Why were schools created?

Education is not a new concept, although education, as we know it now, is relatively new.

In the past knowledge and skills were passed down from one generation to another easily through stories, discussions, role modeling, and play. Back in the day when families weren’t isolated from each other and were a community that is. Children essentially taught themselves as they participated in and contributed to their community.. and of course, were allowed a lot of time to play. As society grew and families became more “nuclear” we lost those opportunities to pass on knowledge. Parents had to work and therefore someone had to look after the kids. Either that or the children had to work themselves.

Although there were believed to be schools dating back to 3000 BC, the industrial revolution in the 18th century is said to have been the starting point for compulsory and mandatory schooling. Kids needed to learn the skills they would need later in life, therefore, creating a great opportunity for schooling (and containing) the masses.

The first schools were heavily influenced by religion and indoctrination - the idea that children would turn out good people if they were repeatedly taught ideas over and over. People had different ideas about what children should be learning whether it was moral lessons, life skills, or how to be a good worker (be punctual, obedient, and tolerate long working hours) or a good soldier. Basically, it was decided that kids were not capable of teaching themselves as they had already been doing for years.

Over the years schools have changed but they still essentially have the same goal. Replacing the real work of children (play) with that of what adults and society have deemed necessary for children (schooling).

It is time for a change don’t you think? If you are interested in creating your own path through home schooling and want help while doing it, you can subscribe below.