Homeschooling allows us to reframe ideas, reprogram ourselves – or perhaps deprogram ourselves?  We can get out of the box, and that doesn’t mean that we need a new box! Homeschooling means you get to let go of previous limitations. Remember: what’s your goal? Why are you here? Why didn’t that previous box work? Use the freedom now available to you to design a more authentic learning experience for your child. 

Some people really like boxes. Boxes can be comforting, especially if we think we have a “box” where there are other people in that same box with us, or if the box allows us to safely be who we naturally are. And if that box works well for us, then great! But at any time it stops working, it’s time to step out of it. And no matter what, always look and explore beyond your “boxes.” 

For example students might use a “learning styles” assessment to explore different ways to learn. A student scoring high in, let’s say, “learning by listening” might think that they should only learn through audio books now, and they put themselves in the “auditory learner box.” However, that student might learn in many different ways, plus there are benefits in learning something through multiple modalities and approaches. A “learning box” can limit your learning, so don’t feel like you are stuck there!

As parents explore learning options for their children, they often learn a great deal about themselves. Many will say something to the effect of, “That explains so many things, looking back!” Demonstrating growing self-awareness is a wonderful thing to show your own child. Keep in mind that as you discover things about yourself, those things might or might not align with your child’s needs; we have to be careful not to project our own needs onto our children, but instead guide them in their own best learning path. 

It’s also okay to change your mind, and change direction, especially as you explore options. Sometimes parents will invest in a large or expensive curriculum option only to discover that it doesn’t meet their child’s needs. Taking time to work through the lessons in this course, and to discover a variety of options, can save money and time - and frustration - in the long run. 

Reflect:

1. What are one or more "boxes" that you have been put into either as a learner or a professional? How well does this box match you? 

2. Are there any things you were "supposed to do" as a learner or as a professional that you would have done differently (or not at all) if given the option?

3. Has your child been "put into any boxes" as a learner? Or asked to learn in ways that didn't work well?

4. As you read through the next sections of this unit, what questions come up for you? Write them down, and consider bringing them up for conversation with other homeschooling parents or a homeschooling mentor when you have the opportunity. Are any of these questions things you could discuss with your child?