There was a time when most children in rural America attended one-room schoolhouses, including the Amish and Mennonites. Many years ago, my dear friend Marian taught at one and recalled her students with fondness. The teacher had quite a job on his or her hands, but the older children helped the younger. Then large high schools were erected and students were pooled together. The Old Order Amish and conservative Mennonites realized their children were being exposed to more of the world than they wished. However, when they decided they did not want their children to attend non-Christian high schools or continue beyond the eighth grade, they were prosecuted. Parents spent time in jail.
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| A huge high school the Amish wished to avoid |
Our Amish friend’s father from Lancaster County, PA, and several other Amish men traveled to the Supreme Court in Washington DC to plead their case, citing religious convictions and practicality (their life was farm-centered) as reasons for not wanting their children to continue beyond the eighth-grade nor attend secular public schools. Not armed with attorneys or law degrees, they were successful!
As public schools vacated their one-room schoolhouses, many Amish communities purchased them or built new schools within walking distance to most homes in their District. They are quite charming to see, especially when the children arrive on foot, riding scooters, or in a buggy. New Discoveries Early Learning Center nurtures growth through preschool learning fun.
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| One-room Schoolhouse in Lancaster County, PA |
In Seattle from 1972 to 1999, mandatory busing forced even elementary children to spend up to an hour being transported across town; many parents turned to private and parochial schools in an attempt to keep their children closer to home, among other reasons. Busing was labeled a “Well-intentioned Failure.”
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| No one likes getting stuck inside or behind a school bus |
Today, most Amish children attend private one-room schoolhouses with a single teacher, usually an Amish or Mennonite female, or home school. They do not further their education beyond eighth-grade, although vocational classes are sometimes an option. They make good use of the library and might take a workshop pertaining to farming, woodworking, or bookkeeping. They are excellent businessmen.
The Amish are willing to seek help from a medical doctor, but not allow their own children to attend medical or dental school? Yes. Plus a multitude of other careers that require a high school or college degree. What do you think are the advantages of having children discontinue school in the eighth grade, unless taking a vocational class? As good farming land shrinks and fewer Amish plant and harvest, can you see the necessity to have the younger generation around the home and farm? What might be the disadvantages? What are your thoughts on having all the grades together with only one teacher with an eighth grade education herself? What are your thoughts on homeschooling?
When leaving a comment please leave first name and an email address to let me know you wish to enter to win a signed copy of either Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork. USA & Canada
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| Coming June 1, 2014 |
Congratulations to Sonja H., last week’s winner of a signed copy of either Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork! Thank you to everyone who entered.
We homeschool and do 4th grade , 3rd grade with my girls and this fall Daniel does K /1st ! School for us is a daily part of life thing. I would love to have my kids know what a small one room schoolhouse is like, but here where we live the Mennonites are the only ones that have one and its 11 miles from us. Thier rules are strick as to the children that attend there. No TV, No worldly influences of any kind. We watch only Waltons and other good old fashioned shows and New Amish movies by Beverly Lewis and The ones based on awesome books, like hers or Janette Oke . There are so many things and some of the nature channels and such make for good learning with the books we have, brings it to life for the kids. I myself went to a Baptist Church School but we don’t have one around here any longer. We love reading Little House and our reading brings the knowledge of what it was like or is like for the Amish or in the Old days. We use some books from Clay bookstore that are the ones the Amish use and some Rod and Staff that the Mennonites use too. I would so love to win one of your books Kate ! I would actually love to influence for you , do you have a group that does this for you ? Can one be added to your list to do so ? I have a blog where I read , review and I influence for a few authors that I love dearly. Amish Christian fiction is my favorite genre and it seems like it is flooded , yet I see authors of it, going to other genres to stay afloat….
Hugs and Blessings
Linda Marie Finn
Faithful Acres Books
http://www.faithfulacresbooks.wordpress.com
New website coming soon !!!
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
Danki
Linda, you brought up so many fascinating topics. You must be an interesting person yourself! I will definitely browse through your blog and in the future your new website. Thank you for your kind offer to be an influencer! Good luck in the contest!
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So you know… I have a desire to write and a desire to know more of my heritage from the Plain side. My moms maiden name is Fisher, My grandmother had a desire to quilt and loved amish quilts and such, it is my grandfathers side that came here from Zealand Holland and his mom who spoke German and Penn Dutch to my Mamma when she as a girl ! When my mom as a girl there were still Schoolhouses and not the Huge schools we have today ! I love one room school houses and alot of old fashioned things !
Linda
You carry with you a rich heritage, Linda. Lots to write about! I encourage you to give it a try. Journaling is a great way to get started as are writing articles.
the world would be a much better place if more of English communities went back to one room school houses deedot69@hotmail.com donna adkins thank you
I’d like to see that happen too, Donna. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
If I were raising children in this day and time, I would home-school. I could handle all but math and science, but I understand that families work together and someone else could handle that part. I am amazed at all that is available for children who are being schooled at home.
Thanks for writing, Martha! I’ve heard that home-schooled children excel scholastically, plus they are spared all that is wrong with large public schools, including bullying and poor behavior.
We have homeschooled in the past, and currently my children attend a private Christian school. I believe that responsible parents should have the right to choose how they raise and educate their children
You sound like you are a responsible and conscientious parent, Tonya! Thanks for writing!
The world would be a better place if there were more one room school houses these days. I think today that the public schools are so big and out of control in class size that the kids aren’t getting the education that they deserve. Having all the kids together in a one room school house would enable the older children to help the younger children.
My husband and I made the decision over four years ago to pull our son out of second grade and homeschool him and his younger brother. It is the best desision that we could have made. We currently have one in 7th grade homeschool and the other in 3rd grade homeschool.
I admire the way that the Amish live. Their decation to family, friends, neighbors and even strangers. They are self sufficient. Their devotion to God. They bring their children up to be able to accomplished in something whether it be wood working, farming, etc.
Cheryl Baranski
CherylB1987@hotmail.com
I’m impressed, Cheryl, and I admire your dedication to your children! You’re right about the large class sizes and huge schools, in my area anyway. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
I like the idea of home schooling for the parents, It is a great opportunity to teach their children more than is normally possible in public schools. I think anyone in this age needs a higher education to really provide for their self or a family.
Parents do have so much to teach their children that cannot be learned at school. I realize many parents must work to put food on the table, so it isn’t always possible. And my two sons craved the companionship of other kids. A one-room school house would’ve been great. To avoid busing, they both attended a parochial school in the neighborhood, within walking distance and with smaller classes.
This is the first year that we have homeschooled our daughter. She is in 7th grade, and we just felt that it was the right choice based on the way the school system was headed. She plans to go back for high school. I love your books and have both Leaving Lancaster and also Pennsylvania Patchwork and I am looking forward to reading Forever Amish which comes out in June.
Good for you, Rob! I imagine you made the right choice for your daughter after careful consideration. Thank you so much for your kind words about my books!
I went to a one room school house, that was the only kind we had at the time, most held 2 grades, (also had an out house,) for second grade they built a consolidated school that had 6 grades in it. My daughter home schooled her 3 children and all scored very high when tested by the school district and all three started college in their junior year. So I guess I would say I approve of homeschooling as long as they enough socializing with other people.
Your grandchildren are living proof that homeschooled kids excel scholastically, Ruth! It sounds like they have a pretty wonderful grandma too. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your fun comment.
I cannot imagine having the patience or knowledge to homeschool — not at my age. I have enough trouble helping my grandson with his homework — especially math 🙂 For those who do this, it is wonderful and provides children with more individual attention.
I know what you mean about the math, Mary! I recall when all of a sudden I couldn’t help my kids with their math homework. I went into my sons’ classrooms to help the teacher once a week until sixth-grade and enjoyed it, but came home exhausted and wondered how the teacher had the stamina to work five days a week plus correct papers, and prepare lessons and projects.
My mother taught in a one-room school room in North Dakota and has some interesting stories. The early school curriculum was very rigorous in math and even Latin. The 8th grade equivalency back then was much higher than today’s 8th grade standards. A older friend of ours had only an 8th grade education, but went on to become a Vice President of a large bank in North Dakota. (mommamindy@msn.com Pennsylvania Patchwork )
What a delightful post you have written, Mindy! Sounds like we’ve “dumbed-down” our standards. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
Yes, I would be content for my children to attend a one room school. I did so in my day, and went on to other schools after 8th grade and not only graduated high school, but also college. Bgauthier49@live.com
How wonderful that you got to go to a one room schoolhouse and are now a college graduate! Thank you for entering the contest and good luck!
I’ve never done home schooling. Does it count that I went to the first grade in a log cabin, heated with a wood heater. The bus came & picked us up to take us to the high school to eat lunch. They were so crowded with first graders that they used a log cabin for one of the first grades. Too far to walk to the main school. We were across the street from an IGA so we could bring money & get something for break.
What a fun story, Pat! I’m envisioning the log cabin, the wood heater, and eating in a high school. Thanks for sharing your colorful scenario. It put a smile on my face!
Interesting blog 🙂 Just thought that I would share that we have many Amish who attend our public schools here in Sugarcreek which I think is wonderful. I love the idea of homeschooling but not sure my kids would go for that!
Thanks so much for sharing that information, Michelle. Is that through 8th. grade? I wonder how the Amish parents handle their children’s English friends with cell phones and iPads.
Yes, it’s until the 8th grade.I would imagine there are a few that have continued on. Funny that you mentioned an iPad…just the other day my son said there is an Amish girl on the bus and she has (I think he may have said a Google Nexus) The Amish children in his class do everything with computers the same as rest of the class does. They have to take AR quizzes on them and whatever is expected. My husband does IT work for an Amish woodworking shop…not what you would expect, huh? Amish and computers!
Great post.All my children went to public school,but if I had children now starting school,I would probably try home schooling.I think the one room school is amazing.The children probably get so much more one on one.Thanks for sharing.Jackie Tessnair jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com
I imagine the kids do get more one-on-one attention, Jackie. Especially with class sizes in some schools at over 30 children. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
One room school house or home schooling is best. Schools are war zones,and unfortunately it even starts before they enter high school.
godskid91@gmail.com
Never went to a one room school house but did go to one when I was in first grade and 1-3 were in the same room. I remember first day at school a big kid took the swing and hit me in the head with it. Busted top of my head open. (swings back then were solid slab of wood about 3 inches thick on chains. Not a very fond memory. Love to win.
Blessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
Isn’t it amazing how certain moments are embedded in our memory forever, Diana? I have a few of those myself and yet sometimes I forget what day it is. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
Went to a small school where the boys and girls had their own playground. We couldn’t play with other. Love to win bjhallett@comcast.net
How wonderful that the younger children had their own playground at your small school. Thanks for entering the book giveaway. Good luck!
Can’t wait until your new book comes out. I have read the other two. When my late husband and I visitied Lancaster several times, we had to stop at every one-room schoolhouse we went by and took pictures. It was so interesting! I’m a 3rd grade teacher in NC, so I love learning and reading about one-room schools and their teachers. What is your new book about? My late husband’s birthday is today, so what a great memory I have of this special time we spent together!
susanlulu@yahoo.com
I imagine as a third grade teacher you have superior insights about teaching, Susan! My husband and I also zigged and zagged up and down country roads, and admired the quaint and practical schoolhouses. What a joy to see those Amish children playing together. When either my husband or I am no longer on earth I’m sure the other will recall those trips with the fondest of memories. Thanks for entering the contest!
If I had children I would try homeschooling them. I’ve several friends that have and do homeschool their children. They have always tested very high on all of the required testing for the state and federal guidelines. Donna d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com
I’ve heard the same information about homeschooled children, that they get an excellent education and test well, Donna. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
I went to a very small school in Minnesota where all grades K-12 were in one building, luckily not all in one room, as there would have been a crowd. I think it kind of gives you the home school feeling to have that kind of building and education. I wonder how hard it would have been to teach a broad range of ages without getting frustrated as either a teacher or a student. Very nice blog and thanks, again!
Thanks for writing, Sonja! The public high school I ended up graduating from had almost 1000 kids in the senior class alone. As you can imagine, I did not know every child in my own class. Ironically, I’ve become friends with some of them years later. Your very small school in Minnesota sounds superior.
I never went to a one room school but my oldest brother when he 1st started school did. It was the school house durning the weekdays and was used as a church on Sundays, later it was just the community church. I figure in time the USA will have to either go back to home schooling or the use of churches to educate children due to the high cost of public schooling, transportation and gas is so high, the bills associated with upkeep and maintaining a school building not to mention the teachers saleries could be cut way back by home schooling and use of a computer and internet, but then parents would have to take a more active part in their kids schooling. Lucy Nix
lucynix@ellijay.com
I like your idea, Lucy! in our town, our property taxes continue to skyrocket, in part to pay for public schools. Since I was fortunate enough to work out of the home, I could volunteer to help in my children’s classrooms once a week. One teacher told me I was the only parent she allowed in her class because I did what was asked of me, whether it be set up a science project or quiz the kids on their multiplication or listen to an oral book report. Very enjoyable! Thanks for entering the contest!
I think home school is a good idea because of the one-on-one attention they get. You know if they are understanding the concept As for one room schools – I can see the advantages and disadvantages. Maybe they would learn more, though, because they would be familiar with subjects beyond their grade. Then when they get there, they are already familiar with the subject.
Kathy F.
finulhour@sbcglobal.net
I think you’re right, Kathy. Although I did not homeschool our kids, I taught them both to read because they wanted to read earlier then the other children. I have always noticed that whether it be playing a sport with the superior athlete or going to a writers conference with advanced writers, beginners rise to the occasion and are more apt to do well. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
My children grew up in a school where everyone knew everyone. If I had lived in a big city where there was gangs etc I would have home schooled. Sharma Darby
Your children’s school sounds wonderful, Sharma! I agree, some big city high schools are undesirable places for young adults to spend their days. And the poor but dedicated teachers who must deal with a gang mentality. Thanks for writing!
I know many families that home school their children! Hats off to them, they do a super job, I know that I could not teach math nor science!!! As for the Amish, I think if a child wants to further their education, I don’t see anything wrong with it as long as one of their own was able to teach them. Maybe they wouldn’t have to do a full eight hour day, so that they could still do chores and help in the fields…..etc. it seems that it is getting a lot tougher for them to remain “farmers”. My children attended a small Catholic school, numbers were small, so they had one one one, this was just K-6, unfortunately they had to finish in the larger public school. I am all for the smaller or home school settings. Linda Zrubek. zrubek@cox.net
I agree with you, Linda. Hats off to homeschoolers! Both my sons wanted to be around other children … not their mother. They attended a small local Catholic school too and it was great. One insisted he wanted to go to public high school and fortunately was able to get into the best in town and not too far from our house. Our other son chose to attend a small prep school. We paid dearly for it along with our property taxes that support public schools …
Hello Kate. Was hoping this new book was up for grabs, since I have the first two. When will it be available? It has a pretty cover. I think the one room schools are fine. I know people who went to schools like this and have done very well. Schools didn’t use to have 12 grades. The Amish children are still learning what they need to know after getting out of school. They learn different professions that are needed in their communities. And, I don’t think they should be forced to go to public schools. After all they are taught English, more than the new people who come here now. And, I think the home schooling is great. Our schools have so much bad stuff going on them that lots of parents would rather their children not to be around every day, and I don’t blame them. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
Hi Maxie! I wish my new book were available to give as a prize. Forever Amish releases June 1st. I’m glad you like the cover. I agree with your assessment of the Amish schools. The children learn three languages: Pennsylvania Dutch, German, and English when they start school. And many continue to read and study after they graduate. Yes, some of our large English public schools have bad stuff going on, and I wonder about the quality of education. Some Amish youths do choose to leave the Amish community and pursue college. It is my understanding that they usually test well and have no problem getting in to a university.
Times continue to move on and change is inevitable, even for the Amish. I think eventually, they will have to go beyond their eighth grade training, even if it is only trade school training. Farming will eventually be rare and scarce and they will need to find new ways to survive. It will be a very slow transition, but one I do think that is coming in the future.
Just thinking about the changes in my own life that have taken place since I was a child. Changes that I never imagined. I never thought I would be sitting here, typing this message. Computers were scarce and few used them. Wow. In order for us to survive, we had to change and adapt, even if we were not too happy with it. And, I am certain, over the next several years, I will be adapting to more changes.
So, as many of the Amish communities are slowly making changes, they will continue to do so. And, there will be some who will be resistant to change and will refuse to make changes even if they have lost their means of survival.
Blessings,
Kristin J keithkrisjager(at)aol(dot)com
I’m in the same boat with you, Kristin, and have made many changes in my life. I imagine the Amish will continue to be resistant for a number of reasons, Although I do see telephones and computers in their businesses. When the children graduate from school they may serve as apprentices in woodworking and other businesses, so in a way their education does not end even if they don’t work on a farm. And they are more apt to stay close to the home. How wonderful to have parents near their children. Thanks for entering the contest and good luck!
I would rather have them in a one room school house than one with 3000 students like the one my son graduated high school from.
Mona Mason
Tmason2475@aol.com
I agree, Mona! My graduating class from public school had almost 1000 students in that class alone. There were many students whom I didn’t meet until I became an adult and got to know them through other channels. Thanks for writing and entering the contest! Good luck!
Hi, Kate. I left a message on your other page. I would allow my child if I had one to go to a one room schoolhouse or be tutored privately as I believe that the teachers are very well educated and able to handle any grade. Also, the Amish have an advantage because they are so close socially with family, friends , and other children to help them in their social growth with other children. Sure would love to win your book, especially “Leaving Lancaster”. My email is
flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for this contest! Sincerely, Mary Lou K
Thanks for writing, Mary! I’ve heard excellent teachers in large public schools mention they’ve never met some of their students’ parents. I doubt this happens in Amish communities. I can’t imagine how it would. And I assume siblings keep their parents informed. I’d love you to read Leaving Lancaster. Good luck in the contest!
They are not beyond my comprehension. There is a lot to be said for more one on one teaching. Older students helping younger etc. I also feel the interaction between different ages teaches social skills that many in our newer generations are lacking. Evidently many more believe this as evident in the rise in homeschooling in our nation today. donnaeharmon@yahoo.com. Would love to win a copy of Pennsylvania Patchwork.
Thanks for entering the contest, Donna! I agree with your assessment of one-on-one teaching and older students helping younger. Amish one-room school houses have a lot going for them! Good luck in the book giveaway! I’d love you to read Pennsylvania Patchwork!
I admire teachers who are successfully able to teach multiple grades. I also admire homeschool teachers and am quite jealous as I had to work and could not homeschool my own children. At the high school where I teach, we have 1800 students and about 110 teachers. My classroom averages about 28 students per period. I would gladly work at a smaller school, but I don’t know that I could do the one-room teaching. My hat’s off to the Amish for accomplishing that! I would love to win one of your books. My email is jclements69@outlook.com. Thanks! Jean C
Thank you for your insightful comments. I admire almost all teachers, especially homeschool teachers. For many years I went into my kids’ classroom once a week to help and came home exhausted, and wondering how the teacher had the stamina to do it every day! But it was fun working with the kids and getting to know my sons’ friends. My hats off to you, Jean! Thanks for entering the contest!
I can see advantages to the Amish extending education to children through the 12th grade, especially with less of their families farming. But at the same time, I love the concept of a one-room schoolhouse. My mother attended a one room school in bayou country in Louisiana and traveled by boat to get there! She spoke so fondly of her memories of going there. Our 4 children attended Christian school from K5–graduation. Now grown & married with children of their own, each has chosen different methods for educating their children. One chose Christian school, another public school, my in-town daughter has homeschooled her two boys all the way through & they are now in high school. Both play instruments in homeschool band & the oldest is now dual enrolled in a local college. My youngest daughter’s children have not yet started school. Children going to school today are exposed to so much more than I was when I attended school. It can be a scary thing to put your children into a system whose beliefs differ so much from your own.When you see such horrible problems many children encounter in schools today, one has to ask with all the changes made to our school system, are we really better off? Have we not lost some crucial elements that have affected the fabric and core of our society? I can understand the Amish not wanting to have any part of that! I have so much admiration for the Amish and their diligence to “live in the world but be not of it.” Although I don’t necessarily understand or even agree with all their ways, I respect them for the couragee to live out their faith in their desire to please and honor God above man. missionslady@yahoo.com
What a wonderful family you’ve raised! Your mother sounds interesting too. I agree, there are problems in our public schools today and the teachers, many of them fine and accomplished, have little recourse to control bad behavior. Not to mention the size of most classrooms. Thanks so much for writing and entering the contest! Good luck!