Learning in the Absence of Education

Essays on Homeschooling

© Beverley Paine

Values

Long ago a question was raised in a newsletter that I felt compelled to answer. Do we have the right to impose our values on our children? When confronted with different values being demonstrated by their children often parents feel compelled to address the ‘problem’. Advice on how to achieve this abounds in bookstores, parenting workshops,
from relatives and in the local neighbourhood.

With each passing generation values change. I am glad I don't share many of my parents' values. Naturally I retain some, and of these there are a few I'd like to change, but many more I choose to keep. I like them, they are sound and based on common sense. The others I am strenuously working to change. These ones usually reflect a recognition of a changing
society, a different way of looking and being in the world, because, for each generation, the world is different.

If values didn't alter at all where would society be now? What about in twenty years time? I shudder to think. I am very thankful that some of the current generation of parents have adopted different values to their consumerist, materialistic parents. No one can judge what the are the best or right values to have, and because of this values remain dynamic,
rather than static, in our society.

My children are the products of the civilisation they live in, products of their culture. Just as my mother couldn't understand my views on the world, etc., I am prepared to face his generation clash in values with my children; but unlike her I am ready to celebrate their decisions, their individuality, their right to nurture values of their own. I know some of my values go forth intact with them, and I hope I'm grown up enough to see the value in their world views, and perhaps to change my way of thinking on some issues.

Isn't that what learning is all about? Being open to change? Continually testing hypotheses in the light of new experiences and constructively evaluating the results? It is a process I thoroughly enjoy.

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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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