School finally started this week in
Turkey, so my home schooled kids can no longer feel sorry for themselves
because they have to go to bed at a decent hour and get up to study from 8:30
a.m.-2:30 p.m. while their Turkish friends play in the park all day and night.
Every year we start a few weeks earlier than the local schools do, so it’s a
relief when school starts, and my kids’ friends have to study just like they
do.
We were blessed to arrive when my
kids were small. I sent them to public pre-school for one year, so they had a
crash course in Turkish. Since then, I’ve homeschooled, but they’ve continued language
learning over the years.
Although I’ve chosen the home school
route, I also respect families who have chosen local schools. This is common
especially in elementary levels, when it’s easier for mom and dad to help the
kids with homework.
Here are some advantages to local schools:
- The children learn the language and adapt more quickly.
- They make friends more easily.
- Mom has more time to do language study or engage in ministry.
- School provides a door into the community for the whole family.
- Education based on memorization
- Lots of homework
- Stress on the child
How to overcome the challenges?
I asked some of the cross-cultural workers
in our country how they help their children overcome some of the challenges of
being in local schools, and here is a summary of what they said: (Direct quotes are in
blue.)
- Don’t push them too soon.
Don’t feel you have to enroll them
in school the moment you arrive. Give
them some time to adjust. They won’t
suffer academically from losing a few months.
- Lower your academic expectations during the language learning phase.
“Kids need a few years
of Turkish school/Turkish in order to function at a competent level
academically. Parents, don't think that your kids are behind, not
learning or not trying. They will get it and move ahead with your support,
not with constant pushing for good grades. We experienced this with three
of our kids here who have all gone on to U.S. universities and done well.”
- Be present and develop relationships at the school.
“Be a presence in your kid's school; show up unexpectedly;
have tea with the teachers and principal. Get good relationships going, and
that will help considerably.”
- Support and encourage your child during the adjustment phase.
- Remember kids have problems in school no matter where they are
- Pray and trust God with your kids.
How many of you out there have your
kids in local schools? What is it like? What suggestions
do you have for someone whose child is struggling?
2 comments:
"One of the biggest challenges of overseas life is education for the children." So true! I thought I would be prepared since I had several years of home schooling under my belt before we moved overseas, but it just isn't the same. There are always problems with the internet/computer, issues with finding supplies and curriculum, people knocking on your gate, electricity, etc. We are experiencing both, one is home schooled and one is in an American school here, and they each face different challenges. Sounds like you've met your challenges with wisdom and grace!
your kids are getting an education by just living there!!
good luck!
we believe parents are the primary educators of our children no matter who ends up teaching them. some of the things they learn in school has to be retaught at home...especially social/moral issues like birth control is wonderful for girls because it makes their faces pretty and their breast larger and also helps the whole world by having less babies.
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