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Lifestyle Learning
Many families view home education as a lifestyle. A specific schedule, routine, or curriculum do not bind learning. In addition, families who embrace a learning lifestyle weave education into their daily life. Generally, they do not categorize learning into subjects or grade levels. In the philosophy of education, learning is the product of living together as a family.
However, creating a learning lifestyle does not mean there is no structure or a curriculum base. However, it leans more toward the interests and talents of the child. Similarly, education is built on a foundation of family principles. In addition, pursuing the child’s interests gives time to work on weaknesses and strengths. This may ultimately guide them to a lifelong passion. Each opportunity becomes a learning experience.
See: A Family Business of Recycled Jewelry
Finding the right fit
First, choosing a learning lifestyle may or may not incorporate outside activities. Freedom is given to the child to focus on their interests. In doing so, each child is given time to develop and hone their skills. For example, allowing them to explore interest areas.
What are your child’s natural interests? How can you help them pursue this interest? Allow them to discover what they are naturally inclined towards from a young age. This can help them from floundering later. Many young adults pursue interests directed by their parents or other influences. Consequently, they can find themselves unhappy in their careers.
Factors that influence a family to choose a learning lifestyle include:
A child pursuing an entrepreneurial endeavor.
Parents have flexibility in their jobs to devote more time to family projects.
Families are traveling part-time or full-time.
Parents choose to teach their children together in all areas; collaborating.
Families running a home business.
Number one benefit
In our experience with a learning lifestyle approach, the number one benefit has been the deepened relationships between parents and children. We appreciate that there is no separation between teacher and parent. For example, we don’t separate school time and family time. A learning lifestyle has seamlessly blended life and learning. Family relationships are our first priority.
Second, imparting to our children what we want them to know before leaving our home is behind our chosen lessons. For example, the knowledge gained in our home will stay with our children as they move beyond high school. The intentions and results will be different for every family.
see also – homeschool science experiment
Benefits families choosing this educational path include:
Family balance or rhythm, relieving parental stress of academic pressures.
Enhanced family relationships, involving all members in the same activities.
Early recognition of God-given talents, focusing on life-long pursuits.
Intentional inclusion of all family members, especially Dad.
Purposeful use of community and natural resources, enhancing experiential learning.
Finally, choosing the learning lifestyle approach can be a wonderful experience for the whole family. However, the lifestyle may take time to adjust from separating home and school. The benefits can make a tremendous impact on a child’s future.
Resources to learn more about a learning Lifestyle:
The Heart of Learning, Lawrence Williams
Educating the Wholehearted Child, Clay, and Sally Clarkson
The Simplicity of Homeschooling, Vicky Goodchild
Free Range Learning, Laura Grace Weldon
Beyond Survival: a Guide to Abundant-Life Homeschooling, Diana Waring
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