Often I find myself falling into a trap that has me thinking that the only successful days I have in homeschooling are ones that have a clear, organized, subject-filled plan in place. I’m okay following a day like that about 3 times a week. However the other days I am itching to get out of the house, explore the world around, run errands, and meet up with friends. When I fall into that trap, on those days I think about how the kids aren’t learning, I’m slacking in schooling, or they’ll never get x, y, z. I forget one of the main reasons we homeschool our children is so that they will see that learning happens all around – at any place or time. When I stop and reflect on that I remember that -
the brothers playing legos together this morning in a peaceful manner were working on social skills and math concepts in using the legos
free play led to the boys drawing maps of a friend’s home and yard, complete with a plan for spying on chickens
putting together the pieces of an animal habitat led to research about triops, crustaceans, and the observation of a roly poly
uninterrupted time inspired quiet reading of new library books
openly available art supplies inspired artwork, drawings in sketch pads, and chalk drawings
Sometimes I need to remember my own thoughts about learning happening all around — those lessons could be the richest ones that my children learn. Sure a plan is great, curriculum is a wonderful help, and I still feel the pressures to meet standards and “get it all in,” but I can step back and see that just daily living is not done in vain when I make myself available for the littles, provide resources and opportunities, and encourage them to explore.
Very well said…I fall into this “trap” as well. It’s a great reminder to just let go sometimes and enjoy life with our little treasures.
So true Christa. And remember how much learning can happen along the way….
Thank you so much for this! It completely blessed me! We are deciding if we should homeschool my almost 4 year old and I often get overwhelmed at the idea. I start to feel I’m not disciplined enough or that we will be stuck at home doing traditional schooling all the time. This made homeschooling feel doable and exciting! I really needed to hear that!
Your comment so blessed me! Im glad the post inspired you; homeschooling really is doable and exciting. Praying for you as you decide if it’s the right road for your family.