We don’t have to make human beings smart.  They are born smart.  All we have to do is stop doing the things that made them stupid.

– John Holt

I hear from mothers who have heard about homeschooling and are considering it as a great alternative to the traditional school system.  However, they believe that they need to structure their children’s day as if they were in school.   This includes following standardized testing, constantly using regular quizzes and tests, achieving all the age-related milestones, and using the same books and curriculum found in their school district. 

My question is…Why?  Most children do not seem to thrive in that situation.  How many children return from school and are thrilled with their day?  If you ask a child about school, I would expect a groan or heavy sigh as an answer.   The typical school system is rigid and does not cater to the uniqueness of each child.

With the exception of a few states, a homeschooling family has the freedom to pursue learning and childhood how they see best for their children.  Hslda.org is a great starting point to understand the specific regulations of your state.     

We know that the modern school system is predicated on the Prussian model of compulsory education of the late 18th century.  This system was designed to indoctrinate children into full compliance with the state and its military leaders.  This model was adopted in the U.S. to produce factory workers who could perform tasks necessary in the newly industrialized country.  Think of that jarring school bell that indicates when a child is forced to begin each class and when they must end rather than naturally finishing when a task or thought is complete. 

Students are not encouraged to think deeply and independently.  Free thinkers don’t fit neatly into that paradigm but can produce happy individuals who are pursuing their passions in fulfilling businesses and pastimes.  

What really is the purpose of filling worksheets, taking mulitple-choice tests and simply memorizing information with a very narrow range for actual thinking?  Why read random facts from a social studies book rather than stories about historical events?  Why do students need to do pages and pages of similar math problems?  Real learning is gained through interesting and meaningful tasks and engaging stories.  

And learning or ‘schooling’ can be so much easier and enjoyable when your child is enthusiastic and willing to participate.  Education does not need to be limited to a desk and four walls.  So much learning and exploration can be done out in nature.  For me, homeschooling offers the opportunity to bring out the best in your child.  

One example for a young child is to help them knit or crochet a potholder or scarf.  Really, this is a small-scale engineering project.  They need to think out the project, what colors to use, the shape and rethink mistakes or problems that arise.  This takes perseverance.  And the finished product is useful in everyday life and is something that the child can be proud of.  The best part is that the child will be willing to take on more challenging  projects.  They understand that their efforts are meaningful to the people in their world.

Homeschooling allows for a more engaging learning experience and there are no limits to how you can enable your child to naturally learn.  Embrace the flexibility and inventiveness to create a custom learning environment .  Real-life experiences are more impactful than passively learning through books.  Of course, reading classics and great books open up vistas and form a solid foundation for language and comprehension at a high level.   The essence of homeschooling lies in its adaptability and creativity to encourage a life-long love of learning and curiosity.  Childhood should be full of wonder of the world around us.