Ever since we decided to embark on this journey full of uncertainties. there is no looking back. Not even for my hubby who was first introduced to this idea a few years ago. Just like many other homeschool parents, we read up as much as we could (and we are still reading) on any homeschool articles and books.We reflected on our own practices and beliefs and created our own educational philosophy.
We definitely didn't want to homeschool our child because we feel we are better than other teachers. Not because we want to protect Zech at all cost from the harshness of the outside world. There is no way we can protect him and in fact, I encourage him to rough it out, solve his own problems and be independent.
We have chosen this path of educating Zech because it is a calling from God who has called us parents to train up a child in the way he should go. In this world made up of diverse cultures with such different perspectives and opinions, how does a Christian stand firm in his faith and belief? Having grown up in a traditional church, I've seen many friends come and go. Even strong Christian leaders. It is so easily to be swayed and attracted by the secular things the world offers. Though homeschool can't be the complete solution, it offers flexibility and customisation of the curriculum that schools can't offer. The firm foundation standing on the Word of God matters most and this is what we want Zech to have.
Education is a matter of the heart, mind and soul. The world emphasizes too much on the mind. IQ tests are never accurate tests of ntelligence. Mozart and Picasso would have failed these IQ tests. Yet, they are geniuses! As a teacher, I've always believed in cultivating the joy of learning in kids. That is the heart of passion. Without the desire to learn, learning is dry and dead. When I was still teaching in school, I frequently struggled with completing the syllabus. There was simply too much to do. My class was usually one of the last to complete the syllabus. I'd very much love to be thorough in my lessons but sometimes I ended up shortchanging my pupils. Learning was definitely not a joy. In the process, it could have been killed for some of my pupils.
And where does that leave character education? I was full of ideals as a young and beginning teacher. I emphasized on character and clearly communicated this to all parents. However, it was tough to carry it through. Reason? Time and a tight curriculum.
I'm not saying homeschooling is the perfect solution to all these. Most importantly, it allows both parents to be actively involved in nurturing the child spiritually which is our main reason to homeschool Zech. That is the soul of education. Not too long ago, my hubby and I came up with our educational philosophy.
Educational Philosophy for Pre-schoolers
- Children learn about God through the curriculum.
- Learning is fun, enjoyable and a lifelong process.
- Children are taught based on their ability and learning style, maximising their potential to the fullest.
- Character education with a focus on Biblical teaching is integrated into the curriculum.
- Children learn for the ultimate goal of glorifying our Father.
- Education is meant to be holistic that develops a child spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, ethically, socially and physically.
There have been concerns, real concerns by genuine friends. Am I depriving Zech of socialization? How is he going to develop his social skills? He's an only child, as of now. He has no sibling to communicate with. Just me most of the time at home. It seems like it. But social settings do not merely take place in school. They take place even in the supermarket, at a friend's house and in the shopping mall. Zech is not kept at home all the time. I strongly encourage him to interact with strangers who take the initiative to smile and talk to him. There are homeschooling support groups who meet regularly. We have an active care group in church and yes, church life is important. Zech gets to interact with kids and adults of all ages rather than his own peers only. Young children pick up their social skills from adults, especially their own parents. That's why some kids, even though they go to school, still lack social skills.
Schools do provide the opportunities for social settings. But most of the teachers are too busy to be teaching our kids social skills. Sometimes, it can't be taught. Rather, it must be caught. In actual fact, bullying and ostracising peers are common in playgrounds and schools. I'm guilty of doing these when I was a kid. I was a bully in kindergarten and enjoyed manipulating my friends when I was in the lower primary. I turned out fine because God changed me. Nevertheless, the learning process could have been better. For very young children in kindergartens, guidance is even more critical. The advantage of homeschool, besides flexibility, is that influence is more controlled. This is important for young children who are easily influenced by their peers. Yes, I get to choose my son's friends. I know for sure, there will come a day when I can no longer do that. That will be the time when he can stand firm in his beliefs and make his own decisions wisely. There will also be a day, sometime during upper primary, when Zech will suddenly change overnight, has his own mind, make his own decisions (maybe against ours) and do things we don't quite understand. What will override it all is the foundation established in the early years as well as our relationship and bond with Zech who knows that we are always there to support him.
