The idea of parents teaching their children is not exactly a new one, but it does seem to be attracting quite a lot of attention recently. It is also quite personal to me as I am considering my son's English language education. He was born here in Japan, is mainly surrounded by Japanese speakers and will probably go to Japanese speaking schools, therefore I am under no illusions that his strongest language will be Japanese. This doesn't bother me, but I would like him to be bilingual and feel as comfortable using English as Japanese. I simply want to give my son exposure to English, but many people want to homeschool their children. This is a major commitment. I am not considering this kind of undertaking, but what should you think about if you are considering homeschooling your children?
Let me start by saying that these are only my thoughts, but they are based on quite a few years of involvement in education and observation of parents' involvement with the education of their children. If you are thinking of teaching your own child, you could start by asking yourself these questions:
Why do you want to educate your child at home?
There may be practical reasons such as location, but if you are doing it because you don't trust the school system or you are trying to shield your child from something, you may not be doing him or her any favours. Try to be as honest and objective as possible and look at what your child may be missing out on – interaction with other children and adults, access to specifically designed curricula and libraries, recreation, sport and supplemental learning facilities for example. Even simple (pleasurable?) experiences such as the journey to and from school, carrying a school lunch, etc. are going to be missed.
What do you want your child to learn?
It could be that, like me, you are raising your child in a country using a language other than the one you speak and you would like him or her to learn your language. Whatever the reason, try to ensure that you have your child's best interests at heart.
Are you up to the job?
Be honest. Do you really believe that you have the skills and experience to effectively tutor your child?
What kind of person are you?
This will affect the kind of teacher you will be. Some people are not cut out to be teachers. If you demand perfection or tend to be short-tempered, you should perhaps reconsider teaching your own child.
Do you need to teach your child?
In my case, I am hoping that I do not have to teach him English in the structured 'sit down and study' style hardly at all. I will talk to him English, provide ready access to English (books, TV, magazines, music, etc) and try to engage him in the things he likes in English; i.e. in much the same way that I learnt the language. Think about how you can apply similar techniques to other subjects so that the child is learning in a fun, creative and constructive way without feeling that they are really 'studying'. I have recently read about 'intersession' programmes in North American schools, whereby children, for example, learn about science by making potions and chocolate frogs in a 'Harry Potter' class and learn about equations by dividing up biscuits.
Do you intend your tutoring to be the primary source of education?
If you simply want to 'top-up' your child's education by applying some practical, real-world application of what they are learning in school, it may be easy to do. In my case, I'd like to talk to my son about what he likes and/or is doing at school to show an interest in what he's doing and to help his English keep pace with his Japanese as far as possible. If you intend to tutor your children in all subjects, you are taking on quite a task. Are you ready for it?
Do you have any support?
Are the people around you (family, friends, etc.) supportive of what you want to do? If not, ask them why and be prepared to listen without prejudice.
What does your child think?
This requires a very honest evaluation of your relationship with your child. Are you forcing your own thinking and/or desires, unfulfilled dreams and ambitions onto your child? It is great to offer your child opportunities that may not have been available to you, but ensure that you are doing so for the right reasons and that your child is happy. Your child's happiness should, after all, be the most important thing.
Richard Knobbs
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