Could you please help me with these questions to kind of get me going on this general topic I must write about?

What did children do in the United States before the first compulsory acts were enacted? How, if at all, did they educate themselves? How would anyone learn anything if they weren't required to go to school?

Try looking here:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&as_qdr=all&q=allintitle%3A++%22history+of+education%22+%22united+states%22

I thought this might be an interesting thing to tell you. One time I met a man who couldn't read or write, but probably knew more about history than most people because he watched the History Channel so often. Also, my Dad never reads any fiction books because he's always reading something about World War 2.

Yes, that is interesting. Thank you.

You're welcome! It's fascinating how people can educate themselves through various means, such as watching educational television programs or reading books on specific topics of interest. In the case of your dad, his focus on World War II demonstrates how individuals can acquire knowledge in a specific area by delving deep into related literature. Similarly, the man you met who couldn't read or write but had extensive historical knowledge through watching the History Channel highlights the power of media as an educational tool.

Now, to answer your questions about children in the United States before compulsory education acts were enacted and how they educated themselves, you can start by conducting some research. I recommend exploring the link I provided earlier, which is a Google search specifically tailored to your query about the history of education in the United States. This will allow you to find resources and scholarly articles discussing the topic in more detail.

By examining the history of education in the United States, you can uncover how children were educated before compulsory education laws were implemented. Some potential avenues to explore include homeschooling, private tutors, apprenticeships, community-based learning, or religious education. These methods were commonly used to provide children with knowledge and skills necessary for their daily lives.

Remember, when conducting your research, it's important to evaluate the credibility and reliability of the sources you come across. Look for authoritative publications, academic journals, or reputable websites that provide accurate and well-supported information on the topic. This will ensure the information you gather is reliable and can be used in your writing.

Good luck with your research and writing!