Why we chose home education

This has to be the most commonly asked question amongst home education communities. "Why?". Sometimes it comes with genuine curiosity, intrigue and even a glimmer of hope that it might be something the questioner can do, other times with utter shock that someone would CHOOSE to take on educating a child.... and on very rare occasions it comes from someone who completely disapproves and somehow thinks our decision undermines their own to send their child into school....

For me.... I dread this question because more often than not you can't tell which person is asking the question until you've started to give your answer. I put on my imaginary boxing gloves and mentally prepare for a schooling style sparring session which I haven't done any training for.

So now my first answer is always this:

"It's what WE think works best for OUR children."

and that pretty much sums up why we chose this educational route! But to go into specifics I'll break it down a little more:

Flexibility

We can tailor our children's learning to their individual needs and adapt it easily day by day. If we need to take a break from Math skills to focus on English, we can do that. If I can see that Calliope is taking a keen interest in a specific topic I can put our other things on hold so we can strike whilst the iron is hot! If we've been cooped up inside all week and then get a day of sunshine we can drop our plans, head into nature (where there are ALWAYS masses of learning opportunities) and spend the day playing in the woods or at the beach! Who wouldn't want that?

Aside from the learning flexibility we have, it also gives us flexibility for travelling outside of term time. This gives us and the kids a chance to avoid the crowds, saves us money AND gives us better access to resources such as museums in our area that are usually inaccessible for younger children. Personally I get very overwhelmed by crowds, as do my husband and Calliope. It's stressful and changes us and the experience we are trying to enjoy. It stops us from taking in little details of the area we're in and puts us all on high alert. To be able to avoid this (Even if it means adding on a few extra layers of clothing) is invaluable to us.

Child Led Learning

Recently I was talking to another mum and she was talking about letter bonds and if Calliope was doing ok with them and what I was doing to help her.... I couldn't answer because we're still working on the alphabet! But that's fine! Calliope isn't ready for letter bonds and sentence forming, she will be one day, but that day isn't today.

Instead she can make all of us a variety of breakfasts, lunches and dinners with minimal intervention for myself or my husband. She can quickly solve math problems in her head (without having to show me her workings, because in the real world no one is going to ask you to "prove" that you can do Math!). She can notice little details and use her imagination to create wonderful worlds whilst we're out in nature and so so much more.

In a school setting she would probably be described as a "day dreamer", unfocused, disruptive, lacking discipline, behind her peers.... Without any of her strengths in other areas even being mentioned or explored.

Calliope can guide US in her learning. When she's ready to learn letter bonds I've no doubt that she'll pick it up more quickly, with less frustration and tears, than if we were to push her into it now.

Making memories and creating bonds

Childhood is such a fleeting time. My family have the opportunity to be able to harness as many of those childhood years as possible and fill them with enriching experiences that will stay with them (and us) for a life time.

“It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.”

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

I don't want to look back on these years wishing I had spent them differently, wishing we had spent more time together and less time on school runs. I want to use this time to strengthen our family ties and foster deep connection with each other that will last a life time (even if it does leave for a few teenage years!).

A broken system ....

We're well aware that some children will thrive in a schoolroom setting. We know that teachers do an absolutely fantastic job with the resources they have available to them and the MAJORITY care DEEPLY for their students.

However.... The schooling system in the UK is broken. Schools are more focused on test results than children's mental well being. More concerned about OFSTED reports than supporting a love for learning. More concerned about how they can save money (or make it from donors) than allowing children to express themselves in the arts.

I would rather that my kids have curiosity, critical thinking and an imagination than the ability to memorize a textbook....

These are my core reasons for wanting to home educate my children. Every day there are more and more reasons I am happy and feel validated in my decision. One day that might all change, you never know what the future may bring after all! If at any point either of the children decide that they want to go into a traditional school setting then we will go down that road... and if they change their minds again after that we'll switch right back!

I'd love to hear your thoughts about home education, why it's the right choice for you, whats holding you back if you're on the fence or any questions you might have for a mum in her first year of Home Ed so leave me a comment below!

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On a complete side note.... I'm not in love with the term "home education". This might ruffle a few feathers but I don't feel it's a great fit for what most home educators DO, what most home educated children are actively involved in. To me home education feels far too formal, far too much like an institution and far too.... bleurgh for the fun and joy and creativity that people in our position get to experience most days. If you "home educate"..... What do you call it? Leave me a comment to let me know!