Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Are homeschoolers equipped to work as a team when most of their time is spent studying independently? Chairman Michael Farris shares one way to build teamwork on today's Home School Heartbeat.

Mike:


My son, Michael, started testing his formal debate skills this past year, though my wife, Vickie, says his informal skills have been getting plenty of practice at home already.


A great benefit I've already observed is the positive effect on Michael working that comes from working with a partner. Michael's partner, Paul, is a cheerful upbeat kind of guy. When you start debate, you don't always have instant success. When Michael got discouraged, Paul would cheer him on. Their different personalities really complimented each other.


When two students form a debate team, they learn to work together, and sometimes conflicts do arise. But persevering through conflict is what helps us develop better personal relationships, so it's great training for life.


As Paul and Michael figured out what they could each do well, they affirmed each other's strengths. They helped each other in areas where they needed to improve. Since everyone in the club was getting this kind of critique, a good sense of camaraderie developed.


Debate clubs also offer opportunities to work with other teams. Watching others debate can really sharpen your own skills. You learn what to avoid and what to imitate and eventually come up with your own style.


Formal debate gives homeschool students the opportunity to grapple with the tough issues that face our nation today. Working together to find viable solutions to these problems will help prepare students for a vital role in future policy decision making. I'm Mike Farris.