There are many different approaches to home education and every child is different, so finding the approach that best suits your child can very much be trial and error. Obviously Bear is still only young, and his personality and drive are only just beginning to form, so my intentions to begin with are to pick out the bits from a few different approaches that I feel suit us as a family and see how we go.
The biggest influence on my home education plans so far is the Wild + Free community which are inspired by a Henry David Thoreau quote, "All good things are wild and free." They follow the ideal that not only do they want their 'children to receive a quality education, but also to experience the adventure, freedom and wonder of childhood.' And right there, is one of the main reasons that I chose to home educate my boys.
Don't get me wrong, the education system has its place, and I've been there and worked in it, across several schools and year groups. But with that experience, I also saw its flaws, and that helped shape my decision. In my opinion, the school system is too time-consuming and strict and does not allow a child to follow their own interests, grow in a world that they ultimately have to live in and just enjoy being a child. I want my boys to have the freedom to follow their interests and learn at their own pace. To see the magic in their childhood, not always be watching a clock and to forever be encouraged to reach for their dreams!
That said, my own personality does not lend well to the idea of unschooling and completely following their lead, so I do plan to structure their learning around them in ways that they still have choices and the room to change their minds in order to follow something they find interesting.
The other influence on my idea of home education is Charlotte Mason, who encouraged a love of art and nature and focused on growing the hearts and minds of children. It is from Charlotte Mason that I learned of nature journaling and the ways of showing children how to love nature. She uses great literature to teach concepts like spelling and handwriting, introduced the work of great artists and composers, and let children come to their own conclusions. And above all, she focussed on the idea of the child being a whole person and being treated as such.
It is from this that I actively get us outside every day, even if that is just us playing outside in the garden with 'inside toys' or taking a walk to the shops and back. Fresh air and nature are the key to our happiest days :)
And lastly, Maria Montessori, who encouraged including a child in their natural environment and allowing their interests and natural curiosity in order for them to develop their skills. She saw the child as a person who could play a part in the day to day life of their family, and encouraged independence from a young age in order to allow a child to develop into a happy and fulfilled adult who can contribute to society.
I already allow Bear to help around the house whenever he shows an interest, despite it usually meaning that a job will take twice as long, and I actively encourage him to get involved in tasks that are directly related to himself, like helping prepare his meals and tidy up after himself. But there is still room for me to allow him more freedom in his choices, and that is my own compulsive personality that I need to curb in order to let his own shine through.
I have used the elements from these three home education approaches as well as plenty of my own ideas that I have gathered from reading other blogs, following accounts on Instagram, and of course, trusty old Pinterest!
I'd love to hear what influences your home education approach with your children, drop me a comment below to chat :)
Momma Bear
The websites listed below are for the three approaches that I have referenced above and are where I have taken direct quotes from, or have paraphrased their information.
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