Just some random thoughts off the top of my head, thinking about some recent happenings around here.
I've heard some moms say that they can't homeschool because they don't have the confidence to teach their children (probably to reach an educational goal or certificate in mind, like the PSLE.) In some cases, it may be a valid reason. One valid reason I can think of would be if the parent is not proficient in English....like I mean problems in grammar, vocabulary, what have you..... Basically, like me with Mandarin. If I were to prepare my child for exams in Mandarin, I too will say I am not adequate.
BUT I need to clarify, homeschooling is really not only about preparing our children for exams. Some folks I've encountered have a misconception of the term "homeschool" and think I'm doing like a private school with my own children as my students and have enquired if I am able to take in their children as well. Seriously. Where do I begin to explain myself??? lol
No, in homeschooling, we are preparing our offspring for LIFE- and the scope of teaching and learning is far wider than Languages, Maths and Science. And anyway, to make up for my inadequacies in Chinese, we do engage a home tutor for the children to, well, prepare for the exam. As a family, we have been trying to make a conscious effort to speak more Mandarin to each other. It has been an uphill task but not without laughter. Like when we use phrases wrongly. More often, my children transliterate their English into Chinese and the mistakes are hilarious!
But to address those parents who don't have the confidence to teach or homeschool because they are the "rather be safe (ie. public school) than sorry" (ie. homeschool) folks (as if the school system is really the "safer" route) I have the following to say in my most friendly and loving way:
Being a Homeschool Teacher is a lot of O.J.T.
On the Job Training. Just like becoming a parent for the first time. O.J.T.
As concerned parents, we constantly assess ourselves and our children to check if our processes are working well, fixing what doesn't work well. Do the children relate well to us and to others? Are they growing as they should? Are they lacking in anything? etc. etc.
So, as a homeschooling parent, there is just the added dimesion of academic progress and responsibility. The parenting part of the equation (the concern for the welfare of your own children) comes naturally. The academic part of the equation can be picked up.
I am a "trained" teacher but I reckon I really apply 5% of what I learned in teacher training school in teaching my kids. Plus, I was not trained in Pri. school teaching so most of what Singapore curriculum stuff my kids are learning, I'm learning together with them. And many of us homeschool parents are not trained teachers. So what to do?
Ask around. A HS mom friend says the playground is the best place to get the latest info about exam related stuff. lol.
Go for courses.
Get good books/ websites.
There's so much self help available.
The Learning Curve
I'm talking about the Homeschool parent's learning curve. Not the child's. It really does get easier when it comes to teaching the next child in line and the next (and the next and the next... in my case. lol) You have more insight into how to teach a certain topic of maths, or explaining a certain scientific concept. (I noticed this in myself just the other day when teaching no. 2 how to round off numbers...)
The number of teaching tools you have also tend to grow over the years. Because, as a concerned homeschool parent, your ears are constantly tuned to information on a good website to teach geography, or the latest electronic device/ learning aid on the market. And you acquire those that you feel can work for you and your family's needs. If they don't work well, sell them off. ;)
Parent Teacher VS School Teacher: Who will love the child more?
Needless to say, the parent teacher has a vested interest in seeing their child succeed, not just in one subject to make it to the next year, but to becoming a well rounded, well educated person. The goals are quite different, hence the perspectives, be it long term or short term.
Our Convictions will carry us through
My hubby and I do believe that it is in God's best plan for us to homeschool our children. (For the fuller version, please go to this page.) Of course there are loads of question marks hanging over what each of our children will turn out to be. We only choose to go by the promises of God and take it one step at a time. Check your bible! God actively guides His children! We only need the faith to hold His hand through the whole process. (Readers of this blog know I constantly attest to this fact. ;) )
So, we have embraced this homeschooling lifestyle, and now we are 12 years into it and there's no looking back. I LOVE the freedom to work with my children and educate them as we deem right as a family on our family timetable.
If you have any other points or thoughts to add regarding the Homeschool Teacher, please do share in the comments or email me! :)
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