Lifelong Learning

Response to a post in LDS Homeschoolers:

(I think)

We don't do official school time. I've found that unschooling is what resonates the most with me/us. The kids choose what they're going to do, when, and how. I'm here to support and help with resources. My teens currently go to seminary...M-Th, 7:am. Our younger ones are involved with a co-op right now. And one will be starting a sewing class soon. The teens also did debate this past fall. There are times we do things like what I just mentioned and there have been times when we haven't - it depends on what they're interested in and willing to commit to doing. They get what they need. I think it's more important to focus on knowing who they are and figuring out their purpose here on earth. I don't think a random amount of 'academics' each day does that for them. It's hard at first - but, if they are trusted to learn what they need to - they will.

I love that they make choices. I feel like my teens have a much better grasp on setting goals, being productive, and work ethic than they might have if they had just been sitting in class. I think those are all good skills to have for future employment. (We have had people comment about how our boys are so willing to help - they think to offer and work until the job is done when they do. Learning those kinds of life lessons can't be forced.)

I mentioned that they learn what they need to and didn't give examples. I just chuckled a little as I remembered that our boys (the teenagers at our house) made sure they had a 'Christmas Break'. They didn't have seminary for a couple of weeks. But, during the rest of the day they were still learning. They made a big deal about it and the next thing they did was watch an historical documentary. They also watched some YouTube videos that were informational. I noticed our oldest was doing math when I came into the kitchen to make dinner that night. He felt like he needed a review. He searched online, grabbed a paper and pencil, and was doing some practice problems. (This is the guy that - on his own went through a math book he found on our shelves last year - basic math, algebra, and geometry all in one. He came home from seminary and worked on math for a few minutes each day. He just felt like he needed to know how to do math - so, he did it.) During the 'break' one of them made monthly goals for the upcoming year with what he was going to work on with his art. (He's really good. It's a big thing for him. I can see it being a career option for him.) It was funny to me that those were the kind of things they were doing during their 'break'.

I also love that all of our kids have initiated conversations about learning how to learn and lifelong learning. They have all approached me about things they want to know more about, projects they think would be cool, and things that interest them. I consider those things important in their development. I've also discovered that my role is so much easier when I take the lead from them.

My husband had some issues at first. I think a big factor is that those of us who grew up going to public school have a certain way that we consider 'learning' to be. I don't know if that's what you guys 'discuss'. But, it was something we worked through. I think once he realized that the kids were reaching their potential in a different way he was more on board with it.:} There's also a workshop that someone is doing with some homeschool dads. I could try to find the info if it would be helpful for your husband to talk with some other dads that are already doing the homeschooling thing with their families.

Wow. I guess I should have just done a blog post instead. Sorry about the novel. Good luck.