Classical Conversations....Conversation 2

Three qualities to a ‘genius’. 

When we say genius, you automatically think of Albert Einstein.  However, a man named Howard McCurdy, studied 20 certifiable geniuses and found the following three areas of commonality:  1. tutoring in a one-on-one fashion often by the parent, 2. restricting peer groups and spending time with adults (often where love abounded) as the major influence on a child’s life, and 3., imaginary or fantasy play.  [Genius Study handout].  Here’s a quote from the original study (found here p. 461) by Harold G. McCurdy: 

 “The present survey of biographical information on a sample of twenty men of genius suggests that the typical development pattern includes these important aspects: (1) a high degree of attention focused upon the child by parents and other adults, expressed in intensive educational measures and usually, abundant love; (2) isolation from other children, especially outside the family; (3) a rich efflorescence of fantasy [i.e. creativity] as a reaction to the preceding conditions.”

AND stated another way from "Lowercase Marcus"

In 1960 , Harold McCurdy directed a study titled “The Childhood Pattern of Genius,” commissioned by the Smithsonian Institute.

The study uncovered a three part recipe for developing high achievement in our kids:

1.  Much time spent with warm, responsive parents and other adults;

2.  Very little time spent with peers; and

3.  A great deal of free exploration under parental guidance.

McCurdy concluded, “The mass education of our public school system is, in its way, a vast experiment on reducing all three factors to a minimum; accordingly, it should tend to suppress the occurrence of genius.”  So, print this paragraph and put it to memory and you shouldn't have any trouble explaining why you homeschool! 

A ‘tutoring program’ like Classical Conversations could limit my children from becoming a ‘genius’, I’m afraid – not that I truly am worried about it anyway - I simply want to develop them to their fullest potential toward their own personal 'genius' status.   Again - MY opinion based upon these factors.  I've done a lot of research....

I don’t totally subscribe to the classical educational method in the first place; I'm definitely eclectic; everyone who knows me knows that....  BUT, being made to feel like I was missing out on something, I did begin investigating this method - doing research; I watched YouTube videos from Classical Conversations' as well as Jay Wile (a personal favorite spokesperson for home education) ideas; I revisited the Moore’s philosophy (Raymond Moore – a pioneer in home education & theory see the following links:  Excellence in Education, The Moore Foundation), and looked at websites (everything from classical approaches to Charlotte Mason & unschooling). I came up with the same conclusions I had when I began home education:  I can do this!  I developed a ‘first love’ and appreciation for my personal homeschooling freedoms.  Not only freedoms my state gives me, but freedoms that say to my inner self...that with God's help...

“I can develop the 'genius' in my child.  I can choose curriculum.  I can limit peer groups.  I can read.  I can love to learn with my children. I can go to the library.  I can go on field trips.  I can be involved with my children’s interests.  I can take a day off.  I can cancel school for a 'sun'day (as opposed to a snow day).  I can take a day (or a week) for a project with the kids.  I can read aloud a book that we love.  I can show a Netflix video.  I can use an online curriculum.  I can use workbooks.  I can wait till tomorrow.  I can order from Sonlight.  I can order from My Father’s World.  I can order from Sonlight and My Father’s World if I choose – or if my kids need me to do so!  I have NO restrictions!  I have freedom......liberty.....”

Jay Wile also implies that views on a school subject are influenced by what the other students feel about that subject; this makes sense.  If the other kids in my class think "History is boring", then that is what I will think too.  This could be a type of peer pressure.  This could work in my favor for sure as the opposite could happen and everyone could be excited about a particular topic. For me, another reason to homeschool (at home):  so my kids can learn without ridicule if they think something is interesting, can ask if they have questions about a topic, have difficulty on a topic and are not ready to forge ahead (which is what public education does), or they just love learning and want to spend a few extra days/weeks on a topic!  We never finish a textbook, but we absorb the material at a pace that is totally pleasing to MY children.  We spend hours looking at books from the library on the topic of choice - and then turn them in late...

I love choices - a lot.  I do not want someone else telling me what and when and how to teach my kids (that’s one of the reasons I homeschool).  (oh, and I've heard CC is just a supplement...) I do not want my kid getting left behind when in a classroom setting or being embarrassed that he/she doesn't know the answer.  I do not want to pay for a tutor when I am capable of learning and then teaching lessons myself.  (My thoughts have always been that the mother is the best teacher.  AND what is a teacher? a person who provides education for pupils...) 

Don’t take offense - Classical Conversations is totally terrific program for giving moms the confidence that they often need to provide the high-quality lessons - especially in high school, perhaps.  I’ve viewed classical home school curriculum portfolios (and a few from the CC program) and have always been impressed!  I don’t dislike it for all home educators or all “home centered” educators; it would just not be for me, personally.  That is why I’m doing a series of blogs on this subject to shed my little light on this approach, and what I’ve learned.  I also feel this type of tutoring program may prey on moms that do not possess the confidence, experience, or are anxious regarding making decisions regarding the daunting task of home education - especially in high school.  Moms may think "I'm not doing enough...." and this program will help me.  But remember, God equips the called!

Moms, you can do this!  There are support groups, socialization opportunities (for you and your kiddos), and enrichment activities out there!  Look up groups in your area on a favorite search engine.  Or start here: Local support groups.  

Disclaimer:  I'm giving my opinion.  Just like my opinion of any other curriuculm choice, say "Math-U-See" or "Veritas" press.  MY opinion.    AFTER doing research.  And why would anyone get upset for my opinion; yes, some may look to me for advice.... My advice is always for a frugal and relaxed approach.  ALL moms give and receive advice when talking with other moms about their home education choices.  We all can do our research, make our own decisions, & change our minds....when it comes to curriculum choices.  Stay tuned for when I discuss MY reservations about the cost and time commitments of CC.