Could one truly homeschool with just a Bible, math book and a library card?

[SparklyUnicorn]

You would need a good library and have to work very hard not to end up with a narrow education. It kind of makes me worry that would be the intention though.

 

Although I don't think a library would give a narrow education.  They also have newspapers and magazines.  So lots of opportunity for current events, etc. 

 

My library isn't great, but it would still be way better than nothing.

[ktgrok]

I wouldn't do it. I'm sure I could, but I wouldn't. For us, schooling so narrowly would defeat the entire purpose. No art supplies? No foreign languages? No history field trips? No microscopes or chemistry sets or fossils? No math manipulatives? 

 

I didn't take it to mean there wasn't paper/pencil/crayons/paint available. Yes, you need some actual school supplies, I thought she just meant no other curriculum. I don't see why one couldn't still do field trips, plus watch documentaries. Lack of microscope and chemistry set would matter in high school, but before that not really. Math manipulative can be made out of paper or coins, etc. Even chocolate chips. 

[ktgrok]

In full disclosure, I should say that other than math and a copy of SOTW that IS how we homeschooled my oldest for many years. And I'm VERY tempted to do it with my youngers, with the addition of phonics. 

[SparklyUnicorn]

Our library even lends museum passes.  And speaking of foreign language, they offer foreign language learning software that can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection.  They also have math manipulatives that can be used at the library.

 

 

 

 

[Cinder]

Math manipulative can be made out of paper or coins, etc. Even chocolate chips. 

 

I think using chocolate chips was the key to my dd learning division. :D

[Kinspired]

Yes! But we have a fantastic library system that allows us to borrow from various city and university libraries. I've been able to review curricula, like AOPS and LOF by borrowing them before making the purchase. We've availed ourselves to language programs, TC Courses, audiobooks, Crickets magazines, etc. Our branch even offers robotics (using mindstorms EV3), handicrafts, and exercise classes.

[Bluegoat]

I find the idea of it being a narrow education odd.  The average homeschool library reflects the people doing the choosing much more than the average public library.

[SparklyUnicorn]

I find the idea of it being a narrow education odd.  The average homeschool library reflects the people doing the choosing much more than the average public library.

 

Good point.  Although I don't know how many people limit what they do to what books they buy. 

 

And then think about public school textbooks.  That's pretty narrow too. 

[Dmmetler]

For general Ed, I could do it with our local library, although I wouldn't want to. I really don't like reinventing the wheel. I'd rather adapt and modify.

 

 

For DD, though, I was making trips to the college library to find books to read to her in her interest areas before she even reached school age. By age 8, even a college research library wouldn't be enough-she needed mentoring and contact with knowledgeable professionals in her field and those hands on experiences to give her what she needed, and I couldn't provide that even with the full Rainbow Resources catalog.

[Sherry in OH]

I didn't take it to mean there wasn't paper/pencil/crayons/paint available. Yes, you need some actual school supplies, I thought she just meant no other curriculum. I don't see why one couldn't still do field trips, plus watch documentaries. Lack of microscope and chemistry set would matter in high school, but before that not really. Math manipulative can be made out of paper or coins, etc. Even chocolate chips. 

 

My library has math manipulatives we could borrow.  It even has a balance scale.  It also has a collection of elementary level science kits.   

 

The elementary grades wouldn't be that hard to do with just library materials and basic supplies.  Middle grades would be a bit harder, mainly because the books are longer so you'd want to be able to keep them longer.  Yes, you can renew, but sometimes someone else wants to borrow the items.  High school would be the hardest, you want to keep the materials longer and you need access to some expensive supplies for science and math.  You could certainly teach humanities and social science subjects using the library's collections.

[need2read]

If it is a good library, yes. If I tried to do this with our library my son would get a good education in pop culture novels and not much else.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SparklyUnicorn]

My library has math manipulatives we could borrow.  It even has a balance scale.  It also has a collection of elementary level science kits.   

 

The elementary grades wouldn't be that hard to do with just library materials and basic supplies.  Middle grades would be a bit harder, mainly because the books are longer so you'd want to be able to keep them longer.  Yes, you can renew, but sometimes someone else wants to borrow the items.  High school would be the hardest, you want to keep the materials longer and you need access to some expensive supplies for science and math.  You could certainly teach humanities and social science subjects using the library's collections.

 

Not my local library, but a library I used to pay to use ($75 a year) was quite awesome.  They even lent fishing poles! 

[zoobie]

It's funny, that didn't even occur to me. 

 

We do have a good library system, and always have wherever we've lived. So maybe that colors my view. But this is how it would look in the elementary years:

 

Teach child to read (this would be the hardest part, would check out a book at library on how to do this). Then, 

 

Do math daily

Have them write something daily, me modeling correct letter formation (starting just with copying letters, moving up to sentences. Could be sentences from a story we read or from Bible). 

Read from Bible daily (as literature or religion, not as history!)

Check out each week a few non fiction books, kid chooses some, I choose some. Some on science topics, some on social studies topics. 

Check out interesting picture books. 

Get some cool documentaries  if available. 

 

Done. I don't see how choosing random non fiction would lead to a narrow education at all...if anything I think the issue would be being too broad and not deep enough, but again, in elementary and even middle school I don't think that's an issue. 

 

It's the using the Bible as science and history that makes me worry the goal is a narrow education. I'd say the same thing about some curricula. Somehow asking, "Can you homeschool with just a library card?" doesn't make alarm bells go off for me in the same way the original question does, and certainly 99.99999% of US libraries would have several versions of the Bible available.

[SparklyUnicorn]

It's the using the Bible as science and history that makes me worry the goal is a narrow education. I'd say the same thing about some curricula. Somehow asking, "Can you homeschool with just a library card?" doesn't make alarm bells go off for me in the same way the original question does, and certainly 99.99999% of US libraries would have several versions of the Bible available.

 

Me too, but then again some people believe that everything in the bible is true.  So all the info out there can say whatever it wants, they don't believe it.  Not sure what right we have to tell them otherwise. 

 

Now you have me wondering if my library has several versions of the bible. 

[PineFarmMom]

I am feeling jealous of these good library systems!! Ours is better than it used to be but still sorry. I moved to this small city from the big city 10 years ago. I remember just being dumbfounded at the sad library system, so much so that I drove 40 miles to a better one. Now I just buy used books and wonder what a good library would be like!!

[zoobie]

Me too, but then again some people believe that everything in the bible is true.  So all the info out there can say whatever it wants, they don't believe it.  Not sure what right we have to tell them otherwise. 

 

Now you have me wondering if my library has several versions of the bible. 

 

Yes, they have the right, but they are educating their children very narrowly. Ultimately it's damaging to society (see also Texas textbook issues, other-religion intolerance...), but yup, you have a right to teach your child that unicorns clean up the ozone if that's your thing. 

[lllll]

nm 

 

Edited November 14, 2016 by cathey

[EKS]

I'd swap out the bible for a solutions manual for the math book. But otherwise, yes, if the library is decent.

[catz]

I bought very little in terms of curriculum when my kids were younger and we hit the library every week and brought home a boat load of books. 

 

That said, other things crucial to me those years were hands on things.  Snap circuits, legos, art supplies, some science kits, cooking, nature hikes.  Museum membership and one off tours and classes and were important too.  My kids started music lessons early as well which I thought was good for working on perfectionism in my particular kids.  So it would have been simplistic just to say math and a library card. 

[ScoutTN]

The OP's quote is from Carole Jay Seid, whose homeschooling philosophy I reviewed here recently.

 

It would depend on the library and the parent/teacher and the parent/teacher and of course, the student. Time would be an issue too, since this would require much more prep on a parent's part.

 

We have a very good library system and I have a decent education in most areas (deficient in math and consequently in math-dependent science) and kids with no learning or development issues. I could do it through logic stage for sure and for most areas of high school.  

 

Early grades would be easy, assuming a confident parent who knows how to teach. 

 

I cannot teach high school math and I do not assume that my students can self-teach it. My own math education was very poor and I will not permit that to happen to my kids. I will have someone who is thoroughly proficient and who loves math teach my kids.

 

I also think that some subjects are best learned with lots of discussion, in community. More than just parents can provide. As a pp has said, I would have to include internet access. (Though the author of the statement might not. She spoke vehemently against technology in education when I saw her.) 

 

Yes, it can be done. Best choice for most families, probably not.

Too time consuming (as if homeschooling is already not enormously time consuming!) , too much reinventing the wheel. 

 

 

Edited March 10, 2016 by ScoutTN

[Excelsior! Academy]

It's the using the Bible as science and history that makes me worry the goal is a narrow education. I'd say the same thing about some curricula. Somehow asking, "Can you homeschool with just a library card?" doesn't make alarm bells go off for me in the same way the original question does, and certainly 99.99999% of US libraries would have several versions of the Bible available.

 

 

I wasn't planning to use the Bible as the extent of science and history studies, though I do think there is more in there about history and science than most people believe. Truthfully, I hadn't thought of using them for either at all.  I suppose all Christians start their history studies somewhat with the Bible.

 

Our local library system has Apologia science, Saxon math, the Great Courses, Zumba classes, chess club, internet access, and an extensive library loan network. I suppose that colors my view of possibilities and I'll agree the question in the topic could've been worded better. It was one found online and one I thought to be a common phrase.

 

Library schooling is something I've given much thought to and don't know if I will actually follow through with it. The Hive is great for discussion and talking one down when they are about to jump off the cliff.

 

 

Edited

Edited March 10, 2016 by Excelsior! Academy

[Mom22ns]

I think an awful lot would depend on the library. Really. 

 

This. And, yes, it would be an incredible amount of work for mom!

 

Our library has a great selection of fiction and non-fiction and even has high school and college text books in the reference department (every textbook used by the largest school district in the area is kept on the shelf among others). They also have a lending program with most of the college universities in the state. Even in high school, I think all the sources needed to homeschool well could be found there. Of course, that includes the internet and all the sources it provides. However, you'd need to be at the library a LOT. 

[Mimm]

When I read the original question, I assumed the Bible was for religious instruction and not history and science. So yeah, that would depend. :) And obviously some pencils and paper would be necessary.

 

ETA: Our library isn't the best. I wouldn't try it here.

Edited March 10, 2016 by Mimm

[lllll]

nm 

 

Edited November 14, 2016 by cathey

[Nan in Mass]

I would substitute a globe (the library has one but for some reason we referred to this multiple times a day and it would have been mightily inconvenient not to have one at home) and some recorders (or some other musical instrument) for the Bible.  I can get a Bible at the library and we aren't a daily Bible reading family, anyway.  Other than that, I think it depends on the mother and the library.  If the mother is well educated, speaks a foreign language fluently, and plays a musical instrument, and the family is not technically oriented (thereby requiring a certain amount of technical and science equipment), then I think it could be done.

 

*I* couldn't do this for *my* children because I don't speak enough foreign languages and my particular children needed a level of science and technology that required lab equipment and technical mentors in order to go into the particular university programs they desired.  The early years would be no problem.  One of my children learned to read with one book (a Frog and Toad compendium) - no phonics program, just my memory of being taught to read.  I taught one of my children to write when we were camping, just using my memory of being taught script.  I wouldn't need anything but a slate and a family's worth of fingers to teach elementary school math, since I remember how I was taught.  Library books, nature walks, and the contents of my kitchen would be plenty for science, the library would suffice for history, I could do music and art with no problem, and if I were allowed access to the French Library in Boston (which we joined when youngest was doing French), I could do French, especially if I could link up with tutors using the library computers.  It might not be the richest education in the world, but it would be just fine.  After elementary school, my particular children would need more technical equipment, better music lessons, and better foreign language than I can provide.  And in high school, they needed the science labs at our community college.  If you consider them done with homeschooling at the point when we began outsourcing to the community college, then yes, given that we live where there is a ton of natural history out the back door for science, we could have managed.  The foreign language and music wouldn't have been very good, though, and I am really glad I didn't have to homeschool without a good gymnastics program...

 

We used some  books that my library would have been unable to get for me, like a French to French illustrated adult dictionary and the history program from France that we used with youngest.  I liked having our reference books, like an atlas, at home.  We would probably have done most of the school day at the library.

 

Nan

 

ETA This assumes the solutions are in the back of the math book lol.

Edited March 10, 2016 by Nan in Mass

[Arcadia]

Our walkable library has chess clubs, lego clubs, book clubs and python classes. My kids were bored after a few weeks with the clubs because the same kids turn up. The programming classes are three days so no socialisation time which doesn't suit my kids.

 

Try it out and see how it works for your family since different kids have different needs.

[Mom22ns]

You don't think that learning to use the internet before leaving for college is part of a thorough education now?

 

 

I wouldn't do it. I'm sure I could, but I wouldn't. For us, schooling so narrowly would defeat the entire purpose. No art supplies? No foreign languages? No history field trips? No microscopes or chemistry sets or fossils? No math manipulatives? 

 

 

I didn't take it to mean there wasn't paper/pencil/crayons/paint available. Yes, you need some actual school supplies, I thought she just meant no other curriculum. I don't see why one couldn't still do field trips, plus watch documentaries. Lack of microscope and chemistry set would matter in high school, but before that not really. Math manipulative can be made out of paper or coins, etc. Even chocolate chips. 

 

I agree, that I was making the assumption of basic supplies, pencils, paper, crayons, etc. My library has computers with internet access, lots of them. They also have several foreign language options including books, online, and video instruction. They have math manipulative and some science kits too. Like I said, it depends a lot on the library. 

 

I do think it gets harder as your kids get older, but I think it is possible at all ages. It just takes a ton of effort.

[ktgrok]

I don't think it would be a lot of work, but that's because if I did it I wouldn't try to plan out a curriculum plan, i'd just wing it and do more of an unschooled approach. We'd go to the library once a week or more and get lots of books and documentaries. I'd pick a few they'd pick a few, and we'd read/watch. Maybe ever so often get craft books and experiment books. Do whatever looks fun. 

 

I'd have them keep a composite book or what not and write each day in it about something we read or did. (or draw something, etc). 

[Lady Florida.]

It can be done if you have the right library and if you aren't excluding things like art supplies, field trips, etc. I think a lot depends on the parent, the children, and the library system.

 

I did it up through middle school, but I was homeschooling an only. We have a decent, but not fantastic, library system. When ds was younger our library had and ILL agreement with Orange County (Orlando area), but I don't think they do anymore. We didn't need a bible because we're atheists.

 

We did unit studies with a splash of Charlotte Mason, both of which were a big thing when ds was in the early grades. I don't see or hear much about either anymore, but then again even when we were doing them my hs friends were all using a different style (or unschooling). I think I called myself an eclectic homeschooler at the time.. Unit studies take a lot of work, not just to put each individual one together but to make sure you're covering a wide range of topics overall. 

 

Now the caveat:We belonged to a homeschool group. It was mostly social and park days were the biggest draw, but we also did field trips and occasional group classes (like having an artist come in and teach something now and then). None of the classes were academic. Ds had art supplies, guitar lessons (his choice) and took martial arts. 

 

When ds hit middle school we started adding things like Florida Virtual School classes. When he was in 9th grade he tried to take a class at the local high school, but we both hated that so he came home again. His last year and a half (he'll graduate in May) has been dual enrollment at a local state college.

 

Can homeschooling be done without formal curriculum? Yes. Without outside interests and ignoring the fine arts? Why would you even want to? All the way through high school? No, I don't think so. Not properly at least.

 

Oddly enough, math was the only subject we used a curriculum for and yet it's still his weakest subject. Much of that has to do with his ADHD and the difficulty with working memory common to his condition. But sometimes I shake my head and wonder if I should have just done my own version of math as well.

 

 

Edited March 10, 2016 by Lady Florida

[Bluegoat]

This is pretty much how most homeschoolers taught until the big curricula explosion of recent years, and they did it without much internet too.

 

I sometimes think that all the available crricula has actually made things more difficult rather than easier.  People feel they need to be doing a lot more, or maybe more that what they need to be doing is really more complicated.

[lllll]

nm

Edited November 14, 2016 by cathey

[vonfirmath]

Western Washington.

 

HAving lived in KCLS land, I suspected that.

[Jean in Newcastle]

In full disclosure, I should say that other than math and a copy of SOTW that IS how we homeschooled my oldest for many years. And I'm VERY tempted to do it with my youngers, with the addition of phonics. 

 

We have multiple copies of SOTW in our library system.  We also have phonics books.  We even have some of the beginning Latin books.  We have the Van Cleave science books.  We have the Hakim history books.  We have algebra books and other math books as well.  (In fact, when I just typed "algebra" in the library search function there were 611 hits.  I checked, and one of them is Jacobs.)  We have 90% of the books on the Sonlight or Tapestry of Grace or Beautiful Feet lists.  We have lots of books in various foreign languages.  There is a Latin textbook by McGraw Hill and Henle and Wheelock and a ton more.  What the library does not have, for the most part, are workbooks or other consumables.  But if you do not homeschool using a workbook approach, then this is not an issue. 

 

The biggest problem with the library, which I know firsthand, is that if they don't happen to have a "big name" book in homeschool circles that there are so many other books to choose from and you don't know which ones are good or not.  Though honestly, I suspect that most books are just fine even if they aren't the "big name" book in homeschooling circles. 

[Holly]

Our library carries Ray's, so we'd be set for math.  I'm not sure about HS science labs.  With the other libraries in the system, we have many more books, but I think science would be a challenge.

 

Now, there's no way I could do this.  :blush:  I'm just not motivated enough to plan everything out by myself...not to mention there are a few subjects where I need more help teaching (writing and Latin come to mind). 

[Annie G]

Our library is pretty good and has lots of computers and is generous with internet time.  Interlibrary loan is really good here, and fast service. So that part is covered....but a lot depends on the mom doing the teaching. I *might* have been able to do that with my 4th child but I needed the first three to learn not only how to teach but what to teach and when. And for that I needed guidance. Not everyone needs that but I did. 

[QueenCat]

I'm getting jealous of many of your libraries..... our library has decent collection of books/dvds/magazines, a teen club and kids reading program but all that other stuff. no.

[shawthorne44]

It wouldn't have to be a limited education.   I love the idea of going to the library every week and picking at least one book each from various categories. Several of the categories being various nonfiction ones.   Main reason we don't do that is that mommy has a book-buying habit/problem, so we always seem to have never read yet books at home.  

[Jean in Newcastle]

BTW - we school at the library 3 or 4 days a week.  But mostly that's so that we can concentrate without being distracted by all the animals and home chores.  We take our books and laptops there.

[brehon]

My family couldn't do this. The closest/local library (which we have to pay for the "privilege" of using) is...paltry, to say the least. The largest library system near me (which we would have to pay even more to use - to the tune of $120/card) is better as far as books, etc. There are various classes and clubs at the bigger city library system; however, none of them are at branches any where near where I live.

 

I *might* be willing to cough up $120 and just have one card for the family. However, the library system also severely limits what people who have non-resident cards can check out and for how long.

 

So, no; there is no way we could homeschool in this manner. As it is I don't know how we're going to get books for the kids. My paycheck doesn't extend to spending lots of money each month on books.

 

ETA: That's $120/card/year.

Edited March 10, 2016 by brehon

[Arcadia]

Why not skills? Which ones could not be taught either through the parents' knowledge or a good library system?

Hands on skills. My family is decent at self taught music but so far none of us are decent at self taught art. It would be the blind leading the blind for my extended family when it comes to art.

 

Also it depends on expectations and needs when it comes to skills. My extended family is decent at carpentry and has made many usable furniture. However my brother makes lovely wood sculpture when under the guidance of his public school woodwork (technical workshop) teacher. He was able to make better use of his talent in that area under the guidance of someone a lot more skilled than anyone in the extended family is.

 

My extended family is very big but there are skills that no one is good at while there are skills almost everyone is great at. It is nice that we could get outside help for our kids for skills that we are pathetic at whether by paying or bartering.

[solascriptura]

It can be done, but there is one thing missing in the equation...... A LOT OF TIME.

[*Lulu*]

I am firmly in the "it depends" camp.

 

You need:

 

a good library system

a teacher willing to learn with/ahead of the student whenever necessary

access to consumable and manipulative items for exploration/experimentation 

 

I have access to a decent library system, that includes SOTW and a very wide selection of non-fiction, but nothing for Latin. I am comfortable teaching lots of things and, with the exception of phonics, math and Latin, the curriculum is for my convenience. However, most moms I have ask me about homeschooling are not comfortable teaching. Many end the conversation the moment they realize the state does not provide them with the plan and materials to use. So I think the temperament of the parent doing the teaching is probably the greatest determining factor for if schooling this way could work, and is probably why the early homeschool field was narrow. It is a lot easier to take off on a path that, while not well travelled, has clearly marked trails and a rough map than take off down a path that may or may not even be a path. 

 

 

[Mergath]

I didn't take it to mean there wasn't paper/pencil/crayons/paint available. Yes, you need some actual school supplies, I thought she just meant no other curriculum. I don't see why one couldn't still do field trips, plus watch documentaries. Lack of microscope and chemistry set would matter in high school, but before that not really. Math manipulative can be made out of paper or coins, etc. Even chocolate chips. 

 

I took it to mean, "You're on a desert island with a library and this is all you have." :p  My answer would vary somewhat depending on what exactly the OP meant. I wouldn't be willing to homeschool without a home internet connection no matter what, though. Dd is in the bedroom researching cat health on Kiddle as we speak, and we use it a lot for math games like Prodigy and documentaries.

 

We do have a fantastic library here, and everyone who lives in MN can request books from every library in the state so there's quite literally almost no book I can't get within a week. But I feel like, for us, it's all the extra stuff that sets homeschooling apart from public school. Art, music, hands-on science. Yes, I could get a book on microorganisms from the library for dd to read. But she gets so much more from walking to a nearby pond, collecting a water sample, and looking at it through her microscope. She could just read about fossils, but with a fossil collection she can actually touch and examine them. And so on.

 

If I was broke and absolutely could not afford anything extra, I'm sure she'd still get a great education with only the stuff mentioned in the OP (minus the Bible for us). But I wouldn't go that route for the sake of minimalism or whatever. I don't think the whole "library books and a notebook" approach some people advocate is inherently better than having a lot of resources, (at least not for my child specifically).

[theelfqueen]

Ok talk to me about this "paying for the library" thing... I have no experience with that? Are these private libraries? Where do you live? IS it just for the lending library services or does the fee cover other things?

 

Everywhere I've lived has had free public libraries.

 

I mean, I pay the library ridiculous amounts of money because I am TERRIBLE at returning things on time and get charged overdue fines and fees. But no membership fees.

Edited March 10, 2016 by theelfqueen

[Mergath]

Ok talk to me about this "paying for the library" thing... I have no experience with that? Are these private libraries? Where do you live? IS it just for the lending library services or does the fee cover other things?

 

Everywhere I've lived has had free public libraries.

 

I mean, I pay the library ridiculous amounts of money because I am TERRIBLE at returning things on time and get charged overdue fines and fees. But no membership fees.

 

The time I encountered it in another state, the rule was that if you didn't live in the county, you had to pay an annual fee to use the library. If you lived within the county, it was free.

[LucyStoner]

This is pretty much how most homeschoolers taught until the big curricula explosion of recent years, and they did it without much internet too.

 

I sometimes think that all the available crricula has actually made things more difficult rather than easier.  People feel they need to be doing a lot more, or maybe more that what they need to be doing is really more complicated.

 

I dunno.  I was home schooled/unschooled in the early 1990s for a short period and when my parents and I looked into curriculum there were religious materials and there was Calvert.  And most of the homeschooled kids I was aware of at the time used those materials.  As I have previously described here, when I was home-schooled, I pretty much was on my own and largely just reading at a library.  

 

I basically read whatever (usually while sitting at the local library) and did a bit of math from a textbook and learned to type. The system for requesting materials from other branches was not automated and I was fairly shy so I pretty much stuck to what was in that one, tiny Carnegie neighborhood branch. It was a very lovely place to sit and read.  That said, this was only a two year detour from public  school and I went into it with advanced reading, writing and math skills.  And I truthfully learned a lot more in high school than I did sitting in the library- french, science, art and writing with the mentor ship of 2 amazing teachers.  I don't think that I would have been as well prepared for college had I just stuck to the library for 4 more years. Some things require more than just books, pencils and paper.   What I see a lot of in some homeschooling families is leaving older kids with just books (curriculum or not) and expecting all of the education to be largely self taught.  Mom (or dad) isn't reading and discussing every book or giving long writing assignments or even presenting a math lesson.  I truly do not think that that approach is ideal for many kids and I do know homeschool graduates around my age with fairly significant core knowledge gaps in subjects that they were not actively taught or even just helped by a parent.  

 

I do think one could get most every bound or ebook they wanted for homeschooling from a large public library but 4/5 public libraries are not in large systems.  I've been in more than one stand alone small town library with fewer books than I own personally and where they charge for ILL.  I also think, and I know this is not a popular opinion, that the adults making a commitment to educate a child ideally do have a very strong education themselves.  I think there is value in learning even basic math from people who actually have completed high level math and history and literature with a person who has more than a 12th grade education and a deep knowledge of the subject matter.  

 

So for me, if one could educate with just a library card is largely dependent on how much time the parent is really willing to give to dedicated instruction and tutoring (beyond "read this" or "do that") and on the strength of the parent's own education.  

Edited March 10, 2016 by LucyStoner

[Artichoke]

You don't think that learning to use the internet before leaving for college is part of a thorough education now?

 

 

I didn't say that.  I thoroughly believe that learning how to use the internet is an important skill if you're going to college.  How long though does it take an educated adult to actually learn how to use the internet?  It doesn't have to be done in high school or for an extended period of time. 

Edited March 10, 2016 by Artichoke

[LucyStoner]

Also, it depends on how long one can check things out.  Some books you may want for more than a month or so.  

[SparklyUnicorn]

Ok talk to me about this "paying for the library" thing... I have no experience with that? Are these private libraries? Where do you live? IS it just for the lending library services or does the fee cover other things?

 

Everywhere I've lived has had free public libraries.

 

I mean, I pay the library ridiculous amounts of money because I am TERRIBLE at returning things on time and get charged overdue fines and fees. But no membership fees.

 

In my case this was a library not in my city.  For some time they actually allowed people in neighboring districts to use it for free, but when the economy tanked they started charging.  First year it was $50.  That felt ok because I used it a lot.  This was when my kids were younger.  Then they raised that the following year to $75.  I paid that.  But then as my kids got older we didn't use the library as much (they weren't reading picture books anymore).  So I don't do that anymore.

 

It seems fair to me.  Mostly local taxes pay for the library so if you aren't local you aren't contributing really. 

 

I have never paid a late fee.  I think once I was potentially going to be late because of bad weather so I called them and they extended it by a few days.  They send e-mail reminders so that helped. 

[Lady Florida.]

I dunno.  I was home schooled/unschooled in the early 1990s for a short period and when my parents and I looked into curriculum there were religious materials and there was Calvert.  And most of the homeschooled kids I was aware of at the time used those materials.  As I have previously described here, when I was home-schooled, I pretty much was on my own and largely just reading at a library.  

 

 

 

And in the seventies it was mostly done as unschooling, a la John Holt and Raymond Moore. Later that was the style adopted by the Colfaxes.