GrreatTeacher-My children were taught far more critical thinking skills than are taught at school. We had books, workbooks and discussions about assumptions, propaganda, general statements and so on. It is this critical thinking ability that has allowed my 10 year old to be selected to attend the Washington D.C. conference. The conference will examine the great leaders of the past, the great losers of the past and current leaders to evaluate their performances and so forth.
It makes a huge difference of whether you think President Lincoln fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, it makes you look like an unintelligent idiot if you thought he did. Who could take anything you said seriously? Also, not knowing basic facts prevents one from being able to form proper opinions on basic subjects. Memorization is important. It worked for thousands of years, and can continue to work to make a well-rounded mind.
I often feel at a distinct disadvantage when talking about world history, they rarely teach that in school. We have wonderful books now, because of homeschooling, that we dig out an read, often in reference to ongoing matters, such as the hatred between the Muslims and Christians.
Homeschooling can be far more successful than you give it credit for, as long as it isn't following a religious agenda, which we NEVER did. Terry is correct in that the Beka program is garbage. There are rotten homeschoolers out there, just as there are rotten public school teachers and horrible, violence riddle school districts and districts who exist solely to promote football.