Many families view home education as a lifestyle. Learning is not bound by a specific schedule, routine or curriculum. Families who embrace a learning lifestyle weave education into their daily life. Generally, they do not compartmentalize learning into subjects or grade levels. In the philosophy of education, learning is the product of living together as a family.
Creating a learning lifestyle does not mean there is not a structure or a curriculum base. It does, however, lean more toward the interests and talents of the child. Education is built on a foundation of family principles. Pursuing the interests of the child gives time to work on weaknesses and strengths. This may ultimately guide them to a lifelong passion. Each opportunity becomes a learning experience.
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 or explore interest areas.
Factors that influence a family to choose a learning lifestyle include:
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A child pursuing an entrepreneurial endeavor.
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Parents have flexibility in their jobs to devote more time to family projects.
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Families traveling part time or full time.
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Parents choosing to teach their children together in all areas; collaborating.
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Families running a home business.
In our experience with a learning lifestyle approach to educating our children, the number one benefit has been the deepened relationships between parents and children. In fact, we appreciate that there is not a separation between teacher and parent. 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 really want them to know before leaving our home is behind the lessons we choose. 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.
Benefits families choosing this educational path include:
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Family balance or rhythm, relieving parental stress of educational pressures.
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Enhanced family relationships, involving all members in the same activities.
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Early recognition of God-given talents, focusing on life-long pursuits.
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Intentional inclusion of all family members, especially Dad.
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Purposeful use of community and natural resources, enhancing experiential learning.
Choosing the learning lifestyle approach can be a wonderful experience for the whole family. Though 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:
Blaze New Trails, Holly Giles
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
Visit our homeschool family adventures membership. A fun, hands-on virtual community sharing the power of nature and simple learning. With fully prepared, easily customizable lesson on more topics than you can cover in a whole year! The best part, your first 3 days are FREE. The Learning Lifestyle Revival.
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