Learning in the Absence of Education

Essays on Homeschooling

© Beverley Paine

Reflecting on Home Education

As my eldest quickly approaches adulthood I am finding I am reflecting more on the process of home education as it has meant for us as a family, and on our unusual journey of parenting. Finding 'myself' has been an important part of this journey, and has been the gift my children have unconsciously and unselfishly given to me.

So many years of family life have focussed around home education. I've worked my way through several bouts of 'burn-out'; stress filled periods lacking in direction and confidence. In retrospect it is easy to see that home education had little to do with the burn-out, although at the time was seen to be a contributing factor. Health problems, building two homes, lack of financial security and difficulty in finding friendly support for our radical lifestyle choices all took their toll. However, throughout some very harrowing periods my children were always there, and provided constant support. They witnessed and experienced first hand the empowering journey I made from chronic depression to mental health. Home education was like a solid foundation, something to build a positive life around.

My enthusiasm for home education has been part of my own journey in recapturing my lost childhood years, trying to make the world right for me - to give my children what I wanted and needed back then. From the beginning I wanted my children to learn and accept self- responsibility, a concept denied me, both by my parents, teachers, society and myself. It has been difficult, because children learn from example first, and becoming responsible ('growing up' is my favoured term) has been a long and difficult process for me.

I watch others struggle with their personal journeys, especially with their need to home educate, and wonder what role it plays in their own development. Some need to fight the system, and focus their energies on the 'enemy' - the education authorities. For me this represents a reflection, perhaps, of the rebellious inner child in all of us. Other people, unable to fight an impossible battle to change the world, need to withdraw and do things their own way, quietly hidden from critical eyes. This may be another facet of rebellion, only less assertive perhaps.

But most are also like me, yearning for a lost childhood, another way of parenting, a better model of nurturing. An evolution of self from the centre, nestled first in the security of family. A second chance, a time to get it right. The rebellion is contained within, and is focussed on the right of the child to exist, to develop as naturally as possible. My children become different facets of my own inner child as she seeks to find her rightful place in my life.

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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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