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October 12, 2004
Why should Catholics try to homeschool?
Let me preface this article by noting that it is not feasible for all families to homeschool. I understand the difficulties inherent in taking on a task like this. Here I am simply presenting the reasons why a Catholic family should consider homeschooling.
The Church clearly notes in the Catechism that parents are responsible for their children’s “moral education and spiritual formation.” This responsibility is so intertwined with the family “that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute” to the parents involvement (CCC 2221). Everyone agrees that parents are responsible for the education of their children, but why should you consider homeschooling?
I think the best answer lies in understanding how homeschooling is different than public or even private schooling. In a homeschool environment, a child is taught by the teachers God gave him/her and who know the child best. A child also receives an education that is filled with Catholicism. This is somewhat dependent on the books used, but it is recommended that you use Catholic books in a homeschooling environment. This means that English lessons include stories from the Bible and about Saints – would this happen in a public school? History lessons are infused with faithful men and women and how their beliefs shaped their thoughts – in public schools, in particular, the religious beliefs of historical figures are often ignored, even if these beliefs are what compelled them to achieve their goals. A child learns faith while learning the three R’s.
By immersing your child in an environment filled with Catholic Truth, you begin to develop a culture of faith within your home. This “Catholic culture” helps to insure your children won’t stray from the Church when they get older. In addition, children learn that their Catholic beliefs should inform every decision they make; in other words, you set an example that shows the child how important Catholicism is for your family.
On a purely secular level, homeschooled children typically outperform their public or private schooled peers. This is the benefit of a one-to-one (or few-to-one) teaching environment, where peer pressure is removed from the learning environment. I often hear the suggestion that kids need to learn socialization skills in the classroom. However, studies repeatedly show that socialization skills are only learned in the home. Kids learn these skills by watching how you and your spouse interact with each other and the world. Having said that, there are numerous groups such as T.O.R.C.H., which provide the ability for a Catholic homeschooler to interact with peers. These groups are Catholic-oriented, so you know your child will be interacting with other children who take their faith seriously.
Parents are often concerned about homeschooling children. I've heard "what if I mess up" and many other worries. I recommend parents look into the homeschooling options available, which will provide a lot of guidance and help, so you don't have to worry. In particular, Seton Home Study School and similar programs will even grade your child's work and measure their progress. This is the perfect way to take small steps into homeschooling.
In the modern world, secularism and materialism are rampant. A key part of educating a child includes protecting them from these evils as much as possible. By choosing homeschooling, you can help better prepare your child spiritually for a post-Christian world.
Posted by HolyFamily at October 12, 2004 05:26 PM
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Comments
I can agree with some of this. However, I attend a private Catholic school, and I believe that if I homeschooled, I would not be recieving the same experience. I have had many different teachers who share different areas of expertise, and, through this, I have grown more in faith than I could have with one person. Also, I am educated by those who chose an area to be educated specifically in so that they could teach me. At my school, I also attend Mass twice a week, which may not happen if I am homeschooled. It also makes me feel stronger to interact with other students and to model some as how I should be more as a Catholic.
Posted by: Chris at March 4, 2006 12:22 AM
Hello. I just read the above article, "Why should Catholics try to homeschool?" I was not homeschooled, but have long realized the logic behind homeschooling, and would hope to be able to homeschool any children I might have someday. Whenever I mention this to one of the many anti-homeschooling people around, they are quick to respond with the commonly circulated notion that public schools are critical to a child's social development. My natural response has always been that children in school are discouraged from interacting socially in the classroom most of the time, because their peers constantly distract them from focusing on their work. The classroom is not the place for playing, but for studying. There is plenty of time after school for them to interact and develop their social skills. Without the constant distraction they are subject to in a public school classroom with about 30 other children, I suspect students grow up to be better studiers. As long as the homeschooling parents make sure to incorporate enough play time with other children into their schedule, they will also develop well socially. I just thought I would mention this to you, only because it is a point of view I have not heard anyone else express. Perhaps it will be helpful. -Christina
Posted by: Christina Jawidzik at February 17, 2007 09:02 PM
