Today, we’re going back to the root of it all to ask – and answer – one incredibly vital question:
Why homeschool in the first place?
Everyone has their own personal reasons, but I thought we could explore the origins of why we began homeschooling in the first place, as well as five reasons we think homeschooling could benefit any child.
This episode will resonate with those already in the homeschooling trenches or those contemplating the idea. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler considering changes or someone contemplating this path for the first time, we hope our stories inspire you.
Remember, you don’t need to know everything to get started. All you need is the desire to be home with your kids and learn as you go.
Show Notes
Our Homeschooling Beginnings
Both of us embarked on our homeschooling adventures back in the 1990s, and our motivations were unique yet similar in many ways. I was drawn to the appealing lifestyle homeschooling offered – the relaxed pace, flexibility, and the chance to cultivate a joyful childhood for my kids. Melissa was introduced to the idea of a tailor-made education before she even tied the knot. She was inspired by the homeschooling families around her and the prospect of being actively involved in her future children’s educational journey.
Influencers and Resources That Shaped Our Journey
Several resources shaped our initial understanding of homeschooling. We were greatly influenced by the ‘Growing Without Schooling’ magazine, and books by Dorothy and Raymond Moore, John Holt, and John Taylor Gatto. These provided us with a paradigm of what education could look like beyond the conventional school system. We were also inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Men” and Jim Trelease’s “The Read Aloud Handbook” to create a rich, immersive learning environment in our homes.
Diving Deep into the Reasons to Homeschool
We’ve identified five major reasons to homeschool. They are as follows:
- Flexibility: Homeschooling gives us the freedom to adapt our schedules, learning styles, and methods according to our children’s needs and different seasons in life.
- Connection: We shared personal experiences of the profound relationships formed in a homeschooling environment, particularly the strong bonds between siblings and between children and adults.
- Kinesthetic Benefits: We emphasized the importance of integrating physical movement into learning, sharing how homeschooling creates ample opportunities for this.
- Joyfulness: We asserted the importance of creating a joyful and comfortable learning environment, likening it to the Danish concept of hygge.
- Academic Success: We posited that academic success should be a natural byproduct of a positive learning environment, rather than the primary goal. The focus should be on meaningful learning, not merely achieving high grades.
Learning Through Life Experiences
A significant part of our discussion centered on the spontaneous, real-world application of concepts. We shared personal anecdotes about how our children’s interests led to unplanned, immersive learning experiences. This joy of discovery and exploration is one of the reasons we love homeschooling.
Finding the Desire to Homeschool
In conclusion, we emphasized that the desire to homeschool is the most important requirement to start this journey. You don’t need to have everything figured out from day one; learning and adapting along the way is part of the process. After all, the opportunity of homeschooling lies in creating a rich context filled with connection, flexibility, joy, and active learning.
Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler considering changes or someone contemplating this path for the first time, we hope our stories inspire you. Remember, you don’t need to know everything to get started. All you need is the desire to be home with your kids and learn as you go.
Until next time, keep learning and exploring!
Resources
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