Homeschooling has always fascinated me. In particular, how learning becomes a way of life.
Learning isn’t confined to seven hours out of the day. Children can explore the world as part of their education, on their own timeline. Fall, spring, and summer are nearly identical as far as the “learning workday” goes.
When it works out, of course.
And homeschooling isn’t for everyone, by any means.
But…the concept brings up some interesting things to think about.
What makes or breaks a happy life or career is the ability to learn new skills. Especially when no one is watching. But, our system of school and grades creates a world for children where learning only happens in a building and it only counts if it’s graded.
So, how can we create a culture of learning for our kids?
Not learning for a grade. Not learning because they’ll get detention if they don’t. But learning because they want to. Through exploring, through trial-and-error, and having the courage to fail a few times.
Music lessons are a great training ground (admittedly, I’m biased).
But, learning can take other forms. Learning to sew or knit, learning to build things, learning how software works, and more.
Prioritizing non-graded, non-school skill learning can take our kids in new directions and open a world of possibilities.
When we learn as a way of life, we become problem solvers.
And solving problems is what leads to a better world.