Homeschooling and Capitals

It occurred to me today that one of the reasons to homeschool is to be able to answer the "Why do we have to learn this?" question with, "You're absolutely right, we don't."

Take state capitals. Is there anyone who loves memorizing them? Does it actually have a purpose other than proving you know them? I genuinely think there is no reason to know state capitals other than the state you live in, or if you're traveling to another state with the specific purpose of visiting its capital as a stop on the visit. Seriously. The purpose of this memorization is to have something concrete to test. If I ask you, "What's the most important/influential city in California?" .... most people would answer Los Angeles. But arguments could be made for San Francisco, or even San Diego. But Sacramento is an easy right or wrong answer. Which one is more useful for understanding the history of California? Do I want to teach facts or understanding? Do I get a better understanding of Florida by learning about Talahassee or Miami? My own state, the only claim to fame that Olympia actually has is the government and a history of watery beer.

I promise, there are indeed things that will get resistance from the student, and overruled. But the only use for capitals is tests in school, and looking smart on Jeopardy.

Reasons I'm homeschooling

(Also republishing this post)

Through our journey, I NEVER want to get preachy when talking about homeschooling. I NEVER want to state or imply that it's the right answer for everyone. I know that's not the case. I do, however, also feel that for me and my daughter, this is a no-brainer decision. Unlike a lot of people, I don't have "a" reason to homeschool Shannon. I have probably a dozen reasons, each of which are strong, but probably not enough by themselves. Together, however, they make an overwhelming case in my book.

I can list these reasons, in no particular order, each is probably post-worthy broken down. Consider this a "Cliff's Notes" version and preview of posts to come. In no particular order:

1. "Teacher" was always one of my top 3 choices of career growing up
2. I want to nurture in Shannon the "mind hunger" I remember from being little
3. Washington State and this area in particular have a strong homeschooling community
4. I believe school doesn't only happen within 4 walls between 9AM and 3PM
5. I want to KNOW, not just trust, that Shannon's getting encouragement where she excels and help when she needs
6. I've seen both the good and bad of public school teachers, and don't want to trust a lottery to find out which will mold my child
7. I'm inspired by a pair of fabulous teenagers I know who are homeschooled by their dedicated dad
8. Moms & daughters should be close
9. One of my core beliefs has always been that educating the future is society's most important task, failing to follow through myself would make me hypocritical
10. It just "feels right"
11. We're financially able to do it
12. My daughter will be able to follow through on any activity she wants and it can be worked into the day however we want
13. I flatter myself enough to think I'll be good at it
14. My friends flatter me enough to say I'd be good at it
15. "The system" works best for the average student. I don't want Shannon to be average.
16. I want flexibility to pursue subjects as the ideas flow, not merely studying "X" because it's time to study "X"
17. We travel a lot for our hobbies, which would lead to quite a few days missed in a traditional setting

That's enough for an off-the-cuff list.