The nostalgia.
It began with my post on all the places we’ve homeschooled.
I wrote that post with tears in my eyes because I missed what we once had.
Simplicity.
The notion was fully sealed in my mind after reading a post on The Homeschool Classroom. It was about adding Waldorf inspired elements to your homeschool day. And while I didn’t agree with everything in the article or the roots of the Waldorf style, I can appreciate the simplicity and naturalness of that world. It reminded me of when my eldest two children were much younger and we lived in that old house in that little town with the white shears blowing in the wind and a brand new world of homeschooling fresh in the palm of my hand.
I wanted that back.
So, last weekend as we traveled back to my hometown, I scribbled notes all over a printed-off copy of the Homeschool Classroom article.
Memories.
Beginnings.
Returnings.
And since scrawled words on paper mean nothing if you don’t actually implement them, I formulated a plan in my mind and reminded myself that I would keep my eyes open for opportunities that were outside that plan as well.
Since that time we have been playing outside more.
We are starting our day with movement…
walks around the block
throwing a ball in the front yard
swinging on the swingset
We are weeding out toys and making lists of things we can really use rather than dime-a-dozen “stuff.”
We have been taking time in our homeschool day to do fun things. Really fun things. Things like I used to do before the daily grind ground us down.
And it all goes back to not filling pails.
I’m tired of racing through my life.
One. Big. Checklist.
Checklists have their place, but too often I am so busy crossing things off I forget…
I forget to breathe deep.
I forget to slow down.
I forget to praise.
I forget to live.
And so I return.
It’s good to be back.
Melody says
Thank you for the reminder. We are on our fourth week of the new school year and this post was a timely reminder of what my own goals are as a homeschooling mother. Thank you.
abba12 says
I want the simple homeschool life. I’m not a supporter of unschooling/natural learning as such, but too much busywork, too many schedules and deadlines, too many ‘must-do’s? I dont want that. I grew up with homeschooling families that, aside from high school, always finished ‘school’ (bookwork) before lunch. Many of them kept 4 day weeks rather than 5, and we always had time. That time is what I remember most fondly, and where I learnt or reinforced many of the lessons I use today. Physics especially!! The amount of pain you feel is directly related to the level of momentum you had at the time of impact!! The higher the item you jump off, the more momentum you will gain on the way down! 😀 See, important stuff lol.
I dont want to always be busy, as most people expect these days. I want to slow down, I want to be able to sit outside in the evening and relax watching my kids play, I want to take a walk to the shop to get ice creams, I want to get down on the floor and play with my children. Why rush? I don’t want a busy life.
Amy says
YES!
kelly @ In everything says
Such a great reminder as I start to pencil in a schedule for our homeschooling this new year!! Just starting with a clean, unhurried focus. I loved the starting the day outside… sounds delightful;)
Amy says
It has been wonderful, Kelly! So refreshing.
Joy @ Artful Homemaking says
I loved this post, Amy! The thoughts you shared really resonated with me because I love so many elements of Waldorf methods.
As a Christian, I have spent many hours attempting to figure out how to incorporate some of what I am drawn to there while leaving the rest behind. It hasn’t been easy and I haven’t really been successful in it. But I still love it!
I love the focus on letting children play, I love the focus on natural toys and fibers, and the time spent outdoors and exploring the world God created with all of its beauty.
I look forward to reading the article you linked to. Thanks for sharing it!
Heather says
This was such a beautiful post. Defiantly something for me to think about… I have always viewed homeschooling as a checklist, as filling the pail.
Momma Mindy says
Your blog was perfect timing as I prepare my heart for another year of homeschooling. When my older kids were younger, I started doing what I called One Fun Thing a Day, because Mom can get so caught up cooking, cleaning and teaching that she forgets to play. It created in me a more playful spirit and I need to keep my sites on this while I order books and begin making those lists…
Mrs. Mary Joy Pershing @Learning to Live a Surrendered Life says
I love that idea! I am going to keep that in my mind as I go through this day!
Amy says
That is such a great idea Mindy!
I Live in an Antbed says
A great reminder! I, too, can get very caught up in thinking we “have to get these things done” instead of allowing the Lord to lead us through a delight-directed-day. Lovely! May He richly bless your homeschooling this year. 🙂
Valerie says
I loved this inspiration!! This is so right were I am at. I am getting more organized, and at the same time getting more and more inspired and DETERMINED to enjoy my simple days with my children. Those simple days at home in a precious routine with your children are the best blessings! They Rejuvenate me!
Amy says
“Rejuvenate”…great word!
Sandi says
So with you here. I am in the process of deciding therapy times and people for my middle guy. It changes our day so much. I want simple but feel pulled because this is a season where he needs the help. Pray for me? That I can find that God glorifying balance in it all.
I keep telling myself it’s not about pails (that collect) but fires (that burn) :o)
Amy says
I will pray, Sandi…so difficult when circumstances and seasons seem crazy. But not impossible. Breathe deep and drink deep of God’s goodness and take the moments of calm He gives you to be still and know… {hugs}
Sandi says
Thank you Amy! Some things have come up today that are making the path more clear. Love it when God does that!
Stacy says
I loved this post Amy. It where I am too. Looking for the simplicity and craving more breath in our days!
Jenn says
Me too. This was perfect for me today. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Jenny says
So good! Who or what is it that really tells us what it means to educate our children..the scriptures or the government?
Amy says
Exactly, Jenny. 🙂
Mrs. Mary Joy Pershing @Learning to Live a Surrendered Life says
I understand, my friend! Its easy to get off the track of sharing the joy of learning. We are working on that too. Thank you for sharing your heart with us today. I too am working on not filling buckets this year.
God bless you, Amy!
Mrs Joseph Wood wrote a wonderful ebook that talks about how to homeschool for eternity instead of To do lists…I am reviewing it and giving a copy away today on my blog. I highly recommend the wisdom that she shares in it. I have my copy highlighted everywhere! 😀
kimberly says
Yes! We’re just starting out homeschooling and homesteading. It’s an exciting/exhausting journey. I have my dreams and a few plans and want to remember what really matters in it all. Thank you for this wonderful post from one further down the path. I love what you are doing! I agree re:waldorf–some truly wonderful ideas, but the whole system’s worldview-no.
Rebecca says
LOVE this post! So much ringing true to my heart today. Thank you for sharing. I do not homeschool (yet) but this part really spoke to me:
“I’m tired of racing through my life.
One. Big. Checklist.
Checklists have their place, but too often I am so busy crossing things off I forget…
I forget to breathe deep.
I forget to slow down.
I forget to praise.
I forget to live”
Leah says
I am not homeschooling this year, but letting my kids go into school. I still believe that there can be a great BALANCE to the hurried and harried lifestyle. I like to sit outside and take walks, to blow bubbles (and yes they are TEENS!). Riding bikes, talking at dusk, not scheduling in so many EXTRA’s. Life is so short…and being too busy makes it just that much faster.
DonnaJ says
Good for you! My children are ages 15-27, I would love to go back to the younger years with all of them. I am taking time to do more fun, untraditional school type stuff with my youngest, ages 15 & 17. Lots of puzzles, crafts, problem solving, history/science videos. And trying not to be too caught up in the book work (although they probably think we still have too much of that).
moey says
Yep, this is what we have been aiming for, over the past several years. My kids have attended a 1-day-per-week farm/play program based on the Waldorf style, and they have learned and enjoyed so much of that. Is there anything similar near you? Hugs, Amy!
Alida says
Wonderful post! I’ve been on this journey for some years now and there is nothing we’ve regretted. Surprisingly, I thought I would encounter tons of resistance during the cleaning out phase of toys. Much to my and my husband’s surprise, the kids seemed almost relieved. Kudos!
Lisa says
This is our second week back at school. I feel like a rat on a wheel chasing my tail. There is no time to breathe. I keep thinking when can I just enjoy my children, live in the moment, worship and thank God for where we are today instead of consonantly going going going. I think we will take tomorrow off while I reevaluate our schedule. Our goals and priorities are doable and right. I just felt like it all had to be done NOW. I CAN trust God that our life won’t fall apart tomorrow, and we can, if we are supposed to, get it all done. Our life has fallen apart a lot due to illness the last few years. Thank you for the reminder. I am in tears. I so needed this!
Amy says
Praying for you, Lisa!
Rebecca L. says
I am finding that the older mine get, the more there is to do. I remember my lazy summer days when they were smaller, hours in the pool, mornings at the library, so much leisure time. I don’t understand when I got so busy but I know as they’ve gotten older, I’ve been increasingly busy. We homeschool so I know it’s not school stuff like practices and all the things that go with school. I have 1 very small one left, I am doing things with her to treasure the time. I wonder and hope that I did those things and plenty of them with my bigger ones. Stopping to smell the roses cannot be helped when you travel with someone who is at eye level with the rose bush. ;0)
Jessica says
This is exactly what my soul needed to be reminded of this week. Thank you sister.
And look how tiny those boys are! So sweet!
Kelly says
good for you!
inspiring…truly!
Lorenzo says
My wife and I used to have a simple home school life for my 3 kids to make them comfortable and easy while their learning. 🙂