“If only adults would recognize how much children actually learn on their own. Maybe then we’d stay out of way more and observe the magnificence.”
Kelly Halldorson
January was an interesting month to say the least. Going into the new year, I felt like I was in a bit of a haze, and not entirely feeling like myself. I also stayed in “holiday mode” long after the holidays had past which meant my weekly homeschooling to-do list was non existent. It’s so easy to stay in that mode since I’m not forced back into a routine; something that school and jobs require us to do. On top of that, a couple weeks into January, my Dad had a motorcycle accident while on his dream trip through the America’s. To make a long story short, he was put into ICU at a hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina after undergoing surgery to repair his broken leg. During this time I was a complete mess, especially after hearing there were complications during the surgery. Thank the angels, he pulled through and is recovering remarkably well.
With all that being said, I felt as though I was really slacking in the homeschooling department. However, it was during this uneasy time that I truly observed the magic that was happening right before my eyes.
My children were teaching themselves.
Yes, you read that correctly! I could hardly believe it myself! Even though the homeschooling weeks weren’t planned out, the kids were still exploring, creating, and learning with little or no prompting. Like how cool is it that Gracie (6) came up to me and started rhyming off math equations and shouting out the answers? Or the day she started explaining and demonstrating what perpetual motion is? How awesome is it that she makes up her own songs about atoms and molecules (or molecubes, as she says)? It blows my mind when she shares her knowledge on the solar system and explains what gravity is. As for little Gavin (2), his uncanny ability to destroy the house in 2.7 seconds leads him to learn a lot through exploration and trial & error. This of course drives me bonkers, but when I step back and squint my eyes so I can hardly see the mess, I can appreciate that he is right on point from a developmental standpoint. By allowing him to do certain things all by himself, he’s gaining independence and confidence.
Their natural curiosity and innate yearning to learn more was organically unfolding and shaping their own educational experience.
Unintentionally letting go of structure has been such an eye-opening experience for me. I’ve heard of, and done some research on what “unschooling” is, but I never really fully understood what that physically looked like. I wondered if the children actually learned what they were “suppose” to learn. I wondered what exactly they did all day long, and if it was even an effective way to learn.
“Unschooling is a style of home education that allows the student’s interests and curiosities to drive the path of learning. Rather than using a defined curriculum, unschoolers trust children to gain knowledge organically.”
http://www.time4learning.com
But then I realized something…we have ALWAYS been an unschooling family. Ever since I became a mother, I have always followed the lead of my little ones. I credit their early independence to trusting their cues and allowing them to make messy mistakes. Throughout the years, Adam and I have created for them, an environment that inspires creativity, and experiences that broaden their understanding. We follow their lead by nurturing their interests, and supply tools and activities that support them.
From talking to other families, I am hearing the same philosophy over and over again….the homeschooling journey is an ever-evolving one. As the kiddos get older, perhaps they will need or want more structure. But as for now, the ease, flexibility and flow of our every day life is a dream. Witnessing Gracie and Gavin blossom in their own unique way is such a gift, and one that I am forever grateful for.
Making pancakes! 
Gracie loves cracking eggs 
Playing at the Audubon 
Learning about owls 
Counting & Matching game 
Gavin practicing fine motor skills 
Putting Gavin to work! 
Snow tubing! 
Learning about life as an astronaut 
So many uses! 
Gavin loves painting! 
Drawing the solar system 
Checking out different materials 
“What’s bigger? A sequoia tree or a rocket ship?” 
Mommy’s little helper 
Creating & Painting 
Voila! 
Playing in the snow! 
Gracie loves putting puzzles together! 
Making cookies
i heart life 