Miseducation

What is education? According to the book A Thomas Jefferson Education, education is classics, discussions, projects (application), and writing. Very simple. Right? Yes, but very challenging to do, especially when one starts to mix schooling with education. They are two different things. Unfortunately, many home-schooling families are starting to go down that path of schooling.

The other day the we were very excited about a lunch date with another home-schooling family. After lunch the children went to go have fun, and the mother and I remained at the dining room table to discuss...education. She brought to my attention the book A Thomas Jefferson Education (TJED) by author and founder of the George Wythe College, Oliver Van DeMille. The book is not solely about TJ, but the education that created some of the greatest leaders in history, and of TJ's mentor, George Wythe.

…George Wythe structured Jefferson’s curriculum around these simple items: classics, discussion, projects, writing. Nearly the whole Founding generation did the same, and the further we have moved from this simple formula, the worse our education has become. What we need to improve education is not more curriculum, but better education, and that comes from classics and mentors.”
Oliver Van DeMille, A Thomas Jefferson Education, 2nd Edition, pages 48-49 .

Education is not about how much one is forced to learn in a certain amount of time. Schooling is. Education is for a lifetime. Schooling isn't. Education is teaching your child how to become a leader in their own life, not teaching what and when to think, but for them to know how to think. Schooling creates followers. An educated child will continue to love learning until they are old.

TJED categorizes the three types of education: Conveyor Belt (factory mode, told what to think), Professional (told when to think, and dictates to Conveyor Belt), and Leadership (thinkers). STOP! Don't read any further! Did you take the time to click on the links to read about each type of education? Which type are you? Most are Conveyor Belts (as my sister(friend) would say, "Cattle!"), but it is never too late to be what you might have been. If you have children, you have the opportunity to rewrite the script.

Having a child learn a challenging subject at a very young age means nothing. Nothing, if the child cannot apply it. Nothing if the child cannot discuss it. Nothing if the child cannot understand the history of it. Force feeding information for regurgitation is not education.

One of the most significant differences between Thomas Jefferson Education and other classical styles of education, has to do with the belief that children learn differently at different ages. Thus, there are different phases for learning certain lessons.
Some of the greatest researchers in childhood behavior (Jean Piaget, Erik Erikson, and Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore) agree that children pushed academically at an early age tend to burn out early in adulthood, or long before. Young children do soak up learning like a sponge, but at what cost are children rushed into academic work too soon? A hate of learning is developed when children are forced to perform at a young age and blooms precisely at the time when non-pressured young minds have the potential to be the most curious and inquisitive! And if children of a very young age soak up knowledge so easily, shouldn't they be learning the most important lessons of love, work, and faith during their most formative years, rather than filling their heads with random facts and figures their minds are unable to yet comprehend?
Children normally are not mature enough for formal school programs until their senses, coordination, neurological development, and cognition are ready. Piagetian experiments have shown repeatedly that cognitive maturity may not come until close to age twelve. Interestingly, the ancient Orthodox Jews, known over the world for their brilliance, provided little or no formal schooling until after age twelve for girls and thirteen for boys when children were considered able to accept full responsibility for their actions.
Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore, The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook, page 44 .

TJED categorizes four phases of learning: Core Phase, age 0-8-a child “learns everything without knowing he is learning it, and in doing so passes little from the unconscious to the conscious, treading always in the paths of joy and love.” Maria Montessori . I attended a Montessori school, and at the age of 34 I know that the love of learning came from that experience. I am still in touch with my teacher! You will read this point when you click on Core Phase, but I want to put emphasis on it- The key to a successful Core Phase is constant interaction with the parents. There is no way around this. When I started home-schooling my children, mothers made (even now) this statement, "I don't know how you can stay home with your kids all day. I can't do it." It is so unfortunate when a mother cannot see the beauty and strength of being a mentor, a friend, and a play buddy for her child(ren). I am honored to be a mother and my children and I (and daddy) have so much fun learning, discussing, and just plain having fun. Love of Learning Phase, ages 8-12. Scholar Phase, ages 12-16. Depth Phase. Now it is time to apply, Mission Phase and Impact Phase. I smile wide when reading the mission and impact phases. I always carved out my own path from a youth, my future was always family and helping others. I smile wide because I did not have anything like TJED, it was implanted in my spirit. So, I know that there are many more out there who were submerged in the Conveyor Belt and Professional Education moving forward in their mission and impact phases.

The way that I am educating my daughters was verified during that lunch date. Did I need verification? No, because I am seeing positive fruit. But sometimes when you are standing alone (at least you think), it is good to know that something out there backs you up. Trust your heart, your feelings, and The Most High.

Before finishing this post I want to mention: TJED states that children still need to learn the basic principles of math, however, the concentration needs to be on reading the classics. For example, don't just teach the math concepts, go through the history of math and the great mathematicians. Generate a love for math! Discussions simply isn't talking about what a child reads, it is making connections. For example a classic is being read and an unfamiliar word pops up. Vocabulary time! The child should take the time to fine the definition. Finding that definition may lead to a new discovery. Take the time to explore that discovery. It may take sometime before returning to the initial classic being read. This is why Leadership Education isn't the easiest, it takes time to be educated. Writing. As an adult I use to regret not doing more writing as a youth. No more regrets. It is never too late to be what you might have been. Teach children a love for writing early. TJED states to start them off with something simple, What Did I Do Today, Thank You letters, etc. My warrior princesses love writing and they are always so proud of the finish product. Classics are defined as works that inspire greatness!

Related Links:
The Seven Keys of Great Education
Living Math
Living History
Grace Abounding ("black" classics through grammar)

Marcus Garvey School of Thought
Learning all the time!