Homeschooling: 10 Things to Be Thankful For About Homeschooling

Our decision to homeschool was an unexpected one, however, I am extremely grateful for this journey. We have been homeschooling for over a year now and I could go on and on and on about all of the things for which I am thankful when it comes to homeschooling.

1. Time

Homeschool provides us with so much time. Family time, time to pursue our own interests, time to be outdoors, time to exercise, time to relax, time to read… I could go on and on and on. Our family is not rushing from scheduled event to scheduled event, but rather we have ample space between. I’m thankful that I have the privilege to be around my children more and to savor every last drop of this motherhood gig.

2. Flexibility

Homeschooling is flexible; it allows you to learn about what you want to when you want to, without worrying about class times and grade levels. With homeschooling, you can learn year-round or for several weeks at a stint with breaks in between. You can vacation when you want to. If you are blessed with an amazingly beautiful day, you can take the day off. You can school on weekends if it is easier. I’m thankful for the incredible flexibility that homeschooling affords.

3. Games

Anyone who reads this site knows that our family is game-obsessed. I have so many friends who try to squeeze a family game night in on weekends. With homeschooling, we can play games daily- even multiple times daily. So much learning occurs while playing board games, and you are making memories, too! I’m thankful that we are able to play games together so often.

4. Nature

The school bus stop is in front of our home. Leo will often comment that he feels badly for the kids on the bus when it rolls up at 4:00 pm. “When do they play outside?” he’ll ask. I often find myself wondering the same thing. I am so thankful that my children are able to play outdoors, in nature, for so much of their day.

5. Siblings

I am always asked the question, “Do your children always get along so well?” or “Do your children always play so well together?” and the answer- of course- is No. They don’t always get along with each other but they are very close and most of the time they play extremely well together. Homeschooling has only strengthened their bond and for that I am thankful.

6. Rabbit holes

If I’ve learned anything over the past year of homeschooling it is this: learning happens all the time if you just relax and let it. I am thankful for all of the rabbit holes we’ve been able to dive down this year. From World History at age six, to travel and grandparent journals, to time capsules, to trivia… I’m grateful for it all!

7. Art

In this test-obsessed age that we live in, the arts are often cut from budgets and schedules. With easy access to materials, it is common to find my kids creating together. I am so thankful that my children can engage in unlimited art at home, rather than one class per week.

8. Language

When Leo was in kindergarten, one of his favorite classes was Spanish class. Unfortunately, languages have since been cut from the younger grades in our district. I am so thankful that we can dabble in languages. One of the things we are most excited about this summer is exploring Spanish through Rosetta Stone.

9. Music

In this age of teaching to the test and no child left behind, music is often left in the dust. I am thankful that Leo is able to explore music at home, from playing with instruments with his siblings, to Kenny Hour, to piano lessons. I’m so grateful that he’s not limited to music class once per week.

10. Play

Every morning, after breakfast, my children play together. I sit and drink my coffee and eavesdrop on the fun. Recently, I was at a doctor appointment and my children were lost in imaginative play during the appointment. My doctor remarked, “I love listening to them! You don’t hear kids doing that much these days- it’s like a lost art.” The comment made me smile, but it also made me feel badly for children today and the state of play in general. I am so thankful that they are able to immerse themselves in countless hours of play together.

The space between

When I think about all the many things that I am thankful for when it comes to homeschooling, I can see that it all boils down to this: the space between. When you take away public education, you are left with so much space between all of the other things. There is less rushing and more time. For that, I am extremely grateful.

Tell me, folks… what are you thankful for when it comes to homeschooling? Share here! I love hearing from you.

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