FAMILY
The home schooling meeting in Lucca was well attended and had lots of local support.
pressure. They learn ‘in the world’ and learning is an integral part of their lives, not just an activity that is done in a certain place at the ring of a bell. The most frequently-voiced homeschooling concern is the socialisation aspect; but the quality of social interaction that is genuinely possible in the school playground is debatable. Studies have demonstrated that homeschoolers have a more positive self-image and higher self-esteem than their schooled peers, and are not negatively influenced by enforced ‘socialisation’ with other children of the same age and immaturity level. Homeschoolers are not exposed to bullying and peer pressure, and adults have a much greater influence over their emotional development. They are able to form friendships with others of different ages, in different settings and situations, and are free of the hierarchies, exclusive behavioural tendencies and cliquey relationships that are so common in schools. Beyond all the reasons for which
homeschooling represents an excellent educational alternative for absolutely anyone, it’s also a practical solution for English-speaking and bilingual families in Tuscany, especially those who are here for limited periods of time and don’t wish to insert their children into the Italian state school system, or who have tried the system and found it unsuitable. Here’s what some experienced Tuscan homeschoolers say about their experiences: “We felt that our child had stopped enjoying
learning and we were anxious about this. We follow the usual Italian school hours at home, with sport and music out of hours just as they would be if he attended a state school.” “Socialisation opportunities are definitely
there, and I find it helpful to remember that in life we socialise with those we like, not those who are necessarily the same age; as long as our children are interacting with someone we don’t mind if they are not level peers.” “The local authorities were exceedingly helpful, we just had to write a letter with our
intentions before the start of the school year. The school checked that the curriculum I had planned was acceptable. We have all learned a lot!” “I understand much more when they
are struggling, and when they just can’t be bothered. We are building trust, they know I am there to help them. They do say how they like it. That doesn’t mean they don’t miss school sometimes, nor does it mean I don’t get frustrated some days....but it is always rewarding.” “We follow the Italian curriculum but
we study in English. We also enlarged the curriculum, taking advantage of being here in Tuscany, near Florence and art galleries etc. The more one looks into things, the more one realises that teaching methods can be so varied.” Interested in homeschooling? Email
homeschooltuscany@gmail.com for more information about the Homeschool Tuscany network.
THE TUSCAN MAGAZINE | 31
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