When I began to research homeschooling, I knew I wanted my children to learn how to think. I didn’t want them to just learn something to spit it out on the test. That describes most of my education. I’ve always said that I wanted better for my kids.
What I am noticing is that deep down I’m a rule follower. OK, I’m not just noticing that, but what I had not realized is how much my personality had influenced my education. I was supposed to learn x,y,z so I did. If something was going to be on a test, then I studied it. If something was easy, busy work, so much the better. At least it was easy, right?
What’s interesting is that while I think we have been successful in teaching my older son to think critically about things, practically speaking, it often drives my insane! I don’t want to explain why he needs to do something. I’d just like him to do it.
We’re using Analytical Grammar this year. This is one of the few English programs that he has used that wasn’t Christian. It didn’t really occur to me that all those sentences had to be about something. The second week of school my son began to complain about the lessons.
This stuff is ridiculous!
This isn’t true!
This is so silly.
Does this lady really think that just because people think something is true, it makes it true?
My response….
Can you just do the work please?
Yes, I know it’s ridiculous, but I’d really like you to identify the nouns and pronouns please.
Silly me. I was checking his work over the weekend and found a paragraph he was supposed to paraphrase. Here is what he wrote instead.
Epictetus, an ancient philosopher, once said, “What concerns is not the way things are, but rather the way people think things are.” He was under the illusion that if someone thinks something is true, it will become true. In reality, Epictetus thought this was true, and this caused many people to think it is true, but it did not make it true. The universe was created by an unchanging God, by His unchanging laws. Since God is infinite and unchangeable, finite human beings cannot change these laws.
Well, he’s obviously learning something. Now if I could just remember this the next time he starts questioning his assignments again.
By Kristen H.
Wow, that is great what he wrote, but I’m just like you. As much as I want my children to think for themselves, there are times I just want them to do because I said so. This is a good reminder for me too. 🙂
JoAnn
Love it!
This idea of thinking is so near and dear to my heart and one of the primary reasons I am homeschooling my middle schooler. If I can help instill the “Why” in his mind, the desire and the need to ask it, I will feel I’ve done my job. It is not without its challenges because, like you, I followed all the rules and knew how to ace a test like nobody’s business.
Your son is a witty genius! Love his response.
Wow!
The need to teach our children to THINK is continually reinforced when my husband comes home telling me about the people in his unit and how they can’t seem to figure out anything for themselves.
I love it! My kids often comment on the questions they are asked, too. Often I get a paragraph on the question and what’s wrong with it, instead of an answer. It’s great!
Annie Kate
PS Yes, I’m totally Dutch!