Flexibility in Homeschooling

This afternoon, the nearby public school cancelled their classes. This meant that James and Adam's friends were free, which also meant that our homeschool session would be cancelled.

One of the reasons why we chose to homeschool is flexibility. We always have time to accommodate spontaneity. We can slow down with our lessons if a child doesn't get a concept in Math, maybe wait when he's ready for a language arts lesson, or skip a topic that doesn't interest us. In our household, we do not follow grade levels or certain curricula. We also do not give/take tests so there's no need to hurry just to tick off some boxes of to-learn lists. We take our time, we deep-dive if we have to, we stop when we get bored, or we change course when we see signs that learning isn't happening the way we want it to.

So today, instead of Math pages, some writing activity, and independent reading, the boys spent the afternoon with friends. Some might think that it's wasting time that could be utilized for learning. But for me, personally, I think that it would be wasting more time if I insist having lessons while my kids' minds wander because they want to do other things. It won't be beneficial if they just finish the activities just for the sake of finishing, with their minds and hearts in a different place.

Besides, let me tell you what they did instead of the lessons. Yes they played some video games (which offers a lot!). They also played the piano and their friend's mellodica. They made a homemade movie starring Green Lantern. They played for hours, engaging their creativity and imagination. Now, aren't all these manifestations of learning? Isn't it more beneficial for kids to learn through experience, to engage naturally, and to maximize the benefits of free play?

Studies after studies support self-directed learning. So when homeschool is cancelled for a day, even for a month, I also enjoy it. I make myself a cup of coffee and read or watch videos. In short, I do my own learning!