Organically Inclined

Each year before the official first day of school, I have a few doubts. I wonder, yet again, if I am doing the right thing by keeping my boys home and educating them here. It’s not so much that I doubt my ability to do it - I just feel a little bad that they miss the thrill of going to school - even though I know that thrill subsides very quickly.

Anyway, this year, when that feeling came around, I was fortunate to find “Homeschooling: A Family’s Journey,” by Gregory and Martine Millman to keep me inspired.

The Millmans have six children - all of whom they have homeschooled. Three of their children, at the writing of this book, are in college.

Sitting at the “Back to School” picnic last night (something we go to because it’s a community event and my oldest daughter goes to school), I was assured once again that I did the right thing. But wondered if my children would pay the same price I have paid for choosing freedom over convention. Fortunately, they have a loving family and lots of friends who understand the choices we’ve made - where I was not always so lucky!

“Those who choose freedom almost always seem to be eccentric misfits, and those who choose slavery almost always seem well adjusted by comparison. Our freedom is always at risk, but we are its only real threat,” the Millmans write.

I enjoyed this book immensely. From the early stages of their homeschooling journey to accepting colleges - not being accepted by them - I found their insights to be inspiring and helpful. Considering I am currently homeschooling at both ends of the spectrum - a 3-year-old just learning to read and a 16-year-old applying to colleges.

I particularly enjoyed a section on “late” readers. My fourth child would have been a “late” reader, had he not gone to public school…but he was forced into learning to read very early - way before he was ready and struggled with it for years. He not only struggled with the comprehension, he hated books. He had been forced to do so much “reading” at school that he missed other activities, like recess and gym. He has been homeschooled for three years now and at the age of 10 is only now starting to enjoy reading. But even now, he rarely enjoys a fiction book - always a non-fiction book…mostly about camping out or carpentry or space.

I shouldn’t have worried, way back when, about Liam’s “late” by school standards reading. Liam did everything late. He didn’t talk until he was able to speak in full sentences. He didn’t walk until he was able to get up and run! But reading - READING - we as parents, particularly homeschool parents - are always admonished or praised for the age at which our children read. Of course, my oldest three were very early readers on their own, so I had lots to “brag” about! I was unprepared for having a late reader - and did not realize the damage forcing a child to read so young would do. Homeschooling has undone a lot of the damage…hopefully he will come to love the written word someday.

Whether you are looking for a little inspiration for the school year - or need a good primer for homeschooling, the Millmans’ book is a wonderful addition to the homeschool library.