Education Without School

When it comes to history, often our memories stretch only a short distance toward past events. We assume this is the only time that a pandemic affected children’s education. This isn’t our first time, nor will it be the last. Truthfully, over centuries, education has evolved and should continue to do so for the sake of our children. Since 3000 B.C., our species has survived at least 20 terrible epidemics and pandemics and countless less severe ones. These plagues ravaged civilizations and altered the course of humanity. Pandemics are global outbreaks of disease that can affect millions of people. The most well known of such plaques is the Black Death. Also known as the bubonic plague, it occurred during the 14th century. It is believed to have originated in China and spread along trade routes, eventually reaching Europe in the 1340s. The most heavily impacted countries were those in Europe, particularly Italy and Spain, but the disease also spread to other parts of Asia, Africa, and th...

  Albert Einstein: famous physicist and Nobel laureate Benjamin Franklin: one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a polymath. Thomas Edison: inventor and businessman who developed many important inventions, including the light bulb. Isaac Newton: mathematician and scientist who developed the theory of gravitation. Tim Ferriss: entrepreneur, author, and podcast host. Agatha Christie: famous mystery novelist. Charles Darwin: naturalist and biologist known for his theories of evolution. Lewis Carroll: author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: composer and musician. William Shakespeare: playwright and poet.

  The history of home education in America dates back to the colonial era, when parents often taught their children at home due to the lack of formal schools in many areas. However, the practice of home schooling, as we know it today, did not become widespread until the latter half of the 20th century. During the colonial period, many families lived in rural areas where no schools existed. In these cases, parents had no other choice than teaching children themselves, or, if wealthy enough, hire a tutor to teach them. This was a common practice among the upper and middle classes, who could afford it. The first known instance of homeschooling in America occurred in the early 1600s, when Puritan settlers in New England began educating at home. At the time, these settlers believed that education was a religious duty, and that children should be taught to read the Bible and understand religious doctrine. This emphasis on religious education continued throughout the colonial period, with...

  © Personalized learning: Home education allows for a personalized education plan that is tailored to the individual needs, abilities, and interests of the child. This can lead to a more engaging and effective learning experience. Flexibility: Homeschooling offers flexibility in terms of both scheduling and curriculum. This can be beneficial for children who have unique learning styles or who may not thrive in a traditional classroom setting. Academic freedom: In a homeschooling environment, parents are able to choose the educational materials and resources that they believe will be most effective for their child. This can allow for a broader and more diverse educational experience. Increased family time: Homeschooling can allow for increased family time, as parents and children can spend more time together. This can be especially beneficial for families with a busy schedule or for those who value spending time together as a family. Improved socialization: Homeschooled children ha...

  What does it mean to get an education, and does it require sitting in a classroom? I didn’t attend a traditional public school past the 5th grade. Despite the negative perception many have about home-educated individuals, I’m not sheltered and unable to function in society. In fact, I’ve worked professionally in educational assessment supervising projects for the last 11 years. So, how did someone who stopped going to school at 10 years old graduate from college and end up with a job in the academic testing field? I believe in learning and how it benefits children, but public schools are not always a perfect fit for everyone. Some kids will do well, and some won’t. I recognize that parents and families need educational options. So why was I homeschooled? My world revolved around competitive figure skating. Every day I would spend an average of 2–5 hours on the ice. And like many lower income kids, I needed to get a job to help my family, and so I could afford expensive ice time a...