When I was getting ready to embrace the ‘rat race ‘of the Western civilization again, after 3 years had elapsed since giving birth and my daughter was now ‘ready for school’, according to the contemporary way of thinking. I decided to go knock on some school doors in order to see where my daughter would receive the mental, physical and emotional stimulation she requires (and rightfully deserves as a human being), as well as where we would get the exchange for the amount of money we would be spending on these people for educating our child.

I went to two preprimary schools which were closest to us, both were following the CAPS curriculum. When we arrived there, it all seemed very attractive with colorful paintings of Disney animals, talking and dancing and a play area that could pass as a mini Disney world. There were plenty of kids running around like a bunch of little monkeys, with loads of snotty noses on the loose.

After the completion of the tour, on both occasions, I went to sit with the head of the school in an office to discuss exactly what they would be teaching my child and what food my child would be receiving etc. Basically, to discuss all the important matters which would inevitably contribute to my child’s physical well-being and educational growth.

To my surprise, both schools, were teaching the children of 3 (toddler stage), what my child had learned already a year or two before.

 

Only, they would teach on a piece of paper, where my child learned it in nature, with firsthand experience. For instance, one of the lessons would be to teach about leaves. Each child would then get a leaf picture to colour in and cut and paste onto a cardboard. That would be the activity for the day.

 

I had to do some comparison here, as I immediately saw red lights for my child. Just the previous year, the two of us went to the park and picked different leaves which we took home. We then felt it, tasted it, smelled it, placed one in a book to dry, painted on one of them, stuck one in a book and drew a picture around it, drew one of our own and painted it and even learned the letter L for ‘leaf’ during the entire process. We had learned about the different seasons at the same time. Not to mention, we got to count every single leaf we took home, which took care of the Math lesson for the day too.

I soon realised that my child, was going to get seriously bored with this situation at preschool. I then requested my daughter be placed in a class, which will provide her with the education/ stimulation that she will need, as she was already able to count up to 20 and knew most of the alphabet at that stage. To my surprise, I was told that she will have to sit through the curriculum and that by law, they are not allowed to accommodate my daughter to receive anything other than what they must teach the children of that age, according to their curriculum.

I was flabbergasted!

It was evident, that such a clause in the law, did not provide for the best interest of my child, by suppressing her gifts and abilities in such a manner.

I have heard of many parents complaining that they have very bright children who are being put on Ritalin because they are being a nuisance at school. Well, I was not going to be rowing THAT boat with my child, just because the law did not provide for my daughter to succeed in her abilities within the school system. The fact is that the school system simply does not provide for fast learning individuals.

I was also very surprised at the menu that was served in these schools and with my health knowledge, I knew instinctively that I was going to have to deal with a regularly sick child if I was to send her to these schools. Something which, now as a mother of a child aged 8 who has never required a drop of antibiotics or even cough medication, would dread!

With my husband always wanting our child to go to school, I remained open-minded and decided to enquire with a private preschool. I was shocked at the fees we were to pay if we had to go this route. Not to mention, after having spoken to some parents who had their children in those schools- the feedback was truly unfavourable and I would never consider any school with such poor reviews.

So, guess what?

We were left no choice, but to home educate our child. In fact, it wasn’t even a choice any longer!

Thankfully, I connected with the homeschooling community from the beginning and never felt lost or alone. I immediately joined social groups, activity groups, resource groups and simple support groups on WhatsApp. Today, we as a family are part of a very supportive community who all embrace and understand the impact and importance of home education. Our children love one another and our children are thriving, social and joyful young people.

Which brings me back to the words of one of the officials, when I joined the Gauteng Joint Liaison Committee (GHEJOLT) meeting last week and I quote her words: “Homeschoolers are performing better than school going children”.

How lovely to hear a government official stating this for once!

If you are still doubting your choice to homeschool. Remember that you are not alone and that there is plenty of support right at your fingertips. No matter in which situation you find yourself.

Feel free to contact us at  and we will happily put you in contact with the homeschooling coordinator in your area.

Happy homeschooling everyone!