Book Learning and Such

Homeschoolers are funny.

No, not funny as in really weird, detached from reality, socially awkward. Just funny.

Let me apologize for my absence. I had every intention of writing while we were vacationing in Williamsburg this past week. I was so tired at the end of every day I didn't touch the computer.

Anyway, I was telling you about funny homeschoolers. We went to Williamsburg this past week while they were having their home education week. There were about twenty homeschoolers in one of our tours. There was no listless staring off into space with arms folded across chests here. Children which ranged in age from kindergartners to high schoolers listened with rapt attention, arms shooting up to answer or ask questions on a regular basis. I think this was a little disconcerting to the guide, who was probably used to glazed over silence. But as she talked next to a field of sheep, one of the sheep got a little curious and decided to come over and investigate. No kidding - every single one of those kids did the exact same thing. A mass migration suddenly moved from the disconcerted tour guide to the sheep in one quick moment. She seemed a little perturbed - probably being used to classes of kids who are expected to stand and listen and not get out of line. But what she didn't realize is that they weren't being disrespectful at all - they were just really excited about learning. And they are used to learning in this way - whatever comes across their path they seize upon and understand it.

All that to say that I think homeschooling is a great idea. That must be why I do it. But it wasn't why I did it at first. When I started our homeschooling journey three years ago, it was because I didn't feel I had any other options. The private school our church housed had closed. Public school scared me witless, having never darkened their halls in all my educational career. I felt a duty to see to it that they learned the correct things, and had an education based on God's Word.

Overwhelmed, I jumped in. And I made mistakes and changed my mind over this way or that method and there were a lot of days I barely got anything done besides, but somewhere between preschool and second grade, I fell in love with teaching my children.

And the reasons I did it in the first place deepened. I realized that it wasn't so much sheltering them from ideas but exposing them to many ideas, holding the candle of the Bible to every one and seeing what held water and what blew smoke. I began to see all the time I would have missed if they were gone every day for so many hours. It occur ed to me that I was learning right along with them, and that the world was starting to take on a different shape in my own mind as well.

I've watched Eldest and now Secondborn enjoy the art of learning. There are no preconceived notions brought on by traditions or expectations of teachers and other classmates. They've never heard it isn't cool to enjoy learning new things. No one ever told them they have to be quiet, so they ask questions freely. They don't have to hurry to catch up or slow to the pace of thirty other kids their own age, so they are never bored or self-conscious.

I was always worried that they would become social outcasts because of a lack of exposure to other children. It has been the complete opposite. They aren't afraid of other kids, so they befriend others easily. They are also very comfortable around adults without that kids vs. adults mentality, so they have many strong relationships with family, friends and neighbors. To be quite honest, I just don't have any reservations about their social interactions anymore.

Homeschooling is a big commitment. I fully know that it takes a lot of time that some people just don't have no matter how much they'd like to. I would never dare to suggest that because I homeschool my kids, I am at liberty to judge others who don't. I'm only sharing my story, in case there might be that reader who feels the call to begin this journey and lacks only the courage.

Don't be afraid!

Homeschooling saves money. Homeschoolers learn to work hard, teach themselves, respect others and excel in the areas they are gifted. They learn to teach younger children, follow their interests and apply knowledge on a daily basis. They grow up relatively free from bullying, peer pressure and distrust of adults.

What are your thoughts? Disagree? Want a chance to voice your opinion about why you have chosen public or private school? Have at it!