Learning in the Absence of Education

Essays on Homeschooling

© Beverley Paine

The Model Solar Car Race

This month has seen unprecedented activity in the Paine household, with Robin becoming very actively involved in the boys’ education. He always has, in a low key fatherly way, provided excellent examples of work skills, initiative and inventiveness. But watching Thomas bloom in an area of interest and skill under his father's expert guidance is a joy.

Along with Max and Binks they have entered into the Model Solar Car Challenge and are busy building their entry. This is an expensive educational project - the panel alone cost $120, so the seriousness of the endeavor had an immediate effect on Thomas's attention to the project. And his father's, which is often a problem when less or no money is spent!

Most of the other components so far in the construction have been recycled, adding another educational bonus to the project and reinforcing our values. There has been much pulling apart, a vital step in becoming familiar with the mechanical and electronic aspects of the project. I can see how years of being fully immersed in Lego has helped Thomas develop his fine motor skills and spacial understanding when working on building the car.

On the day of competition Thomas amazed us with his ability to converse with the adjudicators, confidently discussing the technical elements of his vehicle. Prior to this Thomas has been very reticent in talking to strangers, and when pushed only offered the bare minimum in response. Here was a very different Thomas, one suddenly much older! He handled all aspects of the competition very well, including last minute adjustments to the solar car without adult help.

The boys displayed enthusiasm all day, choosing to stay until the final race had been run and the presentation of trophies completed. Many other competitors had left the field immediately after they were knocked out. Although the boys’ car only ran in two races, they persevered as spectators, picking up tips and information for next year’s race.

Apart from this exciting venture we have celebrated Roger turning sixteen! And had April home from school for the holidays. Our teenagers are such a pleasure to have around, and I wonder how I will make the transition with them into their adult lives. It is a tough call, thinking of them not as my 'babies', but as people in their own right, young adults. I think our home educating background really helps out there. I hope!

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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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