Some of you may raise an eyebrow at our unconventional style. Others might feel a twinge of jealousy, wondering why they didn’t have the chance to learn in such a relaxed manner. I’ve received all sorts of reactions from various people—teachers, relatives, and even strangers. This is the reality of relaxed homeschooling: it often leaves others puzzled.
What is “Laid-Back Homeschooling”?
It allows my children the freedom to learn at their own pace and explore the subjects that catch their interest. While there are core topics they struggle to tackle independently, like math for all of them and reading for my youngest, they have the liberty to choose their areas of focus. For instance, my eldest dives into everything from Shakespeare’s Macbeth (in an easier translation with footnotes) to adult-level scientific papers on Bigfoot, and he also enjoys Rick Riordan’s series. My middle son has a passion for science, often flipping through salamander identification guides, LEGO creation books, and graphic novels like Dogman. Occasionally, my eight-year-old opts for a picture book, such as We’re All Wonders. As long as they’re engaged with reading, we consider it a success. This method allows them to read more thoroughly than if I dictated their reading lists.
Cultivating Interests in Science and Social Studies
When it comes to science and social studies, we cultivate their interests. Right now, birds are their fascination. We’ve explored flight mechanics, the evolution of wings, and the connection between birds and dinosaurs. We even made bird feeders for our yard, which they now use to conduct surveys and identify the avian visitors. My eight-year-old has developed a keen interest in amphibians and can identify various toad species. My oldest son is an avid reader of mythology; he once recognized Mithras, a minor Roman deity, on a decorative plate. We attend historical sites, listen to podcasts, and watch documentaries about Polynesian exploration. Whatever they want to know, we pursue it—this is the essence of relaxed homeschooling.
Learning Together
Sometimes, I share insights during car rides on topics ranging from the AIDS crisis to Elvis’s cultural impact. We also enjoy reading literature together; currently, we’re diving into Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s 100 Years of Solitude. We’ve explored excerpts from The Odyssey and The Aeneid, along with random picture books they’ve picked out. I even read them passages from Craig Child’s books about the desert simply because they’re beautiful. They loved it.
Trusting Our Children
This relaxed approach places a significant amount of trust in children. It acknowledges that they are capable of developing genuine interests that extend beyond superficial distractions. With the right encouragement, they will pursue these interests, engaging with adults who listen and ask thoughtful questions. Sure, I do insist on math practice—they need to learn the basics—but we don’t stress over rigid grade levels. My oldest may be a bit behind, while my youngest excels, and that’s perfectly fine. Their writing may not always be neat (my oldest has dysgraphia and ironically loves to write), but they express their thoughts effectively. Our primary concern is that they learn.
Filling in the Gaps
Of course, there are areas where we need to fill in gaps. For example, I naively thought they would naturally memorize the months of the year. Turns out, that’s not the case, so we practiced that. We also realized they needed some help with writing dates and punctuation. But why fuss over teaching an eight-year-old the order of the months when he’s so adept at identifying toad species? We simply teach it and move on to the next adventure.
A Flexible Learning Environment
We put a lot of faith in our children’s abilities. With all three having ADHD, a traditional classroom setting with desks and worksheets would likely be a struggle for them. This approach has led to a more harmonious learning environment, free of outbursts, IEPs, or endless meetings with teachers. While a conventional classroom may work for others, it’s not the best fit for our family.
Our flexible schedule allows them to wake up when they feel rested, whether that’s at 5:30 AM or 9 AM. We can embark on field trips whenever we please, discovering new topics along the way. The children often choose our destinations, be it the beach, the mountains, or even John Laurens’ grave site because they’re captivated by Hamilton. This laid-back approach empowers them to make decisions and fosters trust between us.
Learning Through Experience
Yes, we might appear unconventional, as math lessons can sometimes involve measuring liquids in the kitchen. But they enjoyed pouring water, and they even once dissected a pig heart. Following their lead is what relaxed homeschooling is all about—it’s a thrilling journey where they learn deeply and retain information. They discuss what they’ve learned, enjoy the process, and maintain curiosity about the world.
Our Ultimate Goal
That’s my ultimate goal: to nurture their curiosity and love for learning, trusting that everything else will fall into place. My husband, a teacher himself, shares this belief. For now, our focus is on toads and mythology. If you’re interested in more insights about parenting and education, check out this blog post on home insemination. Additionally, for excellent resources on fertility and pregnancy, visit the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast.
Summary
We embrace a relaxed homeschooling approach that allows our children to learn at their own pace, following their interests and passions. This method fosters curiosity and deep learning, leading to a more enjoyable educational experience for our family. We believe that nurturing their love for learning is key to their future success.