Learning in the Absence of Education

Essays on Homeschooling

© Beverley Paine

Profile on a Teenage Homeschooler

I thought I'd tell you a bit about my sixteen year old son, Roger. He has been homeschooling for over a decade now, with a couple of short stints at school. At the moment Roger is following a maths text, mostly in algebra as he is interested in computers and may some day need to do a maths course for tertiary education. He has just completed an ICS course in PC Repairs and Upgrades and received his Diploma, which is now photocopied for his resume, the original framed and displayed on the living room wall. Next he is tackling an online TAFE module in Digital Fundamentals.

His short term aim, over the next five years, is to start a business with his father. They are already repairing computers and putting systems together for people. Meanwhile he works occasionally with us when we have gardening or landscaping work to do, and is proving his ability to work as an adult. He is interested in getting part time paid work away from his parents soon - he says he just needs a little more confidence which he knows will come with age. The need for recognition, and a pay packet, is steadily growing, along with his confidence. Blooming naturally, I'd say!

His reading and writing are also improving with maturity, despite not having any kind of regular practice or instruction for years, and we are confident this will continue. There are bridging courses available he can take to introduce him to tertiary study that will brush up on his skills - whenever he decides to take up further formal studies.

Each day Roger spends a lot of time on the computer, playing Lego with his brother, playing on the rope swing, reading, drawing, playing piano (he is teaching himself) and lots and lots of time talking to either myself or his father. The outside work he does is perfect for physical development and answers a need to balance the computer stuff. He takes pride in helping out with the chores, and is interested in cooking meals for the family. All this has evolved in a natural way, without the imposition of discipline from us, just the gradual development of self discipline.

We are very relaxed about Roger's future educational options, aiming to expand on his natural interests and abilities. For the most part Roger is in control of this process, taking over the reigns gently from me.

It was difficult to feel confident in the early years, and often paranoia about our lack of traditional educational activities would push me into panic, and we'd hit the workbooks and I'd scribble learning programs all over the place! But the laid back education that Roger has received is easing him into the adult world, and has helped to define a lovely character, a good friend, and a wonderful son.

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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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