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September-October 2005 Selected Content
The Road to Enthusiasm - S.A. Terhorst-Steele
If you asked me to narrow down homeschooling success to just one word I would stand up on my chair, wave my arms in that way made most famous by eager children and shout "I know, I know. Pick me. It's enthusiasm!" That is how much I believe in what I am about to share with you.
I frequently talk to parents, teachers, concerned citizens and interested bystanders about what it is we do when we homeschool and how we do it. I am asked if we feel that homeschooling has been successful and if so, why? "The proof," I reply, "is in the pudding ...and it's absolutely delicious."
Success for our family is measured by the amount of confidence and support the children feel and share. They do not have outbursts of tears over the pressures of homework or the loss of time to do what they find personally fulfilling. They believe in what they are learning and know firsthand that the process is rewarding. Seeing Olivia, Emma or Julian get excited about learning, master a self-initiated task or experience one of those "Aha!" moments, lets us know that homeschooling has been successful for our family.
Our methods aren't orthodox but we do what most parents do for their children. We follow their lead, encourage their interests, respect their needs and respond with dignity in helping them to refine their skills, resulting in a working knowledge of many subjects. We know they are happy, they feel satisfied and most of all they are rewarded by continued sparks of interest. Our children know they have what it takes from their family and community as well as within themselves to follow anything they deem worthy. And only those things.
What can I attribute to our success; how can I account for my confidence in the homeschooling path we're on?
We have adopted many daily practices into our successful recipe. However, after some thought, it becomes apparent that one ingredient stands out among the others as particularly crucial for success. Enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm comes in many packages and takes a new way of looking at life's opportunities. It is not born from knowledge, an abundant bank account or ease of life. You can't purchase it or fake it; it's not easily defeated and most notably, it's catching. If you practice enthusiasm, your kids will do so for each other, for their friends, relatives and also for you. You will find the rewards both within your home and without.
Here are a few of my tried and true tips on creating the enthusiasm that your homeschooling adventure calls out for.
Beat Burnout
Find a space for yourself every day where you can participate in an activity you enjoy. Maybe you like to play the piano or garden. Maybe you like taking walks or baking. Whatever it is make sure you have something that brings you a daily sense of fulfillment. If you like, invite your child to join you.
I can only be my most patient, encouraging and enlivened self if I have space to follow my own interests. My children know when I'm not at my best and will often suggest I take this time. They too see how important it is to the success of our adventure.
Remember the age old adage, "Children learn what they live?" One bonus of taking care of yourself is that seeing you get encouraged to do something rewarding will help to light passion for your children.
As a creative outlet, I like to write. Olivia (ten) has enjoyed sharing this activity with me since the time she learned the craft. It all started when she would ask me to write out sentences for her to trace. I couldn't help but get into the creative side. We used to explore vocabulary, alliteration and giggle at our silliness. Ever since then we have shared the writing interest and amusement. We go to workshops together, write for competitions and take online classes. We continue to enjoy the rewards of creativity together.
Inspire, ignite and support passion in your children and yourself. This is a journey for the whole family. Don't leave yourself out.
Follow Their Interests
Whether it's surfing, politics, animal breeding or circus performing, follow it up with books, videos, professional speakers and related field trips. Allow your children to become household experts on the subject and ask for their thoughts.
Emma (seven) is one of our resident gardeners. She is interested in herbs, making oils for gifts and taking care of our plants. I find myself asking her if she thinks a certain herb is right for any given situation or what she thinks our plants need. Because we have recognized her interest, she is ready to communicate her insights into the plant world, especially if they are helpful to the rest of us.
Immense joy comes to the exploring and learning process when our children feel heard, respected and as though they have something to lend to the household.
Become a Master Investigator
Julian (four) has become interested in flora and fauna. I'm not much of a naturalist. In fact I rarely noticed plants and animals until I began having my own children. I was more likely to be found reading a book or writing. These days however, I am spending a great deal of time contemplating what types of plants or animals reside in our world and what they have in common with each other. The focus of my day with Julian is reading National Geographic, plotting the map, watching the occasional nature video, watering plants and visiting various nurseries so he can ask what kind of care his orchid needs.
If you child has an interest you know nothing about let them know you understand what they are asking. Explain that you don't know the answer to that question but there are ways to learn about it. Show them your master abilities in research. Capture your child's awe at your networking skills.
Your investigative abilities support their pleasure in finding things out and will give them the proper attitude they need to find the answer to any question they may come upon.
Freedom to Explore
Whether it's experimental baking, trying to grow a plant from a rock or outlining a five-year-goal for appearing at the Oscars, be supportive by encouraging your child to try things out, even if they might fail. Assist them in realizing that mistakes are the way we learn. It's the scientist's motto.
All of our children at various points have been inventors, turning everyday objects into spy gear, building foundations, movie props and more. In our house nothing is safe from exploring, short of dangerous life threatening items. Objects that seemed as though they were castaways have been put off limits to the parents and are treasured instruments of the children's plans. This hobby has resulted in some rather useful insights, a bit of occasional chaos and some interesting conversations with dinner guests.
Our kitchen has endured explosions of gooey substances, insect specimens residing in the freezer, herbal potions aging in the cupboards and towers built out of pennies, straws and scotch tape. While some experiments have taken a turn for the worse and others have lent further knowledge to a growing interest, the freedom to explore through them has always been satisfying.
My final tip for providing and enjoying this freedom? Have faith in experimentation. Recognize the effort rather than the outcome. Practice deep breathing and remember to laugh. After all, at least the mold is in a jar. Oh, and for future reference, it only takes three days to scrape a Silly Putty rocket off the kitchen ceiling. So don't worry about the mess.
Encouragement to Ask Questions
Many knowledgeable and passionate people in our communities are willing to share their information with engaged learners. Taking explorations outside of the home has been a fruitful experience for our family.
Whether it's email correspondence with a butterfly expert, an online instructor for a marketing class or conversing about bottle cap collections, when our children ask their own questions they feel more enlivened by the answers.
It hasn't always been easy for them to talk with adults. The struggle to get them to order their own food from a menu has sometimes been an awkward experience. Nonetheless, once they have mustered the courage, it becomes obvious how confident and able they feel. This is what we want for our children. There is no reason for them to feel less able than an adult in getting what they need or powerless to ask for it.
I know as homeschool families our lives can be busy, for some chaotic. There is only so much time in one day. I find it helpful to remember that homeschooling isn't a means to an end. It's a process with a life of its own.
Just as a good recipe comes to life with many thought-out ingredients and patience, so does homeschooling. Enjoy yourself and the recipe. That's the catchiest form of enthusiasm there is!
© 2005, S.A. Terhorst-Steele
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