These days, everything, except the actual home, of course, is "home", right? You have home cooked food as the yummiest, the most gourmand stuff. You have home stays as the best alternative (even according to the Ministry, please note) to swanky hotels. Why, no make up (really!?!) look actresses become national heartthrobs, spewing all along the most politically correct monologues cum interviews.
In such a "home-ly" ambience, can education be left far behind? True, home education has all along been there. Yet, now, suddenly it is the talk of the town. Undoubtedly, home education is the best education. First and foremost, parents know their kid(s) in and out. They can thus support him/her the best, without exposing the small one to the vagaries of the merciless world out there.
Surely, the premise here is that parents are absolutely aware of the contemporary contexts. They know both, the NEP and the constructivist critique of the traditional definitions of education. Sure, they have the required resources, especially time wise, and, to be realistic, funds wise.
Studies then can the best bond, both between the child(ren) and parents, and equally importantly, between the kid(s) and the studies. With no imposed compulsions of "finishing" off the syllabus, life can be togetherness, fun, growing up literally by the day with purpose, and kindness n love as the glue. Shantiniketan at home, in brief!
Without the horrible competitiveness ingrained in the school system (even when 'class' n 'divisions' are now named after flowers!), a child can comfortably acquire an in depth analysis of each subject, get hands on experience, and grow up to be wise. No tuitions needed, no tension of tests and tutorials either! Oh, yes, the parent(s), too, would grow by the day.
Why is this utopia not often tried then? Instead of subjecting the little one to a long distance ride stuffed in an auto dangerously full of kids dozing off or harassing each other and the passers-by quite nastily, why do not parents go for home schooling?
Well, the flippant answer would be that most parents are thankful that home can be a peaceful sanctuary with the little one(s) safely out, off the bounds! Most parents look forward to June 7/15 each year, when, ah, the summer vacation finally ends!
The serious response would be that most parents would not have the resources, of either the academic, intellectual, time or money variety, right? Better to be responsible enough to attend the PTA, and hear the 'trained' Miss or Sir identify the Junior's positive points, right? Why 'school' the home, in brief!?!
Pratima@ The traditional 'gurukul' system was a kind of structured home education, right? The result was brilliant disciples, too. Yet, to think of it, a kid does need socialisation, too. Can home education provide it? Would it get monotonous? Difficult to decide!
Quote of the day: "The purpose of education is to turn mirrors in to windows." Yes, indeed! Touché, Sydney3.Harris.
Word of the day: Unschooling Unschooling is a type of interest driven, self respecting mode of education. Rather than following a set curriculum or forcing students to sit through lessons, children learn organically through everyday life experiences, hobbies, and personal curiosities. Parents act as facilitators who provide resources and support rather than acting as traditional teachers.
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