Apr. 2, 2007 - Relaxed School Life Lessons
It is funny because I was typing this message to one of the wonderful Yahoo groups I help moderate, and it really hit me hard! I am a huge fan of Ruth Beechick and relaxed homeschooling, but have never really been able to let go of the "teacher" in me. BUT as I was writing my post about what we do when we have unexpected interruptions or out of town family, this is what came out. I thought I should share it here:
My husband's sister battled cancer for 6 years. While she was in and out of doctor's appointments and hospital stays, the kids did minimal school. The kids and I took her to the majority of her dr. appts. or scans, or whatever. They would each take a book to read, a copywork sheet, or their Gameboys. (How's that for educational?!)
We really did limited "school" time on certain days, so we really had a relaxed approach. When she was in the hospital for extended periods, they would take their school to the hospital and work on it there.
I can remember being a little concerned about the amount of school they were doing then. But since she has passed away, I know they received a serious education going through what they did. She was fairly young (diagnosed at 30, passed away at 36), and very close to my kids. That is a huge reason, I think, that I have been able to relax with my school issues. There are so many other things that can teach our kids. I just hope I am open to help them with those lessons.
I didn't mean that message to be a drag! Sorry about that. I was just wanting to convey that they don't need books or worksheets to gain wisdom. And not to panic when you can't fit school all in because of life happening. They will get a great education if we will be open to teach them at all times, in all ways! (I needed to hear that myself!)
It really made me sit back and think about all of the things that get my feathers ruffled. Truly, life is an education, and I need to be flexible enough, no, relaxed enough, to take those daily moments and turn them into teaching opportunities. It reminds me of the passage of Scripture in Deuteronomy 6 where we are to teach our children when we rise, when we lie down, we when walk by the way. Truly, we are able to offer our children wisdom in the everyday aspects of life. I am in tears as I realize this has taken me over a year to digest. So if I can learn a lesson from the passing of my sister-in-law, it would be to enjoy life because truly it is a vapor.
