One of my favorite books on the subject of home education is Home Grown Kids, written by the grandfather of homeschooling in America, Dr. Raymond Moore. In it he shares a way of thinking that was radical when he wrote the book thirty-some years ago! Homeschooling, now considered a "right", was a "privilege" that was hard earned in its early stages. He encouraged parents to embrace the right and responsibility of homeschooling. Here's a quote from his book that reinforces this concept.
"No schoolroom can match the simplicity and power of the home in providing three-dimensional, firsthand education. The school, not the home, is the substitute, and its highest function is to complement the family. The family is still the social base, and must be, if our society is to survive. Let's leave no stone unturned to guarantee the fullest freedom of the home and the rights of parents to determine the education of their children."
Dr. Raymond Moore
Home Grown Kids page 26
I planted a tree. I knew about trees, so I gave it space to grow.
I planted a morning-glory vine. I knew about morning glories, so I put a trellis next to it so it could cling and pull itself up.
I planted a tulip bulb, and because I knew about tulip bulbs. I waited until spring before I looked for signs of growth.
I was blessed with a child. Because I loved that child, I learned how he grew. Once I knew, I provided the environment and resources that best facilitated his optimal and delightful development.
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Each plant has its unique characteristics and can be expected to act and grow according to them. In the same way, given the right elements, children will thrive and grow when given the proper tools. The recipe of warm responsiveness, time within the family unit, and freedom to explore will create children who grow willingly, enthusiastically, and naturally. Each child will thrive and grow in their own unique way when given the time and resources to do it!
“True home schooling is tutorial, hand-made, customized to each child. Such parents respond to their children in a loving, informal way, a balance between systematic structure where needed and a great deal of freedom for youngsters to explore.”
~ Raymond S. Moore
The third element of the Smithsonian Institute formula for creating a genius is to provide the child with freedom to explore. Allowing children to grow and develop naturally creates a relaxed and less pressured environment, thereby allowing them to use their creativity and curiosity as they explore the world around them and find things that interest them. By contrast, the hurried child frequently is pushed to learn on a schedule, get things done within external parameters, and to skim the top of schoolwork rather than to comprehend it in-depth. This can result in children becoming delayed and burned out. The home educator can facilitate brain development and intellect by creating an environment that gives the child time and resources to explore the things that interest them most. A wise parent-teacher observes and regards these things and enhances the learning process by expanding upon them as they facilitate learning in their child. There are a variety of techniques that can be used to accomplish learning by this free and organic method of instruction. Time is a vital element in this approach. Children need time to touch, taste, feel, hear, and smell life as it goes on around them. Distractions like electronic gadgets and television should be eliminated from their day so that they can learn by exploring their world. There are moments when the child needs time alone to create and learn about things around him or her, but the presence of a parent who is willing to create and explore things with the child enhances the process. Our time with them is as important as their time alone. Creating art, listening to music, acting in charades, building with blocks, walking in nature, or cooking in the kitchen are ways in which children and parents can explore and interact together. Resources for exploration, like art supplies, books and magazines, objects from nature, manipulative learning resources, musical instruments, and concrete materials like wood, nails, and a hammer should be abundant and available to the child. As the child develops and grows, the parent can observe trends and interests, creating learning opportunities that amplify the learning process. Creating great spaces of time for the freedom to explore is vital in the growth and development of an intelligent child. A less hurried child is a child who learns faster, more thoroughly, and with less pressure. Learning is enhanced by the simple gift of freedom to explore.
