As I mentioned in a previous post, my wife and I are pursuing an unconventional (not to be read as "weird" or irrational) path regarding my son's education here in Japan.
That of--gasp--fully integrated learning (i.e. "unschooling," i.e. REAL LIFE).
I mentioned in the previous post that here in Japan taking the unschooling route is a bit of a trick due to vague laws, highly revered cultural/social "norms," and the general country-wide lack of truly robust and functional unschooling/homeschooling communities and groups.
All that said, it is doable here, and folks are making it happen.
Headed to the free school for "rejects."
In Japanese, the word futouko means "truancy" or "school non-attendance" and is a title that can be used to gain an exemption from compulsory public schooling mandates. As I understand it, the reasons for parents accepting this label for their children are myriad. Some have apparent learning disabilities, some have emotional problems, and still others just aren't "cut out for" the public schooling indoctrination system. This comes as no surprise to me, knowing from my personal and professional experience that in children genius is common as dirt, and in the public education system, genius is truly despised.
These days, futouko is ALSO a title used by homeschoolers/unschoolers to get around the heavy hand of compulsory schooling laws present in the legal system. Personally, I do not wish to have such a title applied to my son (being socially stigmatized in Japan can often come with severe ostracization by peers) but, nevertheless, my wife and I will head to a local free, and volunteer-based school for these "school refusers" tomorrow, to check it out.
I'm looking forward to seeing just how "free" these "free schools," called jiyuu gakkou, are, and how "unfit" these "school refusers" are. I am seriously wondering what we will find. Hopefully, though I am trying not to have too many expectations, a possibility for community and networking will be found. And a population of children and adults not so judgemental about the life choices of others!
A brief update on my son's Montessori education and thanks for your continued support.
As many of you who follow this blog know, thanks to Steemit and your readership/votes/support, I have been able to enroll my son in a rather elite English-speaking international Montessori school here in the city where I live. Sadly, though he loved it there, and his English was exploding, there are not any kids in his age range enrolled. We have been waiting for more children from his peer group to come to the school since he started, but, as it the school is a new endeavor here in town, and is still gaining popularity, this has yet to happen.
Just yesterday I received a message from Isaiah's teacher mentioning that he was concerned about the lack of peer learning and interaction for my boy. My wife and I have been having similar concerns. As such, after completing his makeup days, Isaiah will likely be quitting the Montessori school in search of greener pastures. I just want to thank all of the people here who have contributed to my blog from the bottom of my heart for helping my son gain an experience of inestimable value, and one he will never forget!
I am going to do all I can to forge an unschooling community right here, as I believe from the bottom of my heart that we owe our children the absolute best when it comes to showing them that this world is a fair (as "fair" as fair can be absent coercion and synthetic manipulation of natural law by government bodies), beautiful, and sensible place.
Thanks for reading, and UNSCHOOL ON! LIFE IS LEARNING AND LEARNING IS PLAYING!
I'll let you know about the school investigation soon! ;)
~KafkA
Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as Facebook and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)