine, shopping, cooking, looking after animals and even going out for a fun afternoon or on a road trip, can be used as a tool for teaching. Surely that is how real life works isn’t it?

“Home-schooling is a commitment and not for the feint-hearted, as it is fulltime filling every part of life.”

A teaching friend worked as a tutor for adults who had struggled with school and the ‘normal’ methods of learning. On one occasion, he was working with a macho young man who had not mastered Maths, particularly percentages. My friend discovered his passion was surprisingly, tropical fish which he fed with a pinch of fish food per day. He looked at the students very large hands and then at his own, probably half the size. The concept of percentage was then floated and suddenly the young man realised their relevance. From then on it was plain sailing.

“Sadly, today we see students return home, often to an empty house and go straight to the TV or their computer gaming and the ‘friends’ they find there.”

Sadly, today we see students return home, often to an empty house and go straight to the TV or their computer gaming and the ‘friends’ they find there. Parents come in from work tired and hungry and often forget the importance of conversation, naturally they want some peace after a busy day. Most of the Homeschooled children I have met spend time with parents, do not have the same addiction to technology and are very articulate, often beyond their years. They have a wide knowledge base and seem very aware of what is happening in the world. I feel this is due to the integrative approach the parents use in their teaching.

There are a growing number of parents who are taking the plunge and making a huge life change, so they can take control of what their children are being exposed to in school. I can’t say I blame them, as some of the lines schools seem to be stepping over at the moment, and the agendas they are pushing, are somewhat challenging to the point of being outrageous.

One 13-year-old student recently rang her mother, saying that she was being herded in to a room to have vaccination and when she questioned it, she was told she had no choice and to join the rest. She refused and, when the mother rang the school to ask what vaccine was being administered, she was told they didn’t know and there was no-one available to talk to her. No prior information was given to warn parents of the procedure, or a form issued giving permission.

As I said, a step too far!

Jane Offer is available for counselling, Soul Mastery and life guidance sessions. Please ring for an appointment 0431168 027. NDIS clients are welcome.

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