Now and again I get a comment or an email acknowledging the vulnerability of putting myself out there as I do in this space. And every time I have the same reaction. "What? I put myself out there?"
Yes, I'm a little oblivious.
Because as I see it I'm just sharing what makes me tick, (and sometimes what makes me tic) without attachment to that being the same for you. I've always been different from most around me, so I never expected you all would resonate with every word. That would be strange to me.
So thank you for respecting the (perhaps radical) ideas that I throw your way here every few days.You are graceful and respectful and open and I am in deep appreciation for that.
I am also appreciate those of you who share my radical ideals and call me out when you think I might be slipping down a slope I don't intend to. For the unschoolers, yesterday's post was like that.
Therefore, a bit of clarification...
Sage and Lupine are wabi sabi - perfect in their imperfection. Like all of us. I am not trying to fix them or change them or make them better than they are right now. I am instead seeing an ember of desire in my son and helping him to fan the flame.
We aren't really "doing school" (or long division). We're playing games with cards and wooden pennies. We're learning calligraphy. We're messing around with vinegar and pennies, salt and nails. We're painting peg people. We're making paper airplanes. We're dissolving the shell of an egg. (Oh yes. Yesterday was an outstanding day.) And we're also crunching some numbers and practicing our handwriting.
And I think there is balance in that.
None if it is delivered with the message of "you are not enough". Instead it is delivered with the message "you can do anything".
So yes, I do perceive some gaps in their knowledge, but no, I'm not fearful that those gaps are going to be detrimental to my child's success. What I really see is a readiness for knowledge and trepidation at taking that first step. I'm here to hold their hands and walk that path together. I am not going to push against resistance, just nudge them towards new challenges.
Okay. Thanks for listening.
With homeschooling in mind, I'm over on Simple Homeschool again today. I'm reaching out to those among us who have chosen to not homeschool. Many of my friends (and my family) and perhaps many of yours.
My post is here. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts (as homeschoolers or as friends of homeschoolers).
Love and gratitude,
Rachel
