John Taylor-Gatto's Seven Lessons

[pooter]

Hi. I was reading a thread on here tonight that mentioned them, and as i hadn't come across them before decided to google, and this is what popped up.

seven lessons

As a former secondary school teacher, i agree with him about so many things - it makes me even more sure i dont want to go back to teaching. If i dont think school is good enough for my child, how can i help subject other people's children to it?

When i was teaching, i truly cared about my students and spent a ridiculous amount of time making up games/songs/anything fun for them to do in the name of biology - but there was no time for real talking.

In the sex ed lessons i gave, we always had so many questions and so much to talk about, but the bloody bell would go, and next week i would have to start on pollination or something of that ilk. I had so many students that shamefully i couldnt remember all their names - something i still feel bad about.

My DS is only 21mo so is too small to be officially 'home schooled'. I veer from looking forward to all our trips out and projects and having fun i anticipate (just a continuation of life now i suppose, with a little more talking and fewer weird grunting noises (him not me!)) and then thinking - but i want some time to myself - wouldnt it be easier if he went to school. Then i read a couple of threads in this topic, or pick up 'Free Range Kids' or stumble upon something else by chance, and all of that selfish whining disappears. I want my son to be able to express himself, to have unshakable self esteem, to be able to pursue his own interests and not be moulded into a convenient shape to be a compliant part of an institution.

Rant over. Ignore at will. And thanks everyone - i may not post often, but i read a lot and find it incredibly helpful

[Runnerbean]

I'm always really interested to hear the first hand view of teachers pooter, so thanks for that.
I'm amazed actually just how many HE'rs are or were teachers.

[Runnerbean]

Just read your link pooter,

"You come to know your place". Gatto

This is what struck me when I helped out in my dd's class (before HE), they all sat on tables according to ability, so everyone knew who was on the 'top' table and of course who was on the 'bottom'! What does this do to the self esteem of a 6 yr old?

[needmorecoffee]

every one should read Gatto's book 'Dumbing us Down'

[CountryPumpkin]

I get you 100%, pooter. Gatto's "Dumbing Us Down" is one of my favourite home ed reads. Unfortunately, DS is currently in school (part-time), and even at age four, I see all Gatto's Seven Lessons being borne out and I hate it. But like you, I wonder if - just him and me - I'd go crazy home edding, and I do thrive on having regular time to myself. And I need to work. And - just this week - an opportunity has come my way, work-/creativity-wise, that I never expected and am very excited about. Could I pursue this while attempting to HE? Argh. It's a tough decision. The fence is an uncomfy, wobbly place to be sitting on. I may yet hoik him out of school at least until next year, as he hasn't settled that well. We'll see. Good luck. You're clearly passionate, and that will go a looong way with home edding your DS. Also interesting that you're a teacher.