Writing entries for this blog has taught me something. I'd rather be doing than writing. So I appeal to anyone who might pause to read this post to help me answer a feasibility question. My wife and I have been discussing opening a publicly-funded charter school organized on a home-school model. Here's the pitch:
We believe that many of the students in the middle years of schooling (grades 4-8) are not succeeding because they need a different kind of environment. Our intention is to provide the warm personal attention, hands-on activities, and flexibility of schedule that home-school parents can provide; but also adhere to the curriculum, testing, and legal requirements that govern public schools. Two certified teachers with a maximum of twenty students meeting in a leased home: in essence, a home-school surrogate for parents whose schedule or expertise prevents them from doing it themselves.
What do you think? I look forward to your comments or questions!
Origin of the name, Kelderek Zenzuata
Excerpts from Shardik by Richard Adams:
“Is this man a half-wit? Asked Bel-ka-Trazet, turning to Zelda.
“Why, my lord,” replied Zelda, “I know little of him, but I believe he is known for something of a simple fellow. They laugh at him---he plays with the children---“
“He does what?”
“He plays with children, my lord, on the shore.”
“What else?”
“Otherwise he is solitary, as hunters often are. He lives alone and harms no one, as far as I know. His father had hunter’s rights to come and go and he has been allowed to inherit them. If you wish, we can send to find out more.”…
“Well, Kelderek,” said the High Baron, pronouncing his name with a slight emphasis that somehow conveyed contempt, “while you have been filling your belly, I have learned as much as there is to be known about a man like you---all, that is, but what you are going to tell me now, Kelderek Zenzuata. Do you know they call you that?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Kelderek Play-with-the-Children. A solitary young man, with no taste for taverns, it seems, and an unnatural indifference toward girls, but known nevertheless for a skillful hunter who often brings in game and rarities for the factors trading with Gelt and Bekla.”…
“Why do you play with the children? A young man unmarried---what sort of nonsense is that?”
Kelderek considered.
“Children often need friends,” he said, “Some of the children I play with are unhappy. Some have been left with no parents---their parents have deserted them---“
He broke off in confusion, meeting the gaze of Bel-ka-Trazet’s distorted eye over the ridge. After some minutes he muttered, “The flames of God---“
“What? What did you say?”
“The flames of God, my lord. Children---their eyes and ears are still open---they speak the truth---"
lyrics for Teach Your Children
You who are on the road
Must have a code that you can live by
And so become yourself
Because the past is just a good bye.
Teach your children well,
Their father's hell did slowly go by,
And feed them on your dreams
The one they picked, the one you'll know by.
Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you would cry,
So just look at them and sigh and know they love you.
And you, of tender years,
Can't know the fears that your elders grew by,
And so please help them with your youth,
They seek the truth before they can die.
Teach your parents well,
Their children's hell will slowly go by,
And feed them on your dreams
The one they picked, the one you'll know by.
Don't you ever ask them why, if they told you, you would cry,
So just look at them and sigh and know they love you.
sung by Crosby, Stills & Nash
4 comments:
Wow, interesting! There's a big (huge) thread on Ravelry about homeschooling and I'm going to post about this there - I hope that will generate a lot of thoughtful responses!
Interesting indeed. It would suit my 8yo son to be in a situation like that - he is not being well served in public school at the moment and I am debating homeschooling him. I'd like to, hubby not so keen and the issue doesn't arise with our younger kids whco are happy in school.
I am actually setting up a very similar educational setting here in CT. My grades are mixed, and we will do 3 days of book work, and 1 day of outside learning, ie field trips, library use, bowling or playing eduational games on site.
Good for people to know.
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