HOMESCHOOLING - What is Home Schooling?
Homeschooling is not a modern educational concept but rather the original and traditional form of education practiced by families throughout history. Prior to the establishment of formal schools, children of all ages were educated in the comfort of their homes, with instruction provided by their parents or guardians. This practice was especially common in regions such as Africa, where children received their education through home-based learning before the arrival of foreign missionaries and the establishment of formal schooling systems. A key characteristic of this form of education was its reliance on oral traditions, where knowledge and wisdom were passed down verbally from generation to generation.
TEACHING
Doctrine or teaching as the scripture says is for correcting, training, edifying, and rebuking. 2 Tim.3:16-17
All scripture is inspired by God and is[useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be proficient, and equipped for every good work. We can determine what our children will be tomorrow by what we teach them today.Teaching in parenting is the original and only form of education that has been practiced by all people since creation and before the introduction of formal schools.This form of teaching affected children of all ages in a given home under the supervision of their parents and the community.This passing down of information was done through practical demonstrations of the day-to-day way of life beginning at birth and also through oral teaching and song.
Teaching and Its Biblical Foundation
Teaching, as described in the scriptures, serves multiple purposes including correction, training, edification, and rebuke. As mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the scripture is divinely inspired and is useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. This holistic approach aims to prepare individuals for proficiency in good works. The verse emphasizes the importance of foundational teaching, which shapes the character and actions of children in the future, by stressing that what is taught today determines the character and behavior of children in the coming years.
In the context of parenting, teaching is not only about imparting knowledge but also about imparting values and guiding children in righteousness. The Bible underscores that this form of education, deeply rooted in wisdom, has been practiced by all people from the dawn of creation. It is distinct from formal education systems, which may be informed by a variety of philosophical principles that differ from the original wisdom of God.
The Role of Parents and Community in Teaching
Homeschooling is a family-centered educational approach where parents and the wider community play a crucial role in the education of children. The education of children under this model takes place in the home, where parents supervise and actively engage in the learning process. Instruction is not limited to textbooks or structured classroom settings; it extends to practical, real-life applications and daily experiences that contribute to the child’s overall development. Additionally, oral teaching, songs, and stories were integral methods of passing down knowledge, beginning at birth.
Scriptures such as Deuteronomy 6:4-7 emphasize the importance of parents teaching their children about God’s commandments throughout their everyday lives. The passage encourages parents to teach their children about faith continuously, whether at home or on the go, during daily routines such as lying down or rising up. This holistic approach to teaching ensures that children are not just taught in formal settings but are immersed in learning through all aspects of their daily lives.
Similarly, Deuteronomy 31:19 illustrates how songs were used to teach and pass on essential messages, suggesting that music and oral traditions were effective means of educating future generations. These methods allowed for a sense of unity and shared knowledge across generations, solidifying the community’s values and beliefs.
Advantages of Homeschooling Over Modern Educational Systems
One of the key advantages of homeschooling, particularly when compared to contemporary educational systems, is its ability to preserve and transmit a community’s values and traditions in a focused and undiluted manner. Traditional homeschooling allowed for the efficient passing down of a singular worldview or cultural understanding, as opposed to modern curricula that may present a variety of conflicting ideologies.
The current educational system, with its standardized curricula, often imposes ideas and values that may be contradictory to the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the community. This can result in confusion and the erosion of rich, specific cultural traditions, including those integral to Christian teachings. In contrast, the homeschooling model provided a more cohesive, community-oriented approach to education that maintained cultural integrity, ensuring that children were raised with a strong and unified understanding of their heritage and beliefs.
Deut. 31:19
Now, therefore, write this song, and teach it to the Israelites; put it in their mouths, so that this song may be a witness for me against the Israelites. The advantage of this form of teaching unlike the case of the system of education in our society today is that a particular community’s idea is singularly carried forward more efficiently into the subsequent generation than in a confusion of an amalgamation of contradicting ideas being impressed on a given people at a given time in our generation’s teaching systems that often ends up confusing and diluting rich and solid cultures among many communities including our very own Christian culture.
Conclusion
Homeschooling, with its deep roots in family and community-based education, offers a unique approach to teaching that prioritizes the values and wisdom of the community. Unlike modern educational systems, which may dilute or confuse cultural beliefs, homeschooling ensures that children receive a focused and cohesive education that reflects the traditions and philosophies of their community. This method of teaching, informed by the scriptures and practical, real-life experiences, forms the foundation for a well-rounded, faith-based education that shapes children into responsible, righteous individuals.
For further insights into homeschooling and its spiritual and cultural significance, we invite you to explore our forthcoming book The Vision Family by the Samuels Family Ministry.