In the field of education as it is seen today, there can be a tendency to view it as an ‘us versus them’ mentality when it comes to who is more responsible for the children’s education. On one side of the line are the parents; on the other side are the teachers.
From a purely academic standpoint, the teaching profession believes it to be eminently qualified as the best avenue to a child getting a proper education as society deems acceptable. From a practical position, parents feel the need to have great sway regarding their children as to what curriculum is presented that best suits their children’s educational needs.
Into the middle of this situation come Raymond and Dorothy Moore. Known around the world as fully qualified within the academic field, they have also taken up the cause of the parent’s right to determine what is best for their children. From this position we find an excellent book that addresses both viewpoints titled “Home Style Teaching”.
“Home Style Teaching” is more than just another book written that positions itself as to what is best for the child from the parental point of view. It also takes the side of the teachers, understanding why they are so passionate about their perspective when it comes to the education of the child. “Home Style Teaching” is a great resource for teachers and parents alike as it determines to quench the differences between the two camps and accentuate the positives that each has to offer.
Here is an excerpt from “Home Style Teaching” authors Raymond and Dorothy Moore, describing their own reason for writing this book in the first place:
“Home Style Teaching is a simplified, research-based handbook designed for both parents and professional teachers and for student teachers who are worried about becoming professionals. The parents may be either home-schoolers or those who wish to help their children who are troubled by school or are failing. This book sets out to make clear what education should really be and to make the art and science of teaching as understandable, successful and thrilling as it can this book, we hope to take parents and teachers by the hand and lead them to courage and wisdom in one of the greatest of all professions.”
From the beginning “Home Style Teaching” sets the stage for cooperation between teacher, parent and student alike. In the sections contained in this powerful book you will find answers to such issues like ‘Becoming a Good Teacher’ to ‘Some Teaching Secrets Not Commonly Practiced’. You will gain insight from “Home Style Teaching” as you explore issues such as ‘What We Mean by Curriculum’ and ‘How Children Develop’. As a bonus, in the appendix, you are given names of well-known individuals that were educated at home, as a source of encouragement that it can be done right and successfully.
In “Home Style Teaching” the authors encourage the option of homeschooling without giving the impression it should be mandated for all. As a result, it can be read from the standpoint of simply learning what is best for the child’s education, whether it be received in the public, private or home school environment.
Raymond and Dorothy Moore have placed between the pages of “Home Style Teaching” a ray of hope that will unite both parent and teacher to establish common ground; to agree that all they both really desire is that the child receive the best form of education, resulting in their best chance of succeeding in the world as productive members of society.