A friend who is also a homeschooler said to me recently that she was told she shouldn't keep her children homeschooled and in a "bubble."

I have been mulling this over in my mind. Although I have been homeschooling for nine years I am always surprised when people do not fully understand the size and scope of  homeschooling opportunities. I truly believe in my heart that the unfortunates who are kept in a bubble are those confined to the classroom. Their bubble consists of the time frames that they are permitted to learn and in the limited very limited social opportunities. It seems to me that being told what you will learn, with only people of your own specific age and having activities that the school deems within their ability to provide is more of a bubble than the freedom our children have as homeschoolers.

If we are indeed in a "bubble" than it is an ever expanding one. My family learns all that is in the typical curriculum and so much more for they are afforded the time to pursue those personal interests also. Our homeschool group is active in the community and the children and teens have the ability to socialize with people of all ages. They can relate to younger children and treat them with respect as persons. They have plenty of social time with friends of their own age group and are equally comfortable speaking with adults.

Our bubble includes student government opportunities in 4H, community service and responsibilities, being well known and well liked at our local library, work opportunities,YMCA, bowling alley and fitness clubs. Our bubble takes all the time it likes to fully study a subject, to travel, to express ourselves in art and music and put it all on hold to visit with friends for awhile.

Some, not all, justify their decision to put their children in school by criticizing those who home educate. They do not see the small bubble they have imposed on their family nor are they willing to try to understand the ways of the homeschooler. Perhaps because they may have to admit that their way isn't necessarily the best way, not the only way, and that maybe they have missed out.

The traditional schooling experience is a bubble that is pre-made, one size fits all and that you must conform to. Homeschooling is a bubble of your own making, it is self designed, you choose the size, you choose the content. A homeschooling bubble is as big as the world. As a homeschooler you choose how and when to expand your bubble. An ever changing, growing, healthy, full of the love of learning bubble is for me. My bubble is big enough to include Bible study, devotions and prayer during the "school" day.

Homeschooling is a beautiful bubble, perhaps I shall thank the next person for the compliment.