One problem that I notice among homeschooling families is that they often do make the progress they expect to make and then, in an attempt to avoid leaving any gaps, they decide that they will “start over” in the previous level.
This is an example of the delusion of “perfectionism”.
Of course, perfectionism is not actually the habit of doing this perfectly; quite the opposite. Perfectionism is the habit of imagining that one will do something he is not actually capable of doing. The perfectionist is always talking about plans, work to be done, schedules, goals, etc., but never completed work. When the perfectionist fails to accomplish what he thinks he should have accomplished, rather than move forward with humility, acknowledging gaps that need to be filled, he proposes a return to the beginning so that everything can be done “perfectly”. The delusion of this is that the student is set back even further from where he should be, while talk of higher standards fills the air.
It’s quite a delusion.
In my consultation meetings with homeschool parents, I regularly have to persuade them NOT to start over again. This is one of the dangers when education is directed by adults who don’t have experience in teaching and school administration. They don’t understand how to fix problems while continuing to move forward. The only solution they can think of is to start over again.
It never works. In fact, it’s an excuse to work less.
When preparing for studies, every student should be started on his grade level study plan. The goal is to move forward in as many subjects and lessons as possible and, when weaknesses are discovered, spot treat them in an efficient way. Again, this is where teaching experience is valuable and homeschool parents should ask for help.
We must not be deceived by perfectionism. We must not allow people who are failing to accomplish what needs to be accomplished to pretend that their high standards require them to go backwards. We must not allow ourselves to be deceived into thinking that the way to move forward is to go backwards. What we will find is that the same backwards plan is proposed every year–or multiple times per year. There will never be any progress and the students will soon find themselves out of time.
This problem can be avoided by seeking help with student management. If you’re starting over again, again, it’s not going to work. There’s not enough time. Ask for experienced help.
God bless,
Mr. William C. Michael, O.P.
Headmaster
Classical Liberal Arts Academy
