“Taking Children Seriously people will cringe at the educational agenda implied by this joke, whereas homeschoolers/unschoolers will find it funny, and others will wonder what it’s all about.”
– Kevin Schoedel
From the archives: The original post was posted on 23rd July, 2000
I’d guess that this joke from unschooling-dotcom may be another “test of Taking Children Seriously”, like the “If your child wanted to go to school, would you help him do so or put obstacles in his way?” I propose that Taking Children Seriously people will cringe at the educational agenda implied by this joke, whereas homeschoolers/unschoolers will find it funny, and others will wonder what it’s all about. Er, don’t take this too seriously.
“How many homeschoolers does it take to change a lightbulb?
A. First mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then the kids make models of lightbulbs, read a biography of Thomas Edison and do a skit based on his life. Next, everyone studies the history of lighting methods, wrapping up with dipping their own candles. Next, everyone takes a trip to the store where they compare types of light bulbs as well as prices and figure out how much change they’ll get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five dollar bill. On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and also Abraham Lincoln, as his picture is on the five dollar bill. Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged from the woods, the light bulb is installed. And there is light!”
See also:
Kevin Schoedel, 2000, ‘Joke test of taking children seriously’, https://takingchildrenseriously.com/joke-test-of-taking-children-seriously/