I am absolutely delighted to be able to offer one copy of the latest book by online friend and highly respected blogger, author and home educator Ross Mountney.
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| Ross Mountney's latest book A Home Education Notebook |
To be in with a chance to win A Home Education Notebook, published by Birds Nest Books, enter via the rafflecopter widget at the bottom of this post.
Ross has kindly agreed to write a guest post for Downs Side Up for those of you who may be considering teaching your child yourself. Her advice will encourage and inspire as it did when we were looking for information about flexi-schooling Natty. You can read our review of her previous book Who's Not in School here.
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| Author and home educator Ross Mountney |
It’s really lovely to pop back to Hayley’s blog and talk to
you about home education.
We were first in touch when Hayley wanted to know more about
it and take a more flexible learning approach to Natty’s education in respect
of her needs at the time.
Home education offers a wonderful opportunity to address a
child’s particular needs, whatever they may be, because of its incredible
flexibility.
Basically, schooling requires everyone to achieve the same
thing, at the same time, through the same approach, whatever their personality,
their aptitude, or their special needs. As we are all different, this can cause
extreme anxiety, unhappiness and failure in some children who may not be able
to perform to this rigid expectation. Add into that the influence of teasing or
bullying, in some instances, and we have a recipe for misery and consequently
underachievement.
Outside school, the needs of children who are different, who
look different, learn differently, are gifted, or whose personality is such
that they are uncomfortable in a classroom climate, become irrelevant. Children
can learn at their own pace, in their own time, with an approach that suits
their abilities and interests. Home education can be tailored to suit the individual
and this is the best thing about it.
Take for example those children on the autistic spectrum who
are particularly sensitive to noise or disruption, or those who are simply shy
or nervous, or not ready for school and mature later; the classroom can feel a
daunting place.
Through home educating the parents can work on providing a
climate that will enable these children to flourish. And there are many who do
so. Those young people who’ve already graduated are proof that they can fit
into a more mainstream approach very easily when they need too.
It is my belief that children should not be made to feel bad
about themselves, whatever their preferences (perhaps for a quieter
environment), or their abilities (perhaps as learner who excels at a later
date), or disabilities. And whatever their special learning needs they should
not inhibit their chance for achievement. Sadly in a classroom environment,
where teachers are pushed to their limit with all that is required of them,
this is often what happens.
Home educating can make all the difference; particular needs
can be individually catered for through the flexibility it offers. Learners do
not have to follow a specific curriculum, do not have to achieve certain
results within certain time frames, can learn in quiet – or noise, sitting, lying
on the floor, or jiggling about if they need to! There’s a multitude of
approaches to learning which work, once you open your eyes to them. Parents can
find a home education community to support them, to share concerns with, and
information and ideas, outings and activities.
Increasing numbers of parents with children who have special
needs are turning to home education as a workable and successful alternative.
As the community grows, children have ample opportunity to socialise, meet and
share experiences with others, learn in groups, or on outings and generally mix
and muck in with an inclusive and open-minded community. But one that can offer
a more intimate and accommodating opportunity to be different than the one
which is on offer in some schools.
Schools work fine for many children, including some with
special needs. But not for all. Home educating offers a flexible and successful
alternative for those who need it.
Ross Mountney
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As part of Ross Mountney's blog tour, why not pop over to Louise Walters site tomorrow for another insight into A Home Education Notebook.
To be in with a chance of winning one copy of A Home Education Handbook, enter via one or more of the options on the Rafflecopter widget below.
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