Homeschool Pros/Cons 2: Academics

So much for "rapid succession," eh?  

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From an academic standpoint, it's hard to argue that a public school classroom with 15-30+ kids can compare with the opportunities available in a homeschool environment.  For one thing, the class size can't be beat!  More important is the ability to tailor a curriculum, and the manner and speed in which you maneuver through that curriculum, specifically for the individual child.

Undoubtably, getting started with homeschooling is overwhelming.  I didn't remember just how intense it was, until I was recently talking to a friend who is considering homeschooling and the memories of feeling like I'd been thrown in the deep end of the ocean came flooding back.  I recalled my mind swimming with new ideas and concepts, many of which went against tenants I'd held and been taught as standard my whole life.  The learning curve is steep, as it is for most major undertakings.  Now that I have a few years under my belt, the jargon, concepts, and theories are relatively familiar and comfortable, and it's hard to remember that it wasn't always this way.

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As homeschooling has become more popular, the range of curriculum choices available has exploded.  In fact, the sheer volume of quality products borders on being a "con" of homeschooling, as trying to narrow down the choices to determine which is best for your child can be incredibly daunting.  I enjoy the planning and researching aspects, so this doesn't bother me.
Some homeschoolers prefer to use "pre-packaged" curriculums, most of which look very similar to what their child would be using in a public school environment.  I can understand the appeal of that, and totally support their choice, but I really love the ability to pick and choose what best meets our needs.  I feel comfort knowing that if the choices I've made for Aubree don't work for Bryce, then I can choose something different.

Along with the ability to individualize education, homeschooling also allows us to avoid certain public school curriculum trends that I find disturbing.  One of those trends involves the teaching of some secular ideas and ideals as "truth." The opportunity to integrate the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as much as possible into our learning is a major advantage, and is our prerogative as parents. 

Another, broader concern has to do with the current national movement towards "Common Core Curriculum (CCC)."  All research that I'm familiar with (plus common sense) suggests that kids do best when viewed as individuals with different needs, abilities, interests, and preferences.  While I can understand the reasoning behind national standards (the idea, for example, that third graders in Pennsylvania and third graders in California should all learn their multiplication facts), I can't understand the rationale behind trying to dictate such wide-spread conformity in what is taught, when it's taught, and how it's taught.

I wonder who is developing the curriculum and where their motivations lie.  I question the usefulness of having such rigid standards set for specific grades without taking into account natural variations among students and teachers.

Though my specific concerns may be those of a minority, I also know many teachers who balk at these moves toward standardization.  These teachers feel stymied and explain that as their districts move towards adopting the CCC, they lose more of their ability to teach effectively.  Not only are they told what to teach (usually geared towards a test) but also how to teach it, with little freedom to use their creativity or natural talents to reach individual children under their stewardship. 

While I was composing this post, I came across an article on this topic which was, ironically enough, posted by one of my very liberal former high School teachers.  Here's a short excerpt:

The development of plans, choice of lessons and the materials to be employed are increasingly expected to be common to all teachers in a given subject. This approach not only strangles creativity, it smothers the development of critical thinking in our students and assumes a one-size-fits-all mentality more appropriate to the assembly line than to the classroom. 

 On a related note, I don't "teach" to any test.  Starting in third grade Aubree will have to take the state required standardized test, but I don't care about the results.  I know how she's doing because I'm with her every day.  I'm more concerned about functionality and application than arbitrary numbers and percentiles.  

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Another benefit of homeschooling is the ability to move at our own pace.  When Aubree struggles, we slow down and stick with the concept until she understands.  When she already knows a concept, we move on rapidly.  One day, for example, she completed three chapters in her math curriculum because they covered ideas she had already mastered.  

It also takes us significantly less time every day to complete school requirements.  On an average day, Aubree spends about 3-4 hours on her school work (including spanish, co-op classes, and violin), and often that's only 4 days a week.  When she was in kindergarten, we averaged around 1 1/2 hours a day.  First grade was about 2 to 2 1/2 hours per day.
There is a lot of wasted time and fluff in a typical public school day that we avoid entirely.  I'm glad to avoid the wasted time, but sometimes "fluff" can be fun (art projects, themed days, read-a-thons, parties, crafts, etc.) and Aubree misses out on that.  Additionally, some activities, such as games or PE or music/singing, are better done in a group environment and we miss out on a lot of that too.

Since schoolwork takes a smaller portion of her day, Aubree has lots of "extra" time to pursue her own interests.  Frequently that means reading, but she also is learning to cross-stitch, likes to create art projects, and has ample time to play with her brothers and friends.
One of her friends is a book-lover like unto Aubree.  Since this friend is gone all day at school though, the only time she has to indulge in her passion for reading is right before bedtime.  Often her parents find her reading late into the night.  "But Mom," she complains, "I don't have any other time to read!"

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Most of the time we have a semi-functional routine and are able to move through our coursework fairly easily.  But, lest I paint an inaccurately flattering picture of the life of a homeschooler, I admit there are certainly times Aubree doesn't want to do schoolwork and there is weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth ... and Aubree can get a bit upset too.  

There are times when I don't want to "do" school; times when the idea of handing off the responsibility of teaching to someone else sounds beyond appealing.
We're in the habit of doing the bulk of our schooling in the afternoon when Thane is napping (he's starting to drop his naps, [boo hoo!], but Graham is starting to get more consistent with his naps, so maybe it will balance out).  Most moms know how precious the naptime hours are, and sometimes I resent giving those hours up.  Sometimes I think of the laundry-list of things I need to accomplish and just have to grit my teeth knowing that those things won't get done because of my choice to homeschool and my commitment to fulfilling that responsibility.

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Some argue that the teaching of children is better left to the "experts."  While I have the greatest respect and admiration for most teachers, significant research shows that homeschooled children consistently outperform their public schooled counterparts on academic measures.  There are a myriad of possible reasons for these results, but the bottom line is that being an "expert" does not guarantee a better outcome.

A surprising result of teaching Aubree has been how much I have learned (so much for the expert theory...)! Considering we've covered kindergarten, first, and second grades, I really wasn't expecting to have my horizens broadened, but I've learned so many fascinating things.  And seeing the look on my kids' face when they "get" something for the first time, or find the answer to a question, or accomplish a task they've been struggling with?  Priceless.

One hoped for outcome of homeschooling is that our kids maintain a love for learning and an ability to seek out learning opportunities on their own.  I've heard numerous stories from parents of older homeschoolers whose children first find themselves in a classroom with public schooled children (i.e. seminary, high school, or college).  "Mom!," these kids explain in confusion, "the other kids in my class don't listen.  It's like they don't even want to be there!"

Obviously, these stories are anecdotal and certainly don't apply across the board, but I've heard enough of them to make me wonder how and where public schools go wrong.  When do kids learn it's more about jumping through hoops than obtaining knowledge?  When/why do they decide they "hate" school?

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Balancing out the academic benefits, is the pressure of knowing that it's all on me.  If there is something Aubree or Bryce don't know, it's because I haven't taught them.  There is no one else to share the load or the responsibility (besides Mark, of course).  Occassionally I miss having an outside adult heavily invested in my child, but perhaps the more honest truth would be that it would be nice to have outside validations (parent-teacher conferences sound like a lot of fun).

Sometimes I worry that because they have the same teacher (me) year in and year out, they're missing out on the opportunity to experience different teaching styles.  Perhaps a different teacher could reach them or connect with them academically in a way I cannot.  

Also, there are certain subjects I love (like literature and history), but others I'm not as enthused by (like science).  I want my kids to have teachers who are passionate about the subjects they teach and can infuse some of that enthusiasm into their pupils.

Many of these concerns can be solved by getting involved in great co-ops and/or enlisting other adults (homeschooling or not) to help teach certain subjects.  But that takes extra effort and commitment.

Science experiment - making a motor (pajama day)

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Finally, there is a financial cost to homeschool.  Curriculums vary from free to uber expensive.  Since we get a stipend to cover these expenses, it's not a deterrant to us, but there are forces working to take these stipends away so it may become an added issue in the future.

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Some of you may be saying to yourself, "it's all well and good that you've covered academics, but there is more to public schools than reading, writing, and arithmetic!"

And you're correct.  I will cover the dreaded "Socialization" issues in my next Pros/Cons post.

Tulip Trip

Last week a friend called and asked if we could watch her daughter for a few days while she and her husband celebrated a wedding anniversary.  Considering her daughter is one of Aubree's favorite friends, it was a no-brainer.  

You may have already noticed, but in case it's not abundantly clear let me explain something - Aubree has inherited the Graff tendencies towards over-enthusiasm.  "Are you kidding me?" she squeaked when I told her Alison would be staying with us, "she'll even come to church with us?!?  Eeeeeeeee!!"

The next step was for her to immediately start planning what she wanted to do with her friend for the weekend (another strong Graff-linked trait).  We finally settled on visiting the famed Tulip Festival in Skagit County.  

The weather forecast for the day didn't look promising, but it was either deal with bad weather with Mark, or wait for nicer weather and brave the trip without Mark (or Alison).  I opted to risk the rain.

But maybe I should have tried to muster up more courage.  While the tulips were indeed breathtakingly gorgeous, the freezing rain and wind were equally breathtaking.

The indoor exhibits, while not spectacular, were at least warm.

[Side note: When I did the girls' hair that morning, Alison asked me to put hers up in a side ponytail.  I had flashbacks to asking my mom to do the exact same hairstyle 25 years ago.  Welcome back, 80's!]

Once we stepped outside, however, the main focus became keeping small children from crying from cold or slipping into the mud.  I pulled out my camera, ready to take the amazing kids-in-a-tulip-field pictures, but mostly managed to capture the I'm-freezing-how-long-do-we-have-to-stay-outside faces.

Our weather luck was just a couple of days off.  By Monday, the sun was shining such that we couldn't stand to stay inside, so Family Home Evening became Family Out Evening.

Undisputed hanging champ

Playing freeze tag with Bryce & Dad

Putting his monkey skills to good use

We loved having Alison stay with us.  Having another girl around meant a lot more chatter and giggles, and a lot less sleeping.  Alison and Aubree were especially proud of this puzzle they independently assembled and begged us to take a picture of their accomplishment.

When it was time for Alison to leave, she paused and asked, "Can I come back for a play date soon?"  

I'd say that's strong evidence the weekend was a success.

Homeschool Pros/Cons -Part 1

*Fair Warning - long and overly detailed posts ahead.  If you're looking for a more succinct examination, here's a recent pro-homeschooling article that's making the rounds in social media that I thought was pretty good: 18 Reasons Why Doctors and Lawyers Homeschool Their Children 

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It has been almost three years since we made the decision to homeschool. Overall, it's been a great choice for our family but certainly not without its downsides.  

I have friends who are hardcore homeschoolers and will never return to public education.  I have other friends who are firm defenders of public education and staunchly disagree with the decision to homeschool.  I respect both extremes and feel both sides usually have valid arguments and concerns to support their positions.  I also think both sides occasionally have some inaccurate and skewed views of the other side.  

Before we started homeschooling I was adamantly opposed to the idea (I wrote about the change-of-mind process here), so I think I have a reasonable feel for both sides of the argument.  I consider myself more of a fence-sitter; I do see the pros and cons of each side and they weigh heavily on my mind.  We re-evaluate our decision every year and feel like we could fall on either side, depending on the specific set of circumstances.  

So far for our family, the benefits of homeschooling have outweighed the downsides.  As this school year winds down, we're in the midst of the re-evaluation process.  Aubree has applied (and we will find out soon if she gets accepted) to a pretty neat, Montessori-based class in our school district.  They only accept about 8 kids per grade (out of the whole district), so the chances of her getting in are pretty slim.  

Even if she is accepted, however, I'm still not sure we would choose to send her.  Every time I start to think about making the final decision, my brain spins in circles until I'm dizzy (hence the need to write out an exhaustive pros/cons list).  Admittedly, there's a significant part of me that hopes she doesn't get accepted, just so I don't have to make the decision. So, I appreciate the opportunity to try to organize my thoughts in a somewhat coherent manner.  Thanks for coming along for the ride.

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I can't continue without first identifying a couple caveats:

These are my views and experiences and they are certainly not generalizable to all other families or situations.  What's a pro to me, might be a con to someone else and vice versa.  Our needs and circumstances and resources are unique to our family, as yours are to your family.  What's "right" for us, is not necessarily right for everyone.  I am grateful for the opportunities we have to seek information and personal revelation so we can make the decision that works best for our situations and support others as they seek to do likewise.

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By far, the #1 benefit to homeschooling is TIME with family.  I have major issues with the length of the school day and I cringe at the idea that my kid would spend more time gone than home (because sleeping time doesn't count).  To be honest, if school classes were only 4 hours a day (or even better, Monday through Thursday for 5 hours a day), I'd be much more likely to put my kids in public schools. And, on a related note, if the government moves forward with proposed plans to lengthen the school day and the school year, it will certainly sway my feelings strongly towards continuing to homeschool.

One of the most common complaints I hear among parents is that there's just not enough time to spend with their kids. Once kids get home from school and get their homework done and have dinner and maybe have a sport or church class or activity, there's precious little time for anything else before it's time to go to bed and start all over the next day.  We don't have that issue.

Since we are together almost all day, every day, we have plenty of time to talk, to play, to get involved in extra activities, to argue and make-up, to learn the gospel, to share values, and to learn skills.  Now, whether or not we use that time effectively is a different issue entirely.

One of the biggest downsides of homeschooling is TIME.   We are all well aware that there are only so many hours in each day.  By choosing to homeschool, I am necessarily choosing not to do something else.  Sometimes that's something frivolous and unnecessary, like watching TV or perusing Pinterest, but more often it's important, good things like cleaning, or exercising, or talking to friends, or serving others.  I certainly haven't figured out how to balance it all and usually fall short in a variety of areas.

I occasionally have other moms comment on how I'm "amazing" because I homeschool.  I think a lot of the reason they make that comment has to do with time issues.  Being a Mom is a full-time job and takes all your time, so the thought of adding something more to your plate can be overwhelming.

But the more I think about it, the less I think I'm "amazing."  And here's why... How many people do you know that don't feel "busy?" 

I know I felt completely busy with two children and completely busy with four.  I also felt super busy with no children and am pretty sure I'd feel the same if I had six.  While there are exceptions, in general, I think life expands to fill all our time. 

My mom had eight children in 14 years.  She was Relief Society President, and Cub Scout Round Table Commissioner, and she milked the cow and cleaned the house and fixed what broke and cooked the food and took care of all the myriad needs of her children.  I knew (everyone knew!) she was BUSY.  I remember wondering what in the world she would do with all of her time once all of her children were grown and gone.  Now, only my youngest brother is left at home, and my mom is arguably busier than ever!

So, what's my point?  I guess it's just that we're all in the same boat of figuring out how best to use our time.  I'm not amazing, I'm juggling just the same, and sometimes it's really hard.  I comfort myself by recognizing that even if I weren't homeschooling, I'd still probably struggle with feeling really busy and prioritizing.  But, since I still find ample time to waste, I know there's room for improvement and I have hope that there is a possibility of someday finding a good balance.  

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I have a million more to include, but at this rate my post will be impossible to read in one sitting and I'll never finish it, so I decided to break it into parts.  I'll try to get the subsequent posts up in relatively rapid succession.  In the meantime, enjoy a humorous excerpt from my sister-in-law Katie's recent email on this topic:

"I've also been enjoying coming up with "cons" for homeschooling. So far I have: your children's vocabulary is far less colorful than it could be, they likely only have an age appropriate view of healthy sexuality, the kids think that they have to be buckled into moving vehicles instead of bouncing around buses, their immune systems haven't been exposed to as many diseases, they have to pick their clothes every day instead of wearing uniforms (here the public K-8 dress code is red or white collared shirt and navy or khaki bottoms), they don't get nearly enough fire drills, they are less experienced with weeks of standardized testing."

Video A Go-Go

When I make my blogs into a printed book, the videos obviously don't transfer, so sometimes it's nice to have them in isolated, easily identifiable posts.  

So here are a few recent highlights:

Graham's newest trick (which is especially delightful when he does said trick while eating):

Bryce wanted to sing "Humpty Dumpty," because Thane (who was originally planning on singing the song) became camera-shy at the last moment.  Thane's not, however, so shy that he doesn't run in at the end to add his two cents, "Humpty Dumpty's a broken egg!"

Aubree wanted me to video her playing a song on her violin.  I'm not sure if it was on this take, or another when Thane was a little too slow getting to the bathroom and peed all over the floor.  Good times.

And this?  Well, this is just my kids being their normal, silly selves.

Spring Break

One of the benefits of homeschooling is that we can take "breaks" whenever is convenient for our family.  This year, however, we decided to align our Spring Break with most of the districts around us so we could play with friends.

Some of our favorite friends, the Franks, finally made it out to stay with us in Seattle for a couple days. When they told us they were coming, I made the mistake of telling Aubree just as she was heading up to bed and she was so excited it took her hours to fall asleep.  Every ten minutes she'd call out with some new plan or idea of things she wanted to do with her friends when they were here.

Tyler & Ashlee

Monday morning we met the Franks at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle.  With four kids a piece, we brought our own crowd.

We love visiting the Science Center and it was extra fun to go with friends.  We were even able to successfully watch a 3D IMAX movie all about monarch butterflies.  This was the first time Aubree and Bryce really "got" the 3D concept.  It was hilarious to watch all the kids reach out and try to grab the butterflies (Thane's ditched his glasses within the first few minutes).

After priming the pump by watching the movie, we took the kids to the tropical butterfly house.  They all thought it was great, but Bryce and Maggie (4) were the most serious and determined little scientists.  

Bryce hoped that if he stayed super still, a butterfly might land on him (it was a good idea, but no luck this time).

Aubree enjoyed the exhibit, but I think liked being with Gracee and Jaylen more.

Once Thane got over the initial novelty, he found new things with which to distract himself.

The rest of the afternoon, the kids found endless ways to amuse themselves.

Jaylen

Aubree floating away

By the end of a solid day of exploring the littlest ones (and some of the bigger ones too) were thoroughly exhausted.

So we packed up and headed home.  Having the Franks stay the night with us was almost more excitement than my kids could bear.  The only way I could convince Bryce to go to bed was to promise that he could play with Maggie the next morning.

Once we finally got all the kids comfortably settled, we adults returned to our Wymount tradition of staying up way too late talking about life and parenting and gospel principles.  As always, I crawled into bed bleary eyed, yet inspired.  

Of course, our kids didn't get the memo that we'd been up late and were tired.  They were fresh and ready to go at the break of dawn.  Seeing them all play so well together helped mitigate the weariness.  At one point I looked up to see Aubree, Gracee, and Jaylen sitting on the stairs reading.  "What are you all doing?" I asked.  

"Don't worry, Mom," Aubree replied, "we're playing library!"

 The time for our friends to leave came way too quickly, but we live close enough that we should be able to see them again soon.

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Aubree relished a week with no official school work to complete.  When we weren't playing with friends, she returned to her favorite past-time.  Yep, you guessed it - reading.  That girl read well over 100 chapter books in March.  Seriously.  It's nuts.

One day she decided to wanted to recreate the image on her shirt.  Couldn't describe her better.

 

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The weather decided to cooperate and give us almost a whole week of beautiful, sunshine filled days.  We spent as much time as we could playing outside.  As the neighborhood fills up, it's awesome to see how the kids come pouring out of their houses at the first glimpse of clear skies.

Fireman Thane makes sure to keep the sidewalks debris-free

Aubree is required to learn to ride a 2-wheeler this summer

Bryce will learn as well!

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For his part, Graham spent Spring Break cutting two bottom teeth and learning to crawl.  Oh, bother.  I was hoping we had a couple more months before reaching either of those milestones.  

Egg Hunts and Other Stunts

I'm taking a break from the heavy-duty, break-my-brain, stay-up-way-too-late-writing posts, and sharing some fun pictures from Easter instead.  

Aubree kicked the holiday off by leading our Family Home Evening Resurrection Eggs activity (she had made the eggs at her last Pre-Activity Days event and was SO excited to share with us).  The boys weren't great at listening, but I think it will become a yearly tradition.

Our secular celebrations began at our weekly co-op, with some Easter-themed crafts, books, activities, and an opportunity to play with real baby chicks (which I recognize is redundant, but it just sounds so much more exciting to say "baby chicks").  

And in case you're wondering, the answer is Yes - Thane always has his hood up.

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Moving to a new town means it's time to find a new community Easter Egg hunt.  We were pleased with the one we discovered.  What was especially nice was that each of the different age groups started at staggered times, so parents could watch all of their children participate.  I guess that's one benefit of living in an area with lots of large families.

Staying entertained waiting for the hunts to begin

Among Bryce's egg collection were 4 "prize" eggs, which he generously shared with his siblings and other friends.

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After taking a few years off from dying eggs, we cautiously jumped back into the fray on Saturday evening.  No Pinterest eggs here, though!  We kept it as simple as could be by giving each kid 4 eggs, a few crayons, and the PAAS dye color options.  

Aubree wished she "had a hundred eggs to decorate!"

Graham and I were there too, but he didn't get any eggs

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Easter morning, I broke with tradition and actually remembered to take a picture of my kids in their Easter finery colored clothes.  But when I attempted to take said picture, I also remembered why it's not so bad to forget.

The best we could manage

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After church we headed over to the Peninsula to visit our Bonus Family for more Easter egg-stravaganza.  We arrived at my Aunt Deanna's just in time for an eggs-traordinary hunt.  We divided the nine kids into three age groups.  The three youngest went first (and refused to let me get a good picture of them).

Carter (4), Thane, and Bryce

I had forgotten to bring Easter baskets for Bryce and Thane, but that turned out to be a good thing, because the baskets Aunt Deanna lent them were much more size-appropriate for the haul they accumulated.

One of the eggs in the littlest kid hunt was a prank egg with fishing line tied to it.  When Thane tried to grab the egg, it jumped away from him.  Confused, he reached for it again, only to have it jump out his reach one more time.  The adults found it hilarious.  Thane was a good sport.

The middle group of hunters consisted of the three 7-year-old cousins, Cole, Gilly, and Aubree.   

They had to go a little further to find their eggs, but came back equally loaded with candy, toys, jewelry and other exciting trinkets.  Such a fun afternoon and we couldn't have custom-ordered more beautiful weather!

Controversial Preschool Post

You're drawn to this post because it has the word "controversial" in the title, aren't you?  

Well, before we get to the drama, let me take a minute to briefly revisit the "patience" post.  I really appreciate all the thoughtful responses and comments (both on the blog and through private correspondence); they really made me think and inspired me to strive to improve a number of areas in my own life.  
While I realized when writing it that the post was somewhat vent-like, I didn't mean it to come across quite so heavy-handed. I meant it more as an admission that patience is something I really, really struggle with, which is probably more closely tied to why that particular phrase irks me.  The responses reminded me that there is always more to the story than what is plainly evident, and that we're all forging ahead the best we can.  

And it makes me not want to write this post.

But, I've been putting off writing this post for almost three years now and it just will. not. leave me alone.  So, I'm writing it as carefully as I can (which I already know may not be carefully enough), with the fervent hope that people will consider this opinion as just that, an opinion worth considering.

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I think there are a few hard and fast rules about parenting.  If your child is hungry, you provide sustenance.  You change diapers when necessary.  You put them in car seats when they're little.  You don't abuse your children or knowingly allow them to be abused by others.   

And there is a LOT of gray area.  The topic of preschool definitely falls in that gray area.  

I know I have strong opinions on this topic and (contrary to my more typical logorrhea) I am generally able to bite my tongue and keep my views to myself in casual conversations with acquaintances and friends. 

I voice them now only because I feel like my views are the minority and becoming increasingly so; the advocates of earlier and earlier entry into preschool are loud and persuasive and determined.  I almost never hear any arguments for choosing a different course, and I worry that sometimes people just get carried along with the crowd, assuming that since "everyone is doing it," it must be the "right" choice.  It got to the point where I started feeling like a coward for not even trying to speak up.

So I'm speaking up.  

I'm not a fan of preschool.  In most instances, I don't think it's best for the child, or the family, or our society.

All that being said, and before I go further to explain my reasoning, let me add an additional level of caution and clarification... When I think about these issues, there is a division in my mind.  On a macro, or societal level, I have intense opinions and feel the need to raise my voice in strong support of what I believe.  

On a micro, or individual level however, I'm fine with whatever a person chooses (as long as it doesn't violate one of those hard and fast parenting rules) because it's just that - their choice.  And the only judgment I feel safe making is that the person or family has thoughtfully and carefully (and hopefully prayerfully) made the decision that is best for them and their family. Period.

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Before you write me off as some crazy, anti-public education, homeschooling extremist, you should know that I was against preschool way back when I was also against homeschooling. 

My reasons for opposing preschool are multi-faceted. Where to start?  

How about with the, "If you don't send your children to preschool they'll be academically behind" argument?

We've all read the articles and studies touting the academic benefits of preschool, right?  The media is saturated with sensational assertions such as, "some kids might already be irreparably behind if they do not attend preschool!"

Ah, but did you happen to notice the asterisk next to those studies?  You know, the disclaimer that explains that those studies have really only found significant benefits among disadvantaged students?  And that most long-term studies suggest that even those benefits are largely lost by third grade?

Many experts agree that there is no evidence that healthy children from healthy homes benefit from preschool at all:

"Research suggests that preschool only benefits children from these disadvantaged families (in particular, families that are below the poverty line, whose mothers are uneducated, or who are racial minorities). A bad home situation becomes a much smaller problem when your kid goes to preschool; when you have a good home environment, preschool doesn’t really matter."

So, for the sake of this post, let's ignore the needs of the disadvantaged children and discuss middle and upper class children, who come from relatively stable homes where one parent is able to stay at home.  

Simply put, there is no academic advantage to be gained by sending those children to preschool.

And you might be surprised to learn that there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that preschool attendance can result in academic disadvantages:

"Zigler cites research showing that conversations children have at home with parents, siblings, and family may be the richest source of linguistic and cognitive enrichment for children from all but the most deprived backgrounds. He also cites research showing that premature schooling can slow or reduce a child’s overall development by replacing valuable playtime... 

"By attempting to teach the wrong things at the wrong time, early instruction can permanently damage a child’s self- esteem, reduce a child’s natural eagerness to learn, and block a child’s natural gifts and talents."

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What about the, "it's better for them socially" argument?

Unfortunately, research suggests that, "the only lasting effect of average [preschool] programs...for all kids is a modest increase in behavior problems by fifth grade." 

I'm not against social interaction!  In fact, the only time I've been at all tempted to put Bryce in preschool is when I realized all his four-year old friends attended preschool, so he no longer had anyone to play with during the days.  I think it's great that kids spend lots of time interacting and learning and playing with friends.  I'd just argue that during their early years, those things are better done at home, with parents nearby to help guide and direct the situations.  Quite frankly, there's a whole lot of "socialization" that I'd rather my very impressionable 3, 4, and 5 year olds NOT be exposed to.
Another common social-type argument is, "my child really likes it," which is a completely valid reason, but I'm not sure it's a sufficient reason.  There are lots of things my kids would like (candy for all their meals, no bedtimes, etc) that I choose not to allow because I don't think it's best for them.
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Or what about the slippery slope argument?

Let's take a brief look at the history of early childhood education in the United States.  In 1920 (less than one hundred years ago), about 11% of children attended kindergarten.  In 1965, between 50-85% of five-year olds attended kindergarten.  By the 1980's, those numbers swelled to 82-95%.  And that's kindergarten.  

When Kindergarten was first introduced, many parents balked. "Why would we want to send our children to school so young?"

"Don't worry," they were soothed, "this will be mostly play based, and it will only be for a short time every day, and it will be voluntary."  Sound familiar?  

Slippery slope.

How about preschool?  In 1965 the Head Start program was begun.  At that time, data indicated that only 5% of three- year-olds and 16% of four-year-olds attended preschool.  Today, those numbers are closer to 40% percent of 3-year-olds and 70% of four-year-olds.

Proponents of Universal Preschool celebrate these trends as progress; I find them terrifying.  We've become so accustomed to four and five year olds going to "school," that we hardly blink an eye.  How young does it have to go before it terrifies you?

As we continue to follow the paths of other European nations, consider these statistics: In Belgium, preschool enrollment begins at 2.5 years old and reaches almost 100% by age 3.  France enrolls 100% of children in government-supported preschools from the age of 3. 

Think that won't happen here?  It already is.  Just a couple months ago, in his State of the Union speech, President Obama called for Universal Preschool, saying he wants to "make high-quality preschool available to every single child in America.”

It's a feel-good pitch, one that appeals to our ideas of fairness and equal opportunity.  And the idea has powerful backers, such as the teacher's unions (more government jobs!), working parents ("free" daycare!), and many others.

But, upon closer examination, the underlying assumptions and possible outcomes leave me queasy. 
For one, consider the current idea that these preschools will be "voluntary."  I'm sure they will begin that way, but how long with that remain the case?  Many policymakers have been forthright in calling for extending compulsory education to preschoolers.  I mentioned before that I support your right to choose to send your child to preschool, but I hate the idea that my three or four year old will be compelled by law to leave my home.
Another concern: many are so accustomed to this practice they question, "So?? What's the big deal about kids going to preschool early?"  
I'm afraid we're relinquishing responsibility and time with our children at younger and younger ages, all the while swallowing the line that, "it's better for them."  We're slowly being convinced we as parents are not "enough" for our children, and we need to "turn them over to the experts."  If anything, I think we should be advancing the opposite ideal, by stressing how vital and important and capable and necessary good parents are. As Elder L. Tom Perry teaches, 

"Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread and he is attacking, attempting to erode and destroy the very foundation of our society, even the family. Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility."

I think most people inherently believe that the best place for a young child is in a safe, loving home with their parents.  I imagine the biggest difference of opinion might be at what age kids should begin to have extended periods of time away from home.  
I recognize that a major part of our responsibility as parents is to help our children become capable, independent adults, and that necessarily requires them to learn to function independent of us.  I would just argue that sometimes, later is better than earlier.  
There is little debate that the first few years of a child's life are indeed their "formative" years.  Their brains are growing and developing, and they are learning at a dizzying pace.  I reject the idea that the best place for these impressionable minds is in an institutional environment, being fed a one-size-fits-all, government developed curriculum.  

Additionally, if we're talking about nurturing individual spirits, children of God, aren't we better off focusing these "formative" years on the development of character and relationships, trust and love?  And where better to do that than in the home?  Their early years at home are so fleeting, why be in a hurry to expose them to outside influences sooner than necessary, or sooner than they are ready to deal with them?

Do I think that attending preschool is going to hurt little Johnny or little Susie?  Probably not significantly.  But I do think all these Johnnys' and Susies' leaving their homes and going to preschool does harm society.  And I think we're barreling along the wrong path at break-neck speed.
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As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, my intention in writing this is to offer an uncommon opinion and point of view.  I am not trying to cause anyone to feel guilty about their choices or to create another mommy-war sub-topic.
I know many will disagree with my opinions.  I'm fine with that.  I'm used to that.  I welcome that! I know lots of people disagree with our choice to homeschool, but the vast majority are still respectful and even supportive of our choice.  I feel the same way about those who choose to send their children to preschool.