A controversial new science curriculum caused outrage for its lack of any mention of physics, chemistry or biology. That’s right – a science curriculum that contained no mention of physics, chemistry or biology and set out that science would be taught through four contexts – the Earth system; biodiversity; food, energy and water; and infectious diseases.
To top things off, there’s been the much talked about Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in our schools – a programme which indoctrinates kids in extreme sexuality and gender ideology.
It’s no wonder that many are turning to homeschooling.
Put simply, homeschooling is full time education out of the traditional school classroom. It is often done at home but is also done within the community.
Homeschooling is an educational approach where parents or guardians take on the primary responsibility for educating their children at home. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, with families citing a variety of reasons for choosing this alternative to traditional schooling. Here are some of the potential benefits of homeschooling:
Control over the child’s eduction – free from the influence of the state: Controversial and highly questionable topics, such as sexuality and gender ideology, can be ignored all together. More time can be given to numeracy, literacy, arts, STEM subjects etc.
One-on-one teaching: There’s no crowded classrooms, as the homeschooled child gets undivided attention. One-on-one teaching allows the child to receive individual attention which is not possible in traditional classrooms, where the child often has to share the classroom with many other students, all of whom have diverse needs. Homeschooled children can ask questions without interruption, receive more comprehensive explanations, and feel confident in expressing themselves. This also allows for the teaching method to be tailored to the student’s unique learning style, so that they may understand concepts more easily.
Personalised Learning: Homeschooling allows for a highly customised education experience tailored to each child’s individual needs, learning styles, and interests. Parents can adjust the pace of instruction, provide more in-depth explanations, and explore topics that rouse their child’s curiosity.
Flexible Curriculum and Schedule: Homeschooling offers flexibility in both the curriculum and the daily schedule. Parents can choose from a wide range of educational resources and methodologies, including traditional textbooks, online courses, and hands-on activities. They can also structure the school day around the family and their child’s learning preferences, allowing for breaks when needed and extended focus when possible.
Stronger Parent-Child Relationships: Homeschooling provides an opportunity for parents to spend more quality time with their children and build a deeper connection. They can observe their child’s learning process firsthand. This strengthened bond can contribute to a more supportive and nurturing learning environment.
Exploration of Interests and Passions: Homeschooling allows children to pursue their interests and passions in greater depth. They can spend more time on subjects they find fascinating, participate in extracurricular activities that align with their hobbies, and explore their creative potential without the constraints of a traditional school schedule.
Reduced Exposure to Negative Influences: Homeschooling can shield children from some of the negative influences that can arise in a traditional school setting, such as bullying, peer pressure, and exposure to inappropriate content. Parents can create a safe and supportive learning environment that aligns with their values and beliefs.
Accommodating Special Needs: Homeschooling can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs or learning disabilities. Parents can tailor the curriculum and teaching methods to their child’s unique needs, providing individualised support and ensuring that their child is not left behind or overwhelmed.
Real-World Learning Opportunities: Homeschooling allows for hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to real-world applications. Children can participate in field trips, engage in community service projects, and take on internships or apprenticeships (depending on their age), gaining practical skills and a deeper understanding of the real world.
Developing Independence and Self-Discipline: Homeschooling can foster a sense of independence and self-discipline in children. They learn to manage their time, take responsibility for their learning, and work independently. These skills can be invaluable in their future academic and workplace environments.
Diversification of Learning Environments: Homeschooling can incorporate a variety of learning environments, including the home, libraries, museums, art galleries, and community centres. This exposure to different settings can broaden children’s perspectives, enhance their learning experiences, and inspire them to become lifelong learners.
It is important to note that homeschooling is not without its challenges. There are certainly some disadvantages. Parents must be prepared to commit significant time and effort to providing their children with a quality education. They may also need to seek additional resources or support to address specific subjects or learning needs. Finally, there is the important need for the homeschooled child to engage with other children their own age – in clubs and sports teams.
However, for families who are willing to invest the effort and dedication, homeschooling can offer a rewarding and enriching educational experience for their children.
Bob McCoskrie is the National Director of Family First New Zealand, he has a Masters of Commerce with Honours from the University of Auckland and a Diploma of Teaching from the Auckland College of Education. He posts regularly on McBlog - Where this article was sourced.
To top things off, there’s been the much talked about Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in our schools – a programme which indoctrinates kids in extreme sexuality and gender ideology.
It’s no wonder that many are turning to homeschooling.
Put simply, homeschooling is full time education out of the traditional school classroom. It is often done at home but is also done within the community.
Homeschooling is an educational approach where parents or guardians take on the primary responsibility for educating their children at home. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, with families citing a variety of reasons for choosing this alternative to traditional schooling. Here are some of the potential benefits of homeschooling:
Control over the child’s eduction – free from the influence of the state: Controversial and highly questionable topics, such as sexuality and gender ideology, can be ignored all together. More time can be given to numeracy, literacy, arts, STEM subjects etc.
One-on-one teaching: There’s no crowded classrooms, as the homeschooled child gets undivided attention. One-on-one teaching allows the child to receive individual attention which is not possible in traditional classrooms, where the child often has to share the classroom with many other students, all of whom have diverse needs. Homeschooled children can ask questions without interruption, receive more comprehensive explanations, and feel confident in expressing themselves. This also allows for the teaching method to be tailored to the student’s unique learning style, so that they may understand concepts more easily.
Personalised Learning: Homeschooling allows for a highly customised education experience tailored to each child’s individual needs, learning styles, and interests. Parents can adjust the pace of instruction, provide more in-depth explanations, and explore topics that rouse their child’s curiosity.
Flexible Curriculum and Schedule: Homeschooling offers flexibility in both the curriculum and the daily schedule. Parents can choose from a wide range of educational resources and methodologies, including traditional textbooks, online courses, and hands-on activities. They can also structure the school day around the family and their child’s learning preferences, allowing for breaks when needed and extended focus when possible.
Stronger Parent-Child Relationships: Homeschooling provides an opportunity for parents to spend more quality time with their children and build a deeper connection. They can observe their child’s learning process firsthand. This strengthened bond can contribute to a more supportive and nurturing learning environment.
Exploration of Interests and Passions: Homeschooling allows children to pursue their interests and passions in greater depth. They can spend more time on subjects they find fascinating, participate in extracurricular activities that align with their hobbies, and explore their creative potential without the constraints of a traditional school schedule.
Reduced Exposure to Negative Influences: Homeschooling can shield children from some of the negative influences that can arise in a traditional school setting, such as bullying, peer pressure, and exposure to inappropriate content. Parents can create a safe and supportive learning environment that aligns with their values and beliefs.
Accommodating Special Needs: Homeschooling can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs or learning disabilities. Parents can tailor the curriculum and teaching methods to their child’s unique needs, providing individualised support and ensuring that their child is not left behind or overwhelmed.
Real-World Learning Opportunities: Homeschooling allows for hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to real-world applications. Children can participate in field trips, engage in community service projects, and take on internships or apprenticeships (depending on their age), gaining practical skills and a deeper understanding of the real world.
Developing Independence and Self-Discipline: Homeschooling can foster a sense of independence and self-discipline in children. They learn to manage their time, take responsibility for their learning, and work independently. These skills can be invaluable in their future academic and workplace environments.
Diversification of Learning Environments: Homeschooling can incorporate a variety of learning environments, including the home, libraries, museums, art galleries, and community centres. This exposure to different settings can broaden children’s perspectives, enhance their learning experiences, and inspire them to become lifelong learners.
It is important to note that homeschooling is not without its challenges. There are certainly some disadvantages. Parents must be prepared to commit significant time and effort to providing their children with a quality education. They may also need to seek additional resources or support to address specific subjects or learning needs. Finally, there is the important need for the homeschooled child to engage with other children their own age – in clubs and sports teams.
However, for families who are willing to invest the effort and dedication, homeschooling can offer a rewarding and enriching educational experience for their children.
Bob McCoskrie is the National Director of Family First New Zealand, he has a Masters of Commerce with Honours from the University of Auckland and a Diploma of Teaching from the Auckland College of Education. He posts regularly on McBlog - Where this article was sourced.
8 comments:
There is no legal requirement that parents cover the official curriculum when home-schooling. This is a problem for me as it means that equality of opportunity is compromised. If the curriculum sux, take action (political and legal) to change it. But in my view the duty of care of the State to its younger members includes ensuring that all children are taught a common curriculum at the lower levels of schooling.
Sorry Barend your thoughts are that of someone who has been throughly indoctrinated by the state. We have been homeschooling for the last 17 years, 3 have finished and are doing apprenticeships in various trades, the 4th is working 20 hours a week on top of his schooling, we know literally hundreds of home schooled children and I can't recall one who's "equality of opportunity has been compromised" if any thing they are streets ahead.
Barend Vlaardingerbroek said...
There is no legal requirement that parents cover the official curriculum when home-schooling.
In order to home school, you have to prove to the MOE that you can provide a level of education equal to what is provided in public schools, generally culminating in them sitting NCEA qualifications. Once approved you can throw that out the window as there is zero follow up.
The NCEA curriculum is woke & worthless & I spent 3 months initially correcting the falsehoods & most importantly the "lies by omission" in subjects like NZ history as the revisionist history taught now is clearly aligned to an agenda that many if not most of the people in NZ disavow. After taking out the trash, she focused on the Trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric), Applied Maths (no algebra or calculus) & the Language Arts & a strong emphasis on Critical Thinking & Research skills ( a journalism course on Udemy initially filled that requirement including an understanding of subjective/objective reasoning, followed by certificate courses online from various international Universities). She has the skills now to choose her own curriculum & this year has completed numerous Open University courses (Coursera) & Udemy courses on topics including History, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology & Climate Science as well as Art & Music. Next year she will be studying for & obtaining a GED. She is well read & articulate & capable of spotting BS a mile away. What % of public schooled kids can claim the same ?
Ewoud, I'm glad for your kids that they have such supportive parents, but there are certain to be parents who choose homeschooling for all the wrong reasons - such as keeping them ignorant of the 'real world' - and whose kids' life prospects suffer as a result.
Hazel, I took the matter up with the Ministry and was authoritatively told that the official curriculum need not be followed and, more importantly, that there was no legal obligation for homeschooling parents to enable their kids to enter for officially recognise qualifications such as the NCEA or Cambridge or the UB.
I maintain that the State ought to ensure that all children and adolescents are exposed to a school education that follows a common core curriculum. The fact that there is a lot wrong with that curriculum is a separate issue which does not detract from this aspect of the State's duty of care.
The State's duty of care fizzed badly at Gloriavale. The education authorities gave it a huge fail and said we'll come back next year (to see how much more they're failing, possibly.)
We know who is failing our students. Why can't all the educators who can discuss the failings and problems and want better education in NZ make something better happen?
MC
Given Maori nonsense, vaccination mandates and lack of education/ promotion of irrelevancies in schools I would be home schooling if faced with it now.
Sorry Barend, but we will have to agree to disagree on this one. I am a firm believer that it is the parents role to educate their children & most definitely not some kind of Nanny State. Yes, a common core would be required in order to formalise a type of National High School graduation Diploma, but this can be worked out by a National PTA & each school should be free to teach the curriculum in their own way as agreed upon by the PTA of the individual schools. The costs would be kept to a minimum & the power would be retained at the grass roots level. An over preponderance of idiotic rules & regulations is what has ruined the Western world, hence my distaste of big govt.
Much of what is 'taught" at particularly primary school is so destructive. Here I am discussing the pedagogy as well as content.Whole Language guessing of words and multiple strategies for doing basic arithmetic, no learning of tables , no regular written work that is marked and corrected by the child, no handwriting, no systematic spelling, no comprehension exercises, endless pointless project work and group work, no building up of vocabulary or general knowledge.....
All this is the product of entrenched Progressive education which the Min of Ed is completely submersed in. You won't change them. They believe they are so right. Social engineering rather than basic education is the ideology's tenet.
Any effort at home could not be worse.
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