Take a Stand

In carrying on with the theme of last month, we focused on the question of what virtual company you keep. It is easiest to think about company in terms of people, friends or family, but we tried to convey the idea that virtual input is also company – so be careful what you see and hear – which also implies being careful what you read and learn and study about.

In this ezine I would therefore like to explore the topic further and ask the following questions specifically about curriculum choices:

· WHO are the teachers of our children? and

· WHAT are they teaching?

If you think you are the teacher as a homeschool mom, think again.
· What curriculum/books are you using?
· Who are the authors and what message does it convey about values, principles and worldviews?


In reading a variety of books, I am constantly amazed at how one can gather from the book what type of person the author is and what he/she believes.

The principle of choosing well applies to curriculum choices we make for our children. Not just any curriculum can do, especially if you want your children to develop a specific worldview or value system. Not all curriculums are the same. For example: we all know different science or history books convey surprisingly different messages and perspectives.

The perspective depends on:
· Who wrote it?
· From what perspective?
· With what agenda or intention?
· Based on what evidence?
· What was the purpose behind the curriculum?

As homeschool parents we should not be afraid to question curriculum, sometimes disagree, and help our children see they do not have to and cannot necessarily believe everything they read - especially in today’s information overloaded environment. Since you will most likely not find a curriculum that you agree with 100% about everything, rather learn to ‘draw the line’ in the symbolic or literal sense.

Take a stance.

Have a standpoint.

And know what content your child is studying.

Draw a line through passages you don’t agree with, or statements that are just not right/true. I’ve done this with books I’ve used since my children were still very young. We always discussed why we were doing this. And now that they are older it becomes even more obvious how many topics, issues and worldviews are incorporated in what children learn – especially in ‘school type’ textbooks. It is important to know that:

No education is neutral.

Therefore it is important to choose well. This does not mean your children cannot read widely....they should! But don’t be afraid to question things and disagree with some things. It is an important skill to develop information discernment as children mature, to help them navigate through the information they are surrounded with.

Young people today are required to have an astounding level of discernment. They should know that not all written words are true, and be able to distinguish between facts and opinions especially. Just because it is called a science (or history or geography etc.) book does not necessarily imply everything it shares is practical science (or history or geography etc.). So when the foundation of knowledge is laid, be mindful about what content you choose to use as curriculum. Make sure you know what the content of curriculum includes before ‘believing everything you read’.

As homeschool parents we have the opportunity to be involved in our children’s education, especially on a curriculum level. Choose well.


Until next time!
Willemien

Refuse to be average. (A.W.Tozer)

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