I’m flipping though Project-Based Homeschooling again, and I noticed something on the back that really stuck out for me this time.
Raising Relentless Learners
That’s really what our goal is. Jack and I want to raise relentless learners.
And no, I don’t need books or tools or money or shelves stocked with arts and crafts and building supplies to do it, but all that does help.
All we need is time.
The kids need time to be. To drift towards their individual passions. To try new things at their own speed. To have the freedom to let themselves be naturally drawn towards something, rather than be directed to it by my upper hand in the matter.
Because I do have the upper hand. It’s up to me what I strew for them to stumble upon. It’s up to me to set up a space that will facilitate their interests and exploration. Jack and I are the ones who are deciding not to do a particular curriculum. We’re the ones limiting their commitments so that they have more time to wander and wonder and be.
The key to raising relentless learners is not to have any seam between learning and living.
What does that look like in real life? Want an example? Our recent camping trip, for one.
I was sure to packing Esmé’s tools. I consider that far more applicable than bringing along any workbooks, which might be some other kid’s thing. For Esmé, this means things like: magnifying glasses, binoculars, scissors, tweezers, indentification books, bug boxes, pencils and markers and paper.
And I didn’t go about announcing that while camping Esmé would have to do anything with said tools. Never once did I mention or suggest she do anything with them. Nor did I set up and pre-planned activites. Instead, I just asked her what she wanted to bring, and tucked in a few things she didn’t think of but that I knew she’d want. Because I know her strongest interest is, and so I cater to it.
For another kid, it might be important to pack dress-up clothes and magic wands. Or LEGO.
And that’s the cool thing about being a learning mentor, rather than a school-at-home mom. My job is to watch and observe, and offer support for the things SHE wants to do.
I can’t think of a more simple, more economical way to homeschool. If you even want to call it that.
We need to think of a new name. Not unschooling, because that’s still a term in reference to school. And we can’t very well go around saying we’re ‘relentlessly learning’ whenever people ask Esmé what grade she’s in.
Or maybe we can. Either way, I want that on a shirt. ”Relentless learner.” That’s what I’ve been for as long as I can remember, and now my kids are too.
