Secular and Faith-based Education
This has been such a hot topic lately, I felt it was worth digging into. In a world that has been pitting us against each other at every turn, it saddens me that this is another divisive issue. If you noticed I titled this post as secular AND faith-based instead of secular VS faith-based. That’s because we are supposed to be on the same team. We are home educators doing what we believe is best for OUR children.
What’s the difference?
Secular Education – Will not have any religious teachings or themes, but this doesn’t always mean Godless in their life and home. I think it’s a common misconception to assume using a secular curriculum means that family doesn’t believe in faith. For some, teaching religion is a separate part of their life and is taught through other methods and experiences and is not integrated into subjects like math and science.
Faith-based Education – Will teach with religion in mind. They will introduce passages from their faith-based texts and incorporate that into all subjects and aspects of learning.
I don’t know about you, but I get excited when I meet a new homeschooler. It is fascinating to hear all the different reasons they chose this path. What works for them, what doesn’t. It has made me a better homeschool mom to listen with curiosity instead of judgment.
Maintaining your convictions
I can understand having an organization or co – op that focuses on one particular way. That is your right and your choice to choose to be a part of something that only teaches your values and morals. I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about the guilt and shame some homeschoolers are putting out. I have been speaking to many parents who are feeling abandoned from both sides, like outcasts, feeling like they don’t quite know where they fit in. Feeling like they are being ostracized for having a different educational view.
I just don’t believe forcing your way of teaching is very productive. It kind of feels like that is going against the beauty of homeschooling.
The numbers for homeschooling are growing exponentially. Parents are looking for a better way. The last thing I would ever want is for a parent to feel like a person without a country.
So please, the next time you meet another homeschooler who is doing it differently than you, maybe practice some empathy. So many feel like they are drowning already, your judgment isn’t helpful. Unless you have a life raft to offer, maybe just paddle one’s own canoe… instead of poking holes in someone else’s. Practice kindness, be eager to listen and believe with your heart, that all of us really are just trying to do our best.
