I’m nine years deep into homeschooling. I love it. But I didn’t always. We started with a set schedule. Up at 7. Breakfast by 8. School at 8:30. Scheduled breaks. Scheduled eating times. Scheduled subjects. Super interested in history right now? Oh well, it’s time to move on to language so we don’t “fall behind”. Who are we falling behind? Why do we care, and why are we comparing? And why can’t they explore history for as long as the interest remains?
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We pass on what we know. For most of us, that means we homeschool in a manner similar to how we grew up in public school. Is it wrong? No. Of course not. But what if it doesn’t fit your family? What if we skipped trying to reproduce public school at home, but rather created home education that is tailored specifically for them and the family life that best suits you? Homeschooling should breath life into your children, and life into your family.
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As time passed and I got to know my kids better, I adapted to each of them. By year 2, we had essentially ditched all semblance of a “daily schedule.” We hung out on topics that interested them for as long as the interest remained. We moved at their own pace in each subject. We schooled year round and took breaks anytime we darn well felt like it.
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This is my 9.5 year old doing his math this morning. Snuggled up in an awkward position of his choosing with a cozy blanket, dressed already only because he wanted to make sure he had green on today, and laying beside his dog. It is beautiful for me to watch him enjoy learning in his own environment. This kid can’t even sit in a chair at meal times (in his defense, he puts one knee on the seat), so I cannot imagine him sitting in a desk all day-whether in traditional schooling or even in homeschooling.
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If you have felt trapped into doing things a certain way, ask yourself why. WHY do you feel like you have to have your kids up at 8? WHY do you feel like they have to have a set schedule? WHY do you feel like they have to sit at a desk/table? Is it what they want? Is it all you know? Is there a better way for your family? Don’t be afraid to ask yourself the hard questions. They might just lead to a happier homeschool.