Pre-School or Home School……Hmmmmmmm

So the debate over Home Schooling versus Public Schooling (or I guess Private too) has obviously gone on for quite a while. I’m not sure I have a whole lot to add to the debate that hasn’t already been covered extensively by others, but I do have a…shall I say… disturbing observation to share.

Many of you reading this know that I have two daughters, ages 3 and 4 (almost 5) who both attend a Christian Pre-School. This year is the first year for my 3 year old, and the third year for my almost 5 year old.

That said, let me back up and say that one of the main arguments I’ve heard for sending kids to school, versus Home Schooling them is the social aspect. When kids go to school they learn how to interact with their peers, as well as other adults better, hence, they become better adjusted adults, etc., etc., etc….. I know this argument has probably been proven and disproven a thousand different times in a thousand different studies so I’m not going to offer any particular or additional evidence either for or against it.

I would like to share my observations and invite any of you who read this to share your insights and comments below.

After 3 weeks of attending Christian Pre-School for 3 days a week I was listening to my girls play together when I heard the 3 year old say something that I’ve never heard her say before.

“….let’s pretend we’re scaring people…” she told her sister.

Well I took the opportunity to share my rather extensive views on that particular idea with her, which I’m certain she no doubt appreciated.

A day or so later, I was pushing her on a “baby swing” – one with a little tray that snaps on in front of her - and as she was swinging she asked if she could play with two little plastic animals which were on the floor. I handed them to her and kept pushing her while she played with them. A few minutes later I confess I was slightly taken aback when my sweet baby said…

“Daddy look, they’re killing each other…” as she made the cow step on top of the pig – (no that is not a commentary on beef vs. pork).

Well once again I took the opportunity to share my even more extensive views on her choice of activities for the little animals.

So where does all this leave me?

Well, wondering for one thing…. Are the “socialization” skills she’s gaining at her pre-school worth whatever other “skills” she’s gaining there? I’m quite sure she didn’t “learn” these new lessons from her teachers – on the contrary – she undoubtedly picked them up from some of her new classmates. But again, that’s the whole point.

So …… some of you are probably thinking that I’m a little over-paranoid / or over-concerned and that I should get over it. But my question is this – If she’s learning about scaring and killing in the 1st three weeks – what’s next?

And more importantly, as they say – do the benefits out-weigh the risks? So far, I must say, I don’t think so….

Let me know what you think.

God Bless,

LM