Learning with Reckless Abandon
June 2007
Spring
is a time when many
homeschooling parents consider their educational options for the next
school year. Some parents wonder whether they are capable of
homeschooling higher grades. Other families wonder if they
should put their children in classes outside the home. The
good news is you can homeschool independently! Independent
homeschooling can result in real and tangible benefits in the areas of
academics, socialization, safety, and specialization.
"Challenging but not overwhelming" is a good description of
the perfect job. The same is true for homeschooling, because
the academics can always be challenging, but never need to be
overwhelming. Homeschooling through high school is a wonderful way to
prepare kids for a real world job. As homeschoolers, we can
make courses challenging by teaching every subject at our student's
level. We have the ability to use what works, or choose
something different. And as homeschoolers, we can meet the
specific learning style and interests of our child. By doing
so, we can make sure our child will enjoy learning.
Socialization that reflects the real world, where kids interact with
people of all ages and backgrounds on daily basis, is a significant
benefit of homeschooling. After all, in the working world,
not everyone on the job will be exactly the same age. My
youngest son is seventeen, and he is currently director of our church
choir. We joke that he lowers the average age of the choir to
seventy! One choir member commented at how remarkable it was
to see my son conversing easily with a senior citizen, and then turn
around and talk just as easily with the teenage youth group members.
The safety and comfort of home is the best learning
environment. There is no need to be fearful at school,
because home is a safe and supportive environment. People
have asked me, "What does homeschooling look like?" I usually
reply that in our home it looked like my son lying beside our dog
reading a book or talking to his grandfather about economics.
In an environment that is free of fear, children have the security to
learn with reckless abandon.
Specialization means kids can pursue their unique interests.
Because homeschooling is a much more efficient way of educating, there
is plenty of time for specialization, and the freedom to pursue a
passion. Remember that in a homeschool, there is no waiting
around, no standing in line, and no riding a school bus for
hours. Homeschoolers really do have more education hours
available in a day - enough time to specialize. Sometimes
people ask me "How do you find the time to homeschool?" The
truth is that we had MORE time than families in traditional
schools. With our new free time, we were able to start piano
lessons. When my kids were in public school, we simply
couldn't squeeze it in. Regardless of your teaching style,
you can have time for some interest-led learning. Allow kids
to explore their passion - whether it's dinosaurs, baseball, or quantum
mechanics.
Are you getting the most out of homeschooling? As you plan
your next school year, consider the benefits of homeschooling
independently. As you evaluate the many choices
available to you, keep in mind the reasons why homeschooling
works. Ask yourself questions about your child's academics,
socialization, security, and specialization. If you take
outside classes, will every subject be taught exactly at the child's
level? Can you change the curriculum at a moments notice if
it's not working? Does the curriculum match the student's
learning style - and how would you know if it did? Is the
class in a safe and supportive environment, free of teasing and
bullying? Will it encourage healthy socialization, or mimic
the socialization found in public schools? Does participation
allow enough time for your student to really pursue a passion, or does
it fill time with unnecessary busy work?
Make sure that YOU are in control, not someone else.
Keep a firm grip on those benefits!
Allow your children
to
learn with reckless abandon!
Email: Lee@thehomescholar.com
Call Toll-Free: 1-888-LEE-2HELP
"Your transcripts and records were
the best organized and documented I have seen"
~ Bryan Jones, Associate Director of Admissions,
Seattle Pacific University
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