Sarah Bringhurst
The recent viewpoint article, “More to school than classes” made a reasonable, if obvious observation that education should include “social skills, well-roundedness and diversity.”
However, the assertion that home-schooling does not provide these is unfounded. In reality, home-schooling can provide many opportunities for socialization, development of creativity and real-life experiences. I have been home-schooled all my life, and am now enjoying my first “school” experience here at BYU.
Home-schooling is much more than just reading texbooks and memorizing. In fact, it gave me many unique opportunities that would not have been available to me if I had chosen to go to school. Home-schooling allowed me to study what I was interested in, as in-depth as I wanted to, at my own pace, without having to stay with a class. I helped teach my younger siblings how to read and play the piano, did a lot of creative writing and visited rest homes as the accompanist of a local opera singer.
Some aspects of socialization did pass me by; I didn’t live with peer pressure, cliques or gangs. Instead, I focused on positive involvement in Seminary, 4-H, an a capella Renaissance choir and science, geography, literary and debate clubs with other home-schoolers.
Home-schooling is an educational choice which allows us to learn in the way that is best for us. It should be accepted, not as a radical replacement for public schools, but as a personal alternative for those who wish to take a more active role in their own education.
