As a family that practices relaxed homeschooling, I know some may judge us harshly, while others might feel a twinge of envy, wishing they had experienced learning in a similar way. Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered a wide range of reactions from teachers, family, and even strangers. Yet, this approach to education has proven to be effective for our family.
What is Relaxed Homeschooling?
It’s simple: my kids learn at their own pace and on their own terms. They have the freedom to explore subjects they are passionate about, with the exception of a few core areas like math and reading, which they sometimes need a nudge to engage with. For example, my eldest enjoys delving into everything from Shakespeare’s Macbeth (with helpful annotations) to scientific analyses on Bigfoot, not to mention the popular Rick Riordan series. My middle child has a keen interest in science, often reading guides on salamanders, books on building LEGO creatures, and comics like Dogman. Even my youngest, who is eight, occasionally opts for a picture book, proving that as long as they are reading, it counts.
Learning Beyond Books
In our home, learning extends beyond books. We incorporate our surroundings into our lessons, like the fossils we have collected over the years. Currently, the children are fascinated by birds, prompting us to learn about aviation, types of wings, and even their evolutionary ties to dinosaurs. Together, we’ve built bird feeders and conduct surveys to identify the species that visit. My youngest is particularly knowledgeable about amphibians and can even identify various toad species. As for social studies, my eldest is captivated by mythology, and we often visit historical sites or listen to podcasts that relate to their interests.
Spontaneous Learning
This style of homeschooling allows us to pursue whatever sparks curiosity. Often, we engage in spontaneous discussions during car rides, covering topics from the AIDS crisis to the cultural impact of figures like Elvis Presley. We also enjoy reading literature aloud, currently diving into Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s 100 Years of Solitude while exploring works like The Odyssey and various picture books. I even share beautiful passages from Craig Child’s desert explorations, which the kids find enchanting.
Encouraging Deep Engagement
The beauty of relaxed homeschooling is that it acknowledges children’s intelligence and interests, encouraging them to explore beyond superficial topics like Angry Birds (though, yes, they do enjoy that too). When kids are motivated by their passions, they engage more deeply and thoughtfully. Of course, I ensure they stay on track with math, as some subjects require structure. My eldest is slightly behind but is making progress, while my youngest exceeds grade expectations. We don’t stress over what they “should” know; instead, we focus on fostering a genuine love of learning.
Overcoming Challenges
Yes, we occasionally hit roadblocks—like realizing that memorizing the months of the year wasn’t as intuitive as I thought! We quickly filled those gaps without worry; my kids can identify toad species after all. We prioritize trust in their abilities. With ADHD in the mix, traditional classrooms filled with desks and worksheets wouldn’t suit them. Instead, they thrive in this flexible environment, free from the pressures of IEPs or meetings with teachers.
The Importance of Flexibility
Flexibility is key for us. They wake up when they feel rested, sometimes as early as 5:30 a.m. and other times not until 9 a.m. We embark on field trips whenever the mood strikes, learning about whatever we encounter from the beach to historical sites. Relaxed homeschooling empowers them to make choices and fosters a sense of trust between us.
Unconventional Learning Methods
Yes, we may come off as unconventional, especially when math includes measuring liquids in the kitchen. However, they enjoyed experimenting with water and even dissected a pig heart once, following their curiosity wherever it leads. This approach allows them to learn deeply and retain knowledge, cultivating their natural curiosity about the world.
Fostering a Love for Learning
Ultimately, I want my children to maintain that spark of curiosity and love for learning, and I believe that will set them up for success. My husband, a teacher, shares this philosophy. For now, our focus is on toads, mythology, and everything in between.
Conclusion
In summary, relaxed homeschooling fosters a love of learning by prioritizing children’s interests, providing flexibility in their education, and encouraging deep engagement with topics they are passionate about. It’s an approach that may seem unconventional, but it works for our family.
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Keyphrase: Relaxed Homeschooling
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