What is Relaxed Homeschooling?

I'm excited to be participating in the Schoolhouse Review Crew's 5 Day Blog Hop again!  These have been so much fun in the past, and this time I am sharing 5 Days of Relaxed Homeschooling.

I wanted to discuss Relaxed Homeschooling, because when I am among local homeschoolers, I feel out of place.  I am definitely the most non-traditional homeschooler in the room.  That's okay, I don't mind being different.  The most important thing is that I know I'm doing what is right for my kids right now.  Things may change, but this is now.

Anyway, I thought I'd share a little bit more about what we do, as well as the why and how we do things this way.  I say Relaxed Homeschooling for simplicity, but I like to think I'm Relaxed Charlotte Mason.  Charlotte Mason was my first love, and I spent years researching it.  I began implementing age-appropriate methods from the beginning.  I believe Charlotte Mason is a beautiful philosophy, particularly for the preschool years, with it's informal and gentle introduction into the beauty of the world through nature, art, music and fine literature.  I've even written a series on Charlotte Mason Preschool.  However, I think the gentle rhythm of those preschool years can be used for older students, with an appropriate increase in intensity and structure.  I needn't be a purist to see and realize the beauty of a philosophy.  We still incorporate living books, nature study, copywork, art, music, narration and other elements of the Charlotte Mason method, but within the framework of our more Relaxed nature.

So, here is how Relaxed Homeschooling (with a Charlotte Mason flair) looks in our homeschool.  My Philosophy of Education, if you will.

• Children are born to learn; they are always learning and we do not confine "school" to certain hours of the day, days of the week or or core subjects.  It's not just about the book learning.
• Children learn at a unique developmental pace; no scope and sequence can define that.  I do not rush or hinder, or follow a specific sequence
• Valuing the child's input about curriculum, topics of study and length of study helps them own the experience 
• Exposure to new experiences, living ideas and interesting places encourages a wider breadth of learning and knowledge
• Learning is a lifelong process; you cannot cram a certain body of knowledge into a child in 18 years and be "done" with education
• Learning should be engaging and useful, not a chore or a checklist
• We are a cultivating a family, not a student/teacher relationship
• Recognizing and acting on teachable moments as they occur, so the moment is not lost
• Flexibility is essential for growth of the children and the parents

What it comes down to, for me, is valuing the natural rhythm and needs of the child. 



Articles for further reading:
Relaxed Homeschooling:  An Interview with Dr. Mary Hood
The Relaxed Homeschooler by Pioneer Woman
The Relaxed Homeschool Mindset



Day 1:  What is Relaxed Homeschooling?
Day 2:  Masterly Inactivity, or Not Becoming a Helicopter Parent
Day 3:  Relaxed Homeschooling, A Day in the Life
Day 4:  Relaxed Homeschooling, Just Another Day
Day 5:  Relaxed Homeschooling on the Go



Throughout the week, I'm going to give you a peek into our day, so come back to see our relaxed approach in action!  Today, check out these other fabulous bloggers who are bringing you some amazing topics. . .

Lisa @ A Rup Life ~ Our Favorite Books
Melissa @ Life Off the Paved Road ~ Fit From Home
Michelle @ Faith, Family, and Fridays ~ Clearing Out the Clutter
Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy ~ Educational Apps
Jenni @ Conversaving ~ Homeschool Cooperatives
Lisa @ Home to 4 Kiddos ~ Celebrating Lent
Tawnee @ Adventures in Homeschooling ~ Spring Schooling
Crystal @ Crystal Starr Blog ~ Christ Centered Character Training


Then head back over to the main hop to find even more interesting topics! 

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