Where Were the Presidents Born?
Did you know that it wasn't until our 39th president that we elected someone who was born in a hospital? The first 38 presidents were all born at home. As a teenager, I visited the then-new Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, CA, and was amazed to discover he was born in a cabin in the hills not far from the museum/library. Many of the presidents were also educated at home or self-taught.
One of the best ways to learn is to follow an example. In early schools, the students were taught to memorize their books: history was taught by reading the subject matter until the student was able to recite lengthy passages from memory. English was taught by copying sentences and breaking them down into the individual parts of speech. Mathematics were learned by rote and applied in class and at the general store. P.E. was taken care of with the morning chores, walk to school and games at recess.
In the last couple centuries (longer in Europe), school and birth have been removed from the home. No longer are children taught to sit and listen at Father or Mother's knee -they 'learn' in school.. And, learn they do. Just as their ancestors did, by rote and recitation: they learn the morals of the peers, teacher or state, they learn their games, but they don't learn much of the actual work.
Children will be children, teachers will be teachers, and parents must be parents. The very attitude that "it's not my job" can easily be ingrained in the minds and hearts of our children. To affect a situation, there is only one person that you or I can control to bring about change. I can only take control of me. But, my actions, and my attitude can be infectious and bring about change.
Not everyone is able or willing, but I have chosen homebirth and homeschool. Midwifery is choosing me. What is it that moves your heart and life?
One of the best ways to learn is to follow an example. In early schools, the students were taught to memorize their books: history was taught by reading the subject matter until the student was able to recite lengthy passages from memory. English was taught by copying sentences and breaking them down into the individual parts of speech. Mathematics were learned by rote and applied in class and at the general store. P.E. was taken care of with the morning chores, walk to school and games at recess.
In the last couple centuries (longer in Europe), school and birth have been removed from the home. No longer are children taught to sit and listen at Father or Mother's knee -they 'learn' in school.. And, learn they do. Just as their ancestors did, by rote and recitation: they learn the morals of the peers, teacher or state, they learn their games, but they don't learn much of the actual work.
Children will be children, teachers will be teachers, and parents must be parents. The very attitude that "it's not my job" can easily be ingrained in the minds and hearts of our children. To affect a situation, there is only one person that you or I can control to bring about change. I can only take control of me. But, my actions, and my attitude can be infectious and bring about change.
Not everyone is able or willing, but I have chosen homebirth and homeschool. Midwifery is choosing me. What is it that moves your heart and life?
Labels: Homeschool
posted by jennifer. at
5:10 PM
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