Encouraging Individual Thought

Observing children make their own discoveries is rewarding to watch.  That light bulb moment, when a child says "Ahaaaaaaa!" as they experience discovery can be satisfying to both teacher-parent and child.  A child who has learned to think for himself or herself can derive a great sense of accomplishment, as can their parent who has guided them through the steps to learning to think on their own.  Encouraging individual thought is an important part of teaching a child to think and reason.  Although reflection and rote learning has its place,  the ability to evaluate is a more complex intellectual ability and should be encouraged as a goal in the process of educating the whole child.


Here are some suggestions which encourage individual thought:

* Show genuine interest in the child, encouraging their contribution to a topic.  It's important not only for bright children, but those who are slower than their peers as well.

* Be patient.  In our busy world, it's not often that people take time to really listen.  In your role as teacher-parent, you have the opportunity to offer them the opportunity to think their own thoughts.  Encourage them to share those thoughts and discuss with them.

* Persist gently.  Sometimes children may hesitate to share their thoughts because they are fearful of appearing ignorant or foolish.  By asking probing questions and inquiring about how they think, their fear can be overcome and they can be encouraged to verbalize their thoughts.

* Set an example.  Be willing to risk and show your own vulnerability in the learning process.  Be real in sharing your thoughts. 

* Avoid humor at the expense of the student.  Instead encourage and affirm.  

* Keep an open mind.  It's possible that you might learn something from your child.  Cautious skepticism is alright if it is coupled with respect of the rights who may choose to disagree with you.

*  Remember that we have the right to search for answers that satisfy us.  God gives children this same right.  A parent's role isn't to indoctrinate and brainwash, but rather to teach and inculcate principles by example and thoughtful guidance.  

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More Time with Parents than Peers

Homeschool parents are probably asked about socialization more than any other topic related to educating their children.  Our culture has led us to believe that children need to be around peers in order to have good social skills, and that this process needs to start at a very young age.  Daycare centers and preschools are filled to capacity with children whose parents believe they are doing what is best for their kids.  So, when a family chooses to home educate, well-meaning grandparents, neighbors, and even strangers question their decision.  But, if we consider the second point given in the Smithsonian Institute study on raising genius children, we realize that cultural beliefs are not necessarily accurate.  The Smithsonian study found that the children who developed the highest quotient of intelligence were those who were virtually isolated from children outside of their family.  If children spend more time with their parents than with their peers, positive socialization takes place.  When a family works together, plays together, studies together, and serves others together, children tend to have fewer mental or emotional problems and are more likely to be free of peer dependency.  A study reported in Kid’s Stuff magazine found that children taught at home do not lag in social development.  The study indicated that home taught children have consistently fewer behavioral problems.  Instead of being negatively socialized by their peers, the children who were home educated depended more upon adult contact and less with contacts with other children, resulting in well-adjusted and well-behaved children.  Why?  Because they tended to imitate their parents.  Imagine that!  Not only do children who spend more time with adults than peers have the opportunity to have a higher IQ, but they are more socially adjusted as well.