TWO GENERATIONS OF HOME SCHOOLING

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Fifth, after making sure that each child had a good sight vocabulary as a data base, I began pointing out that distinctive letters — such as the "z" in "buzz" — have specific sounds, so that the youngster could eventually acquire the skill of sounding out new words (professional educators call this "learning to read by the phonic method").

I sometimes used textbooks for such instruction, but never limited my children to such unexciting volumes. After all, just as a music student may need to practice in dull exercise books — but must have access to beautiful music for inspiration — a beginning reader may have to spend time with practice texts, but also needs exposure to entertaining literature in order to associate reading with enjoyment.

When I first started making letter-sound associations, I'd again watch the child's face for a flicker of understanding . . . and again the initial response was a blank look. Yet — as in the case of sight words — a day would come when each youth suddenly comprehended the fact that a particular letter can represent a particular sound. And surprisingly enough, my four youngsters all made this great discovery at the age of four years . . . almost to the week!

PRINCIPLES FOR TEACHING A CHILD AT HOME

Many parents will, no doubt, have their own ideas about the best ways to instruct children, but I think that — having been on both sides of the home-schooling relationship — I've gained some general insights that may be worth sharing. Perhaps the most basic (and obvious) principle is this: What you don't know, you can't teach. Of course, it is often possible to compensate for not knowing a subject area by studying it (and, indeed, there's no better way to learn something than to teach it!).

Nevertheless, you may sometimes want to get other people to work with your children in specific areas . . . or perhaps even consider bartering teaching skills with other parents who are strong in subjects where your own background is lacking.

No matter what, though, never assume that you're incompetent to instruct your offspring simply because you may not have impressive college degrees. If you know anything interesting that your child doesn't know, you have a lesson that you can teach. Besides, although formal education may be essential for mastering a few subject areas, in most instances the best education is self-education. An individual who is curious, can read, and has access to decent resources will learn best on his or her own . . . with only occasional assistance from experts.

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