It’s May, folks. We’re fast-approaching the one-year anniversary of our decision to (suddenly, unexpectedly) homeschool and the start of this site. It has been a whirlwind of a year, that’s for sure! It’s fascinating to look back on the past year and my evolution as a homeschooler, and to think about our current lifestyle of learning.
I remember when I first started homeschooling, I was so overwhelmed by the responsibility of educating my child. Would I be able to do it well? Was it the right choice for our family? Would I mess it all up somehow? I soon learned that it was the appropriate choice for our son, as he blossomed before our eyes. Within weeks of leaving public school, his love of learning returned and he was our joyful learner once more. It felt like we were free, we felt lighter.
Our son easily adjusted to life without public school. I had a harder time, however. As a product of public schools, a school psychologist, and public school advocate, I had to change the way I thought about education. I had to shake free the whole notion of grade level expectations, of what should be learned when.
In the fall, Leo was obsessed with ancient history. He could not get enough of it. We started reading Story of the World. We would listen to the audiobook in the car, running to and from school drop offs for T and Seuss. He loved it! And then he started getting really interested in US History, too. And we were doing both at the same time and he was so happy! And then, one day, I caught myself worrying about whether or not I should be covering two histories. Would it be confusing? Would he remember any of it down the road? Was I messing up?
And then I stopped. I told myself to just stop. I had a six year old who was learning about Ancient History and US History because he wanted to, and he was passionate about them both. That was enough. That was more than enough.
With time, I began to relax into a homeschool rhythm. It became clear to me, time and time again, that learning happens all the time when you just relax and let it. Children are born curious and passionate about learning. They do not yet equate learning with work, as often happens with schooling.
Before homeschooling, I imagined homeschooling parents in a teacher role. I know that some homeschoolers do function as teachers. I see myself as more of a facilitator. I learn beside my son, and I often learn from him. Children are our wisest teachers.
I love to learn, I always have. I’m the type of person who will become interested in a given topic and then I will delve in deeply. I’ll read every book I can get my hands on about the topic, every single article I can find online. I immerse myself until I have had my fill. And then I move on to the next thing. There’s always a next thing. This week, I’m organizing all of my materials and paperwork to renew my state educator license. As I’m gathering and sorting, I am reflecting with a smile. I have learned so much in the past few years. Far more so than I did during any of my years a school psychologist. These at-home years have offered me so much opportunity to drink my fill in a variety of areas, including but not limited to: infant reflux, failure to thrive and nutrition; sensory processing disorder; gifted learners and gifted education; attention and executive functioning challenges; anxiety; homeschooling; a multitude of curricula, and -of course- blogging. I’m learning all the time, too, just like my son.
These days, our homeschooling is much more relaxed. We spend a great deal of time learning through books, book club, nature study, hands-on exploration, board games, and long discussions. It’s clear to me that our son loves to learn, too, and I believe he always will. Learning does not stop when you leave that brick and mortar school building, folks, whether you leave it at twenty-five or at six. Learning happens all the time if you just relax and let it. Life is a learning journey.
Tell me, folks… What is your lifestyle of learning? Has your approach to learning changed over time? Did you experience a homeschool evolution? Share here. I love hearing from you all.
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Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
~W.B. Yeats
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I love that you are learning all the time, too. Alongside your children. Your post reminded me of the 2e talk by Dr. Patty Gatto when she said to take a good look at yourself and your family because a 2e child doesn’t fall far from the tree. More than anything I realized that some of the challenges I have with my MOTHER might be very well explained if I see her as 2e! So, I guess, since having my children my learning has evolved to include and value a very deep look at myself. In a word, I have begun a serious effort toward mindfulness.
Those proverbial apples, man! They are always popping up!! 🙂 I sure hope you head out east this summer!
I just wanted to tell you thank you for writing this blog. I can relate to so much here, from being a school counselor to homeschooling my children for the first time this year. I had to change the way I thought about education and what it should look like. I know that I made the right decision for us but I appreciate being able to come here and find inspiration and encouragement.
Hi Denise!!
LOVE meeting other educators through this site. It’s amazing how many of us there are! I just told another person who commented the same thing but have you read my friend Sallie Borrink’s post about teachers as the indicator species? If not, google it now because it’s super thought provoking. It says something when the educators are leaving the field. I’m so glad you’re here. Please keep me posted on your journey!
I’ve seen your blog for a while. You’ve done an amazing job getting it published. But, I always thought you’d been homeschooling for a long time, based on the voice of your posts. I think we lead similar lives, and I know it draws me to you. I too am a former public school teacher, turned homeschool mom, with a gifted 6 year old boy.
People have been asking me lately when our school year will end. I can never answer them though, because I’ve chosen ” learning all the time” as our motto too. I sure wish we could collaborate more, because of what I see as our incredible similarities! (My boy also lives history, and studied Revolutionary War, ALL the presidents, and is obsessed with The Odyssey.)
Hi Melanie,
I love meeting other educators who are doing this thing. It’s amazing how many of us there are! Have you read my friend Sallie Borrink’s post on teachers as the indicator species? If you haven’t google it because it’s thought provoking!
On another note, don’t you just wish we could put all these kids in a room together? I’m certain my son would adore yours! Thanks for reading!!
When asked by outsiders ‘how can/do you do it’ I’ve always said I don’t teach, I facilitate to his needs. Now his younger brother is in school. Two very different children with needs that are poles apart. That son I could never home educate as he does need teaching. Good to hear that other people use the term ‘facilitate’ too.
I think it is such a great description!