I think there are gaps in every education around. I desperately want my kids to know everything by the time they graduate our HS, but I know that'll never happen. Then, of course, there's the retention issue. And on top of that, individual interests. One of my sons is an expert in sharks, while another builds model cars out of cereal box cardboard. Both know way more than I ever will re: those subjects. As for when I don't know something, I'm bluntly honest . I had a decent history education, but retained hardly a thing. I was just jumping through the hoops. Now, I'm actually LEARNING history. My kids can see my interest and that models more for them than if I simply made them memorize names and dates like I had to do. Like so many of you have said, we learn together.
I had high grades and graduated at the top of my class, and have a college degree. I do not know my math facts, and struggle with basic math functions ( % off and things like that at the grocery store) But I had A+'s and math was my best subject. I think that the way they teach in the ps is not the best. Like somebody said before either teaching to the test or trying to learn to much (dates names etc) are what is causing that problem. I just read Ruth Beechick's book for 4-8th grade and think that she says the same thing. That is a big reason I am homeschooling, I hate that I have to learn my addition facts with my 5 yo.
I absolutly have to relearn along with the kids. The first time around I could care less. This time around I find that I want to learn the stuff and find it extremely interesting. Math was my worst subject and I can honestly say that I have learned more in the last three years of homeschooling than I did the entire 13 years in school. I just may get through Algebra this time around. LOL I will never know it all but I am learning something new every single day.. And that's what's important. If I don't know something I will do research on it. And I have the kids do the same.
Sixcloar, What is the name of that book? I sometimes wonder if someone could stand up and say "Enough" with all the cramming and information overload and the pressure students face in school. Of course, if someone did that (and maybe they have) they would probably get ignored anyway. The system has a powerful hold on people, I know-it tries to suck me in sometimes. I read somewhere that we teach a mile wide and an inch deep. I equate it with meeting hundreds of people for a brief moment versus meeting a few and really taking the time to get to know them. When meeting hundreds-you might remember some names, but not really understand them. When you take the time to learn about a few-you will know them and understand them.
