When you live a rural area and have kids, it’s not uncommon for people to ask about how you plan to educate your children.
I’m not one to plan very much, so my usual answer is to say, “we’re not worried about that right now.”
We’re not.
But I think about it.
Even living in the sticks, we have options – public school, private schools, homeschooling…
That said, as I talk to my friends — many of whom are teachers, and most of whom have kids in public schools — and I hear them talking about the lack of vision in public education, I don’t see myself placing my children in that environment. (My wife agrees.)
In my public school education, no one ever suggested to me that I could own a business. No one ever mentioned that I could be in charge of my life. No one ever hinted at the possibility that I could do something 1) I love, 2) I’m great at, 3) that would allow me the freedom of being my own boss, and 4) that would allow me to make more money while working a lot less than if I had a traditional job.
In this regard, I don’t think things have changed too much in public education over the last quarter century.
When I think about it now, this is not so surprising.
After all, how would these teachers and administrators know? They are employees, not entrepreneurs.
(I don’t mean this as a knock, I had some wonderful teachers.)
Entrepreneurship is not for everyone, of course.
Many people prefer the “security” of a job than the uncertainty of having to sing for your supper.
(However, I believe going forward in a very different economy, continuing to teach kids to pass tests to get a job will be the riskiest strategy out there.)
But I believe everyone has something of value to offer. I believe everyone holds the power to create a life on their own terms, a life filled with freedom, ease, and connection.
At the very least, I think someone should be talking about this.
I plan to with my kids.
And then they can decide their paths for themselves.
Great thoughts! We get the same school questions because we live in a city. We have a 3-year-old…lots to ponder…and lots to research in terms of best options. Love the reminder of needing to ensure she’s in a forward-leaning environment, regardless of where she goes!
Great thoughts! We get the same school questions because we live in a city. We have a 3-year-old…lots to ponder…and lots to research in terms of best options. Love the reminder of needing to ensure she’s in a forward-leaning environment, regardless of where she goes!
Great thoughts! We get the same school questions because we live in a city. We have a 3-year-old…lots to ponder…and lots to research in terms of best options. Love the reminder of needing to ensure she’s in a forward-leaning environment, regardless of where she goes!
As you know, we homeschool. I call it Lego Homeschooling because we take the best out of every situation and slot it together – we have tutors, we teach some subjects at home, we parachute into a school for a class, we get included into another school for other activities. The two things I emphasise are that you can find a way to learn about anything and that there are amazing, passionate teachers out there in one form or another. If you can still an enthusiasm for learning and the skills to learn – in whatever environment – then you’ve done your job as an educator.
As you know, we homeschool. I call it Lego Homeschooling because we take the best out of every situation and slot it together – we have tutors, we teach some subjects at home, we parachute into a school for a class, we get included into another school for other activities. The two things I emphasise are that you can find a way to learn about anything and that there are amazing, passionate teachers out there in one form or another. If you can instill an enthusiasm for learning and the skills to learn – in whatever environment – then you’ve done your job as an educator.
As you know, we homeschool. I call it Lego Homeschooling because we take the best out of every situation and slot it together – we have tutors, we teach some subjects at home, we parachute into a school for a class, we get included into another school for other activities. The two things I emphasise are that you can find a way to learn about anything and that there are amazing, passionate teachers out there in one form or another. If you can instill an enthusiasm for learning and the skills to learn – in whatever environment – then you’ve done your job as an educator.
My daughter has absolutely thrived in our public school. They have been a wonderful and have played an important role in her life. However her education does not begin and end at the school doors. So much of her thriving comes from my wife and I investing in time to model and teach her throughout the day and in everything we do. I see it more as a partnership. We can offer our strengths and the school can offer theirs. It is a winning combination, at least for my daughter. And if I have learned anything by being a parent there is no cookie cutter approach to guiding and teaching these wonderful kids to be there best.
My daughter has absolutely thrived in our public school. They have been a wonderful and have played an important role in her life. However her education does not begin and end at the school doors. So much of her thriving comes from my wife and I investing in time to model and teach her throughout the day and in everything we do. I see it more as a partnership. We can offer our strengths and the school can offer theirs. It is a winning combination, at least for my daughter. And if I have learned anything by being a parent there is no cookie cutter approach to guiding and teaching these wonderful kids to be there best.
My daughter has absolutely thrived in our public school. They have been a wonderful and have played an important role in her life. However her education does not begin and end at the school doors. So much of her thriving comes from my wife and I investing in time to model and teach her throughout the day and in everything we do. I see it more as a partnership. We can offer our strengths and the school can offer theirs. It is a winning combination, at least for my daughter. And if I have learned anything by being a parent there is no cookie cutter approach to guiding and teaching these wonderful kids to be there best.
Rich, we might do the Mettowee school. seems cool. G-ville? not so sure that would be the best way to go for everyone. we shall see what we shall see!
Rich, we might do the Mettowee school. seems cool. G-ville? not so sure that would be the best way to go for everyone. we shall see what we shall see!
Rich, we might do the Mettowee school. seems cool. G-ville? not so sure that would be the best way to go for everyone. we shall see what we shall see!
When you live a city and have kids, it’s not uncommon for people to ask about how you plan to educate your children. For our family, we unschool, which is an educational philosophy that holds that all children are born with a natural and insatiable curiosity, and that people learn best in non-coerced, self-directed situations. It’s not homeschooling, although you are at home and the world, community, neighborhood, environment and life is your “classroom.” It helps preserve the natural love of learning that people are born with, and through a self-directed education, children develop skills of creativity, time management, initiative, leadership, independence, collaboration, and self-confidence – sounds like the ingredients for entrepreneurship. 🙂
We love working together all day, every day to explore, discover, find joy and form a strong family life, which is at our core. With my husband and I working from home, we’ve intentionally created the environment for this to happen. There’s freedom in our life and in our son’s life. Our days unfold sweetly and moments are treasured. We all aspire to thrive socially, intellectually, experientially, academically, creatively, and personally. We love our journey. There are many options and instead of poo-pooing other ways, I choose to focus on what we want to attract—a life lived with joy, discovery, happiness and to shine.
Here’s to a beautiful journey for you and your family Drew.
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really lovely Mary Ann…
like it better than my post 🙂
D
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