With several feet of snow on the ground and subzero temperatures, Mouse turned to the wrapping paper she had saved from Christmas for diversion. She measured and plotted, using a magnifying glass to help sketch the details as she mapped out a fantasy world that would make even Tolkein proud. Late last year, she decided to write a book, but has found her writing shaky, not quite up to the grand task she has set before herself. Her ideas, however, seem to demand an outlet.
She wiled away the morning as I was beset with increasing anxiety. It was, after all, a school day and her attention was devoted to a single subject that was not even mentioned in my plans for the day. Of course I could have redirected her attention to her assignments at any time, asked her to set aside her map-making for another time, relegated her chosen pursuit to her so-called “free time” and gone on being the teacher. But there is a problem with that.
This is why we homeschool.
I want to give my children the gift of time. Time to wrestle with big ideas. Time to linger over topics of interest. Time to relish the rereading of a well-written story. Time to pursue projects that spill over the time I have allotted them. Time to simply explore.
I do not want them to view education as something which starts and stops with the ringing of a bell. But the uneasiness I feel when they take their time reveals that I am at least somewhat beholden to the bell by which I was educated.
“Ding! Ding! Ding!” It seems to shout in my mind. It is nine o’clock and we’re still doing quiet time? Noon, and we haven’t even started math? I listen to some of the things I say to the children as we slip further off my neatly posted schedule.
“Hurry up.”
“If you would just concentrate, we could be done with this.”
“Let’s just get this over with.”
If I do not check myself, the message I continually seem to give is that our main goal is getting to the end of the assignment, finishing the chapter, closing the book by a designated time so that we can open the next book, start the next chapter, begin the next assignment on time.
So I looked at my plans for the day. What is on it that can’t be missed, made up or learned through the project she is already engrossed in? “Don’t forget to do your math,” I tell her. And set the rest of my plans aside.
Dana is homeschooling her five children while moving to the country. You can follow her plans and adventures while seeking to live life more abundantly at Roscommon Acres.
Good stuff [smile].
Granted, there weren’t many days like this when I was homeschooled. But the extra time homeschooling gave me left my day wide open for these kinds of special projects.
I miss that freedom now that I work full time. I have to cram my creativity into fewer and fewer hours with work and kids and life. Those homeschooling days were a beautiful thing. May they continue to be a source of inspiration, practice and exploration for both you and your family!
~Luke
Luke Holzmann´s last blog ..Two HUGE Updates to Sonlight.com
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Thanks, Luke! I think a lot of us feel that way, even if we were public schooled.
Free time is eaten up by responsibility.
Dana´s last blog ..Moving in
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Wow! Look at that map. Her words may not be able to clothe all her ideas, but her drawing sure can.
Renae´s last blog ..The House God Gave Us: It’s Paid For!
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Thank you for this reminder. Even though my son is young, there are days when I have it in my head that I want “x” accomplished, and all he wants to do is play in the yard. And I have to remember that he’s so young, and our schedule is infinitely flexible. Thank you.
Mama__B´s last blog ..Chili
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Terrific post!
I still get caught up in what I think Daughter should be doing to learn instead of just looking at the learning she’s gaining from what she is doing.
and…WOW on Mouse’s map!
Zayna´s last blog ..Adult Children an Oxymoron?
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Wonderful reminder – to allow creativity to blossom and grow … and see how many blessings will flow out of that moment of inspiration!
Nadene Esterhuizen´s last blog ..Remedial Games for b/d, p/q or t/f Reversals
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Ohhhh! Ahhhh! There is nothing like those spontaneous moments of learning! I love them! They do seem to pop up more often this time of the year when we’re stuck indoors and the kids get a bit more self-motivated to beat the boredom.
Thanks for sharing, Dana!
Blessings,
Tammy ~@~
Tammy´s last blog ..as colorful as
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“There is nothing like those spontaneous moments of learning!”
Most definitely! They spent the morning working on their fort in the windbreak and it was nice to just watch them working together, trying to figure out how to make it all hold together.
I need to get them some nails, but that requires some more supervision on my part, too.
Dana´s last blog ..Wading through boxes, and homeschooling
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Great post! I sigh in relief to hear I am not the only one who puts those plans aside sometimes. Thanks for sharing.
Misty (elvisgirl)´s last blog ..New Year Goals
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Wonderful post. I agree, our plans can be the enemy at times! I also get caught up in schedules and to-do lists, but then the kids will focus on something worthwhile and interesting on their own and I’m awed and humbled. This IS why we homeschool!
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Great post! I sometimes feel like a schizophrenic homeschooler….one part of me embraces the freedom and ability to pursue our interest, but the other ‘me’ is stuck on getting the work done and sticking to the tasks at hand. I get nervous if I go too far in either direction. Thanks for a great reminder.
Melissa Morgner´s last blog ..Robins in Winter
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That is totally me, Melissa! It bothers me when my stated goals don’t line up with what I default to under stress, but we’re learning. Together.
Dana´s last blog ..Late night visitors, or The attack of the coyotes
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