What is this “thing” called Home Education?

By A Daddy

Based on some recent discussions I was involved in, I believe it might be useful to have a fresh look at “Home Education”.

So, in this article we’ll have a quick glance at its definition in terms of the Schools Act which reads as follows:

“The learner receiving education at the learner’s own home.”

Not a bad definition. Incomplete, but not bad!

So let’s analyse it a bit by asking some questions! (I’ll give very short, introductory answers to these questions.)

Question 1 - What is a learner?
(This is a fairly easy question. The answer is also not difficult.)
A learner is someone who learns!

Question 2 – If there is a learner, does that imply a teacher?
Probably, yes. However, the teacher does not necessarily have to be a physical person.

Question 3 – What is then the role of the teacher?
(This is another fairly easy question, but the answer could be complicated, because the role of a teacher is not to teach.)
The role of the teacher is to ensure that learning takes place, (i.e. not to deliver content).

Question 4 – What is education?
The Latin word being EDUCARE means “leading out” or “leading forth”
In short this means – Do not try to put in that which was left out, rather get out that which was put in!

Question 5 – Does a learner/teacher need a curriculum?
Absolutely, yes!

Question 6 – What is a curriculum?
A curriculum is a course of action, (i.e. not a set of books).

Needless to say a course of action is only important if you know where you’re going. If you do not know where you’re going any road will take you there.

Question 7 – Where does training fit in, or do we only educate our kids?
We should train up a child in the way he should go. That follows that training is crucial. (More on this in a later article.)

Question 8 - What is a home? (Do not confuse it with a house.)
A home is a place where you feel safe, where there is a wonderful AROMA, where one receives one’s heritage. A place where every individual has found and fulfils his/her role. (More on this in a later article as well.)

Enough for now.

If you are interested in attending a workshop where we will have a fresh look at this and many more aspects of home education, please call and you can attend one of my workshops.
In the workshops we discuss and think about many issues which parents face on a day to day basis. These issues include legal aspects, socialization, sport, academics, making sure you have a balance. How do we stay relevant in the world we live in? Overview of the educational environment in SA. Reasons to home school. The primary needs of kids and developing the whole person. What to teach and what to avoid. Introduction to learning styles and thinking preferences. Different purchased curriculum and how to approach it. And much, much more …

If you would like to contact Niell (aka A Daddy) please leave a comment and we will get back to you...