Learning in the Absence of Education

Essays on Homeschooling

© Beverley Paine

Home is where learning happens....

We have two types of typical days and switch easily from periods where one dominates to periods where the other does. Both are relevant, and of equal value.

The first is more structured, where we, as parents, take on a greater and more active role in the responsibility of the educating process. The day begins with a shared breakfast, then April feeds her pets and goes off to Year Twelve at the local high school. Roger and Thomas, now fifteen and eleven, also feed the animals and then help out with whatever is happening, including working with us on landscaping jobs out and about in the community. There is a period of time during the day, usually no more than two hours, when we sit down with them and work out of selected text books or do planned learning activities. Sometimes Robin will do some science experiments which they always enjoy. The boys do some reading, silent and aloud.

The second kind of day is much different in that we allow most of the responsibility of education to fall squarely on the boys’ shoulders. On these days we stay in the role of resource people or educational facilitators. We take the day as it comes, either leisure or work, following our own interests or inclinations, keeping an eye on the boys’ activities and needs, and being there when required. Most often the boys choose to play Lego, have a turn each on the computer or go outside.

We are always available for the spontaneous learning that occurs during both types of days. As a family we are very interested in geology, meteorology, other scientific areas, computing, history and the environment. Learning happens naturally in these areas as we remain constantly focussed on them. Personal development and health is always a priority and requires little input other than normal living for us. The children’s interest in music has been rekindled with the purchase of a piano, complementing a digeridoo, guitar and keyboard. Daily practice is often a feature in our life, but not enforced.

Socially we fit in play with friends, both adults and children, when we need it. The children are responsible for recognising their own social needs, and this has worked well. All in all, we keep extremely busy, and happy!

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More than 60 essays covering a wide range of home schooling concerns and issues, such as late readers, value of play, socialisation, learning maths, part time school, and thoughts on testing. Learning in the Absence of Education is an intimate and honest look at day-to-day homeschooling life spanning several years. Includes articles on learning maths, reading and writing, spelling, socialisation, part time schooling, fathers and homeschooling, value of play, grading and testing, coping with stress and illness, and much more.

"These essays are the real life experiences of a long term home educator and activist and make inspiring reading... a valuable resource for all those interested in home education.... What I particularly appreciate are the personal day-to-day stories that are so specific in the incident or outcome These are essays written over time that reflect natural learning (read life) as it really happens.

I really enjoy Beverley's writing style in this book. It is very direct, sometimes even challenging the reader. She tries to be scrupulously honest always so we read of advantages and disadvantages of whatever topic she is discussing. She will also point out the ideal situation and how she thinks she falls short. Sometimes she is self-deprecating; sometimes she glows with enthusiasm for their successful lifestyle. There are touches of humour and sometimes wry cynicism.

Hopefully this book will answer many people's questions and fears about natural learning. It is all in here: how right it feels when natural learning is working well, what happens when we have insecurities ourselves, and the results so far. By presenting the natural learning case in this essay style, Beverley has been able to reflect the different moods, the ups and downs, that make the book a valuable resource for all those interested in home education, whatever their current style."
Janine Banks, home educator, Qld

ISBN 1876651016, 128 pages... $22.95

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Homeschool Australia SA HE Network Unschool~Kidz! About Beverley Paine

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