Learning Lifestyle

Homeschooling is more than "schooling." If it were simply about academics, we could easily replicate what goes on the public or private schools. But for most of us, the reason we homeschool involves intangibles, conviction, philosophies that are hard to express, a want of "something better" than what is available elsewhere. Homeschooling is also about "home." We are not simply teachers, although we are certainly mentors; we are also parents - parents with the responsibility to train our children. The training of our children, in all areas of life, revolves around our lifestyle.

Several veteran homeschoolers seemed to have arrived at the same conclusion at about the same time: This is about more than "school." This is about life! Their families are different, their interests different, their bents different, their academic emphasis is different, their methods are different. One family has a more Charlotte Mason foundation; another classical. Several are big into unit studies; one has a Principle Approach background. All have made time and space to observe their children and help them follow their interests. All seem to have found themselves at a place where they can say: "Hey, this is what we do! It's great fun! Our entire family is involved. The learning doesn't end." Learning has become their lifestyle!

Homeschooling is such an abundant opportunity! How blessed we are to be able to spend time with our children, to enjoy them, to learn about them - and from them, and to encourage them in their life pursuits! We are blessed because we have an opportunity to provide a real education that fits each child versus a generic education that ends with a piece of paper that says, “finished.” We are blessed because we have an opportunity to train them in the way they should go, to help them find the particular work that they have been created to do. We are blessed because we have an opportunity to teach them that learning never ends!

How can you foster a lifetime learning mentality? How can you provide your children the direction they need to find their niche?

• Trust! “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:10
• Teach your children “how” to learn so that they will be prepared for any path they choose.
• Let them pursue life with you. Let them follow mom and dad in your interests.
• Give them time to explore their interests. Some fascinations will come and go, but by the time they are ready to choose a direction, hopefully they will have some idea of the path they wish to take.
• Keep your eyes open! When you see your child expressing an interest in something - feed it! Not push it, of course, but provide books, kits, and materials that will encourage your child. If the interest wanes, no problem. Another is sure to surface.
• Don’t fill up on scheduled activities (sports, music, 4H and the like). While some of these activities have their place, unless it is your child’s current “passion,” give your children the freedom to find their own interests.
• For older students, just ask! They may surprise you with interests you didn’t know they had!

This is not another method with a detailed scope and sequence, set of recommended curricula or a how-to manual! Here are more great tips to add to your toolbox:

Spirit-led homeschool. How many times have we changed curriculum, adjusted schedules, added one more activity or switched support groups - and continually fallen short of the results we desired? When we finally decide to give up our own failed plans and become a tool in the Master's hand we cannot help but to succeed.

Life purpose. So many times the push of the curriculum and the pull of the schedules leave the child behind. Each child is unique! We have an opportunity to mentor them - encourage them in their weak areas, help them develop their strengths and guide them in the pursuit of their life-long interests.

Apprenticing our children. Although at times we may wish it were not so, children learn best by watching us! Every moment is an opportunity to pass something along. If they see us pursing our interests in a learning lifestyle, they will likely follow suit.

Further Reading

• The Blunders of Fools
  "Each year as circumstances change, situations arise, and new opportunities present themselves, we need to reevaluate our goals and purpose for homeschooling. As we seek to implement and direct the studies for each of our children, we need to pray specifically for wisdom from The Lord for ourselves, to be able to guide each child into the path that the Lord has for him or her. As parents, charged by God, Himself, with the responsibility of “training our children in the way that they should go”, this is a monumental task that cannot be fully achieved without Godly wisdom." Article by Maribeth Spangenbert.
• From Sunup to Sundown With a House Full of Children
  "Education has affected every aspect of our lives. Charlotte Mason, who was an educator from the late 1800s, stated that 'Education is an Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life.' I've found this to be true and have discovered that 'school' is not something that happens from 9-3:00 each day. Because of the atmosphere we have purposefully created in our home, education starts the minute the children's feet hit the floor in the morning and lasts until their heads hit the pillows at night. This atmosphere is designed to be a discipline, a life that establishes the quality of our relationships with one another." Wonderful peek into the home of a "learning is a lifestyle" family!
• The Handcrafting of Homeschooling
  "Our children are NOT taught in a factory type environment when we homeschool. Neither are we looking for "instant" results. Instead, we have taken the stand that this child and that child are worth the dedication of years of our lives. We have committed ourselves to patiently hand craft their education and their character training. We carefully seek to discover the giftings, talents and passions of our precious and unique children. We prayerfully consider the right path to take with each one. Just as the master craftsman works with the individual strengths and weaknesses of a piece of wood that he is fashioning into a dining room hutch, so we work with the individual strengths and weaknesses of each of our children, lovingly building them up as we recognize and work with their uniqueness." Encouraging thoughts from Diana Waring
• Jack and Vicky Goodchild: Homeschooling Pioneers
  "Why shouldn't part of our children's' education include them applying their limited skills in pursuit of their own interests as well as seeing adults modeling 'real life living and learning' in practical areas as well as personal interests and new pursuits. This way they will see that joyful learning never ends. They will also see the life-long benefits of learning the basics so they can use them to pursue their own interests for the rest of their lives." In an interview with the Farewells from Lifetime Books and Gifts, Jack and Vicky Goodchild explain how they incorporate a learning lifestyle in their home.
• Lifestyle of Learning
  Tips on how to incorporate a lifestyle of learning mentality in your homeschool from Rhea Perry.
• The Relaxed Homeschool Mindset
  "It is really just a mindset. It’s the idea that you are a family, not a school. You’re a mom, not a teacher. You don’t have a classroom. You have individual relationships with your children. Your husband isn’t a principal, because there isn’t really a school. He is the head of your household, a dad, and your number one supporter. God didn’t create schools. He created families, because that was his plan for the training and nurture of children." Article by Dr. Mary Hood.