Why We Teach History

As a homeschooling family we have chosen to use a classical rather than traditional approach to education. For instance, we teach history instead of social studies. Our references are primary sources rather than slanted History textbooks. And our goal is to understand the past as not to repeat the same mistakes. For the sake of critical thinking, the children are encouraged to research events from different angles and look for signs of propaganda. I expect them to do their investigative homework before expressing an opinion about all things political and cultural. The results are interesting, especially as they enter college. My two oldest daughters have cornered professors after the first day of class to challenge statements made to set the tone for the semester. On both occasions they were encouraged to agree to disagree. Hmmmmmm. No desire to pursue the truth? No room for it in English, History, or Psychology. No, lesson #1 at the college level is that truth does not exist and all things are relative to one's life experiences. I suppose they will have to take Philosophy if interested in abstracts like truth and reality. And if your news comes from the mainstream media, just remember that "All pigs are created equal," but "Some pigs are more equal than others." Visit Mommylife for a bit of current history that never made the mainstream media. But it did make some ears perk up- at least for those who were paying attention.