Comments on: Real-World Problem Solving

By: catana

catana — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:42:54 +0000

You can do it. I learned to use the sewing machine when i was barely old enough to keep my fingers out from under the needle. I haven’t sewn much in the last couple of years because my eyesight was deteriorating. Now that I have new glasses, I have a bunch of projects I want to pick up again.

By: zannahjane

zannahjane — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:30:00 +0000

You know, something that’s becoming a lost art in the realm of practical skills is sewing. My mother and grandmother were able to make nearly anything, and I struggle to thread a machine and stitch two pieces of cloth together awkwardly! I agree, hands-on hobbies aren’t as common these days. I still intend to learn to sew some day, though.

By: catana

catana — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:59:11 +0000

You’re so right. I don’t think home schooling advocates put nearly enough emphasis on the practical skills that children can gain when they’re not sitting at a desk all day, five days a week. Lack of contact with the real world is one of the unintended consequences of compulsory schooling, but it’s still not recognized as an important social factor.

By: danyellewon

danyellewon — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:36:59 +0000

Developing problem solving skills is one of the intangible benefits of home schooling. My son has taught himself how to cook and clean just because he got tired of waiting for me to do things for him. The public schools are filled with good intentioned, salt-of-the-earth people, but 8 hours in a classroom every day cannot compare to living life, dealing with other people, and solving problems, full-time.