Be specific. Be bold. Education is opportunity. What type of possibility playground would you like to construct?
You may not execute all you set out to do while homeschooling, but you may surprise yourself along the way, to your child’s great benefit. Start with what you have or what you know in education and knock out a few walls. List the essential subjects or skills. Then imagine. If you were capable of anything, what might you add, repurpose or scrap (sometimes the academic scrapyard is quite useful later).
What is lacking in current schooling?
music, programming, mechanics, entrepreneurship…
What academic or cognitive skills need better development?
strategy, critical analysis, debate, innovative thought…
What of the foundational elements, the subtleties indirectly taught by the manner in which we handle subjects?
mutual respect, civic duty, healthy skepticism, compassion, initiative…
What will better equip them for college or career?
specialty development, leadership experience, community service, project management…
What type of environment will your child thrive in?
curiosities all around, uncluttered focus, fresh air and nature sounds, a cubby spot with their music playing, field work galore…
Think outside the box, because homeschooling is education outside the box. Make as many bullet points as you like to work out your ideal education concept, but after exhausting the many facets of possible perfection, simplify. What is most important? Focus on the most important and incorporate the other great ideas as you can.
"Idealism detached from action is just dreaming. But idealism allied with pragmatism, with rolling up your sleeves and making the world bend a bit, is very exciting. It's very real. It's very strong." -Bono
Revisit these ideas, even redefine them, to refresh your focus, drive, and innovative mindset. Your ideal homeschool will evolve as you and your family evolve. Bear in mind how influential the management of expectations and stress is. Be real, be imperfect, and be determined to learn from experience with renewed enthusiasm.
-S. E. Bocker
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