Comments on: Free Schooling Children?

By: Nancy McKeand

Nancy McKeand — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 02:16:00 +0000

John, I can only speak from my own exerience, but I never had a problem with that. Children are social beings and they naturally find ways to interact with others. There are always church activities, if one is so inclined, or scouts or althletics. And, if you are lucky, there are neighborhood kids that they can play with, too.

And, truth be told, it wouldn’t bother me all that much if my children had not learned to interact with children their own age. I am not sold on the necessity or even advisability of that.

By: John

John — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 23:38:53 +0000

If you home school your child what are some good ideas for your child to interact with children his own age?

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 22:42:55 +0000

Nancy, thank you so much for sharing that with me. It is encouraging to hear that from someone I know and respect who has actually done it, rather than just talk or write about the idea. If we ever meet someday, I’d love to hear more about what the experience of homeschooling was like for you and your family.

For the time being, my daughter really enjoys going to pre-school, where all they mostly do is play and sing and dance and run around.

By: Nancy McKeand

Nancy McKeand — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 17:50:05 +0000

Aaron, I do not think sending her off to school is the best option. Life is full of trade-offs, but why should a child have trade her freedom, curiosity, enthusiasm and joy for a few facts?

As a parent, it was an easy decision for me to pull my kids out of school. As an educator, it was hard to explain that decision to my colleagues.

My kids are all grown now, educated and/or getting educated, and doing quite well, so things seem to have turned out just fine. They do not feel cheated in any way.

I will have to read Gatto’s book. Sounds interesting.