All
children in the United States have to receive an education, but the law does not
say they have to be educated at school. A number of parents prefer not to send
their children to school. {{U}} {{U}} 1 {{/U}} {{/U}}There are
about 300,000 home-schoolers in the United States today. Some parents prefer
teaching their children at home because they do not believe that public schools
teach the correct religious values; others believe they can provide a better
educational experience for their children by teaching them at home. {{U}}
{{U}} 2 {{/U}} {{/U}} David Guterson and his wife
teach their three children at home. Guterson says that his children learn very
differently from children in school. {{U}} {{U}} 3 {{/U}}
{{/U}}For example, when there is heavy snowfall on a winter day, it may start a
discussion or reading about climate, snow removal (去除) equipment, Alaska, polai
bears (北极熊), and winter tourism. A spring evening when the family is out
watching the stars is a good time to ask questions about satellites and the
space program {{U}} {{U}} 4 {{/U}} {{/U}} Home
schooling is often more interesting than regular schools, but critics say that
home-schooled are outsiders who might be uncomfortable mixing with other people
in adult life. {{U}} {{U}} 5 {{/U}} {{/U}}However, most parents
don't have the time or the desire to teach their children at home, so schools
will continue to be where most children get their formal education.
A. Interestingly, results show that home-schooled children quite often do
better than average on national tests in reading and math. B.
Critics also say that most parents are not well qualified to teach their
children. C. Learning starts with the children's interests and
questions. D. Children who are educated at home are known as
"home-schoolers." E. In some countries, however, children are
educated by their parents. F. If the Brazilian rain forests are
on the TV news, it could be a perfect time to talk about how rain forests
influence the climate, and how deserts are formed.