Homeschooling Resolutions: Blocking Out The Noise

As I round out this second year of homeschooling – and feel like an experienced pro at it – I’ve decided it’s time to change some things. I’m calling them resolutions, but they’re more meaningful than that. Let’s see if you agree:

1) I’ll stop evangelizing. Homeschooling isn’t an option for everyone – and I know I’m fortunate to have the flexibility to do so. Beyond that, homeshooling just isn’t the right fit for some families. You have to WANT to teach – or at least guide, that’s essential. I used to be a teacher, so I eat this stuff up, but for many it’s an acquired taste.
 
2) I’ll stop qualifying “homeschool” with my teaching credentials. Yes, like I just did above. See how deftly I slipped in the reference to my teaching experience? Masters degree in education, thank you very much (more than most teachers I’ve encountered. Cough, cough.) Yes, this one will be hard to stick to.
 
When I make this mention (of my educational credentials – and four years of teaching experience to boot!) to folks who’ve just learned I’m a weirdo homeschooler, the reply is always, “OH! Well, you see – THAT makes sense then!” And the sound of those words are like nails on a chalkboard to me.
 
So why do I do it? Because I’m way too in tune with body language and shaking someone physically and saying “it isn’t weird, you judgy jerkface!” is NOT an acceptable response. I want them to know that I’m not screwing up my kid. I’m not sure why I care what “they” think though.
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3) I’ll stop worrying about what “they” think. And also about traditional standards. I mostly don’t worry about either – particularly not the standards part, as they’re bogus - but sometimes I do. I admit I peek at state standards to spot check our progress . . . and then laugh evilly about it. But I still check. Because there’s a lot to know in this world and having a common frame of reference helps. Or something. I think I need to just stop checking actually. Waste of time.

But what about "them." If you read my previous post, you know that I have little patience for Homeschool Haters. Very. Little. I resolve to not write any more posts about them. (And why would I when this post really captures it all! haha!)
 
4) I’ll find a new name for what we do. This last point might be the heart of all my problems. I’ve been saying we “unschool” for a while now – because we do. But it’s not textbook “unschool.” Funny adjective aside, our learning (and it’s “we,” as I learn right along with him) is not child-lead, but more child-driven. I’m the co-pilot holding the map and making sure the boy navigates toward (and makes) all the required stops – math, science, history, writing and grammar with current events, ethics, philosophy, art, music, latin and just all kinds of interesting diversions along the way.
 
Some days he has a list of “must do” items that may include most of the list above, other days he does Math all day and breaks it up with riding his bike. Some days will find him Java coding and completing a crazy complicated puzzle. And other days, many days, we sit down and read about science and history together and then read more about whatever topic we’ve diverted to online - and even visit places in person.
 
It’s unstructured chaos that I make little effort to contain. And between that and the science and drama groups, music lessons and field trips each week – I couldn’t contain it if I tried. Who’d want to? What he takes away from this experience amazes and inspires me. And I resolve to be happy with that - whatever I end up calling it. The rest is all noise. 
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My little, demonstrating how to block out "the noise" ;)

​Can you relate? Tell me about it!

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