It seems to be the case that when mothers decide to home educate, they immediately start by researching educational philosophies and curriculum. I know, because that’s how I started.
And those things are important, sure. But they aren’t really the secret sauce to homeschooling.
The secret sauce is giving your kids plenty of time to play.
What I mean by this is your child should have large portions of his day — in fact, I would argue possibly the majority of his waking hours — during which he can explore his own interests and play on his own terms. Both indoors and outdoors and in all kinds of weather (with the proper clothing).
It’s likely by now that you have recognized one of the major benefits of homeschooling is that your child won’t be confined to a desk in a small classroom for six hours a day, five days a week. He’ll have the freedom to move about as he pleases. Go to the bathroom when he needs, eat when he feels hungry.
But you must protect that freedom for him. You must resist the temptation to fill every minute with curriculum and workbooks and crafts simply because it makes you feel something has been accomplished.
I’m not advocating for no schoolwork ever. I’m not saying workbooks have no place in your homeschool. What I am saying is that children need ample time to play — that is their work.
While they play, your job is to simply get out of their way. Do not pester them with a million questions (“What color is this? Can we make a pattern? How many blocks are there?”) they are busy working. Do you like to be pestered with questions while you are working?
Do not interrupt them, if you can, although sometimes this is unavoidable and that’s alright. Do not intervene in every sibling squabble, they will figure it out. Save your energy for the really big fights, because they will come.
Instead, this is your time to play, too. Get in the kitchen and test a new recipe you’ve been dying to try. Get out your knitting or try a new hobby..
Let your children see you play and enjoy your life. Let them see that being an adult is not all dull repetition and chores.
When you are all tired from play and you need a break, that is when you come together around the kitchen table with a snack and read together. That is the time when you pull out the workbook and complete a short (but focused) math lesson.
Then, when the energy is renewed, the children can return to the most important work of play.
