Just saw a programme about homeschooling in Singapore. I find the programme biased against homeschooling, with educationists, school principal and even students talking about the merits of mainstream education. The home-schooling concept is still very new here, with only 25 and 30 applications submitted for exemption from the mainstream schools in the year 2003, 2004 respectively.

Before the baby arrived, James already mentioned that he is considering home-schooling the kid in future. Actually we were quite clueless about home-schooling. I objected violently. Why? I am a trained teacher and always believes in the benefits of children going to school, to learn, to play, to socialise. Isn’t it ironical that a school teacher home-schools her kid? Anyway, I try to be open minded and plan to do some research on this issue. We have plenty of time to decide.

Like most people (and the experts who advocate mainstream education), I am doubtful of its benefits and questions its feasibility, for eg:
1. aren’t the kids loosing the chance to interact with other children, thus lacking social skills?
2. who are the lonely home-schoolers going to play with?
3. with no competition, will they become lazy and unmotivated?
4. no school means no CCA, where are they going to participate in group activities?
5. how am I going to implement homeschooling?
6. how do I go about assessing the kid’s progress. who do I benchmarking his results with?
7. am I capable of the job?
and the list goes on and on.

The impression of children benefiting from going to school is deeply rooted into my mind, so much so that I believe home-schoolers will be deprived of all the fun and enjoyment the school goers receive. I need to change my mindset. I shouldn’t revolve a child’s life just around the school, there is a whole big world outside that renders much more then the school could offer. Then it begins to appear fun too, designing activities and preparing lessons that are enjoyable, without fearing not being able to finish the syllabus on time. I even picture myself teaching the languages and humanities while James tackles the mathematics and sciences. I am slowly conditioning my mind to go for it. But who knows, the child might prefers school, and I still think school is a fun place to be in. The fond memories of my school days lingers on.