Uncharted Territory: Jessie
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Main Notes
- The author, Jessie Wise, began homeschooling her three children in 1973, despite initial fears and doubts.
- Wise's early teaching of reading to her children led to academic misfit issues in traditional school settings.
- A psychologist recommended homeschooling due to the children's advanced reading levels and boredom in school.
- Wise's homeschooling method unknowingly followed the classical education pattern called the trivium.
- The trivium consists of three stages: memorization of facts, logical organization of knowledge, and development of self-expression skills.
- Wise's children excelled academically and professionally, debunking her initial worries about homeschooling.
- The author argues that traditional schools have abandoned the trivium method, leading to a decline in educational quality.
- Wise believes that any dedicated parent can provide a classical education at home, even without prior experience in all subjects.
- The author emphasizes the importance of one-on-one attention and tailored education to a child's needs and interests.
- Homeschooling, according to Wise, teaches children to learn independently and continue self-education into adulthood.
Cue Column
- How did the author's teaching background both help and hinder her initial approach to homeschooling?
- What challenges did the author's children face in traditional school settings due to their advanced skills?
- How does the trivium method differ from contemporary educational approaches?
- What evidence does the author provide to support the effectiveness of her homeschooling method?
- How does the author address common concerns about homeschooling, such as socialization?
- What role does memorization play in the classical education approach, and why is it important?
- How does homeschooling facilitate the development of independent learning skills?
- What are the key components of a classical education as described by the author?
Summary
This chapter recounts Jessie Wise's personal journey into homeschooling her three children in 1973. Despite being a certified teacher, Wise initially doubted her ability to educate her children at home. Her decision to homeschool was prompted by the negative experiences her children had in traditional school settings, where their advanced reading skills led to social and academic difficulties. Wise's approach, which she later discovered aligned with the classical education model known as the trivium, focused on early reading, memorization of facts, logical organization of knowledge, and development of self-expression skills.
The author argues that this classical approach to education, which has largely disappeared from public schools, was instrumental in her children's academic and professional success. She critiques the current educational system for abandoning these methods and relying on what she terms 'educational capital' – the remnants of classical education that are gradually being depleted. Wise contends that the trivium method, with its emphasis on memorization, logical thinking, and clear expression, provides children with the tools to become independent learners.
Throughout the chapter, Wise addresses common concerns about homeschooling, such as socialization and parental qualifications. She asserts that any dedicated parent can provide a classical education at home, even without expertise in all subjects. The author emphasizes the benefits of one-on-one attention and the ability to tailor education to a child's individual needs and interests. Ultimately, Wise presents homeschooling as a viable and effective alternative to traditional schooling, capable of producing well-educated, independent learners who continue to educate themselves throughout their lives.
Action Items
Consider teaching your child to read before they start formal schooling, using phonics-based methods.
Establish a structured reading program for your children:
- Visit the library regularly
- Encourage reading across various genres (science, history, art/music appreciation, practical skills, biography/autobiography, classic novels, poetry)
- Allow children to choose books within these categories
Implement memorization exercises for foundational knowledge:
- Multiplication tables
- Grammar rules (e.g., lists of linking verbs)
- Historical dates and figures
- Latin declensions (if applicable)
Teach children to organize knowledge logically:
- Create and maintain science notebooks
- Develop historical timelines
- Practice diagramming sentences
- Learn to structure paragraphs, essays, and research papers
Incorporate hands-on learning experiences, such as science experiments or dissections.
Encourage children to develop their own interests and pursue them in-depth (e.g., programming, creative writing, foreign languages, art, music).
Gradually transition from direct teaching to supervising and discussing content as children mature, fostering self-directed learning.
Consider supplementing your child's education at home, even if they attend traditional school, to address any gaps in their learning.
Evaluate your child's social needs and consider alternatives to large peer groups if necessary.
Explore resources and support groups for homeschooling or supplemental education to assist in implementing a classical education approach.