No matter what you call your learning philosophy, we all started out here in our life curious and playful.  We see with wonder and joy.  We question, we touch, we explore, we play, we discover ... we learn. 

We are always learning. 

And if we are just left to be, to learn freely; freely, without judgment or scrutiny, without requirements; to follow our passions, able to make mistakes ... just imagine. 

Imagine knowing that you can do anything, learn anything, be anything.  Imagine the joy, the wonder, the perspective of the world and yourself.  Now imagine what the world would be if we and our children would and could be free to learn this way. 

We parents (or anyone for that matter) are not our children's teachers. Children are their own teachers.  We are merely guides, aiding them and inspiring them.  We are facilitators if you will, holding a safe space and encouraging them along their way. 

For it is their journey, their interests, their triumphs.  Let children 'teach' themselves.  Let them learn openly, whole-heartedly and enthusiastically.  Let them be ... truly be ... Let them soar!

Homeschooling or a school-at-home approach is a replication of what happens in a traditional school setting.  Students follow a structured day of subjects, covering the curriculum at hand.  Students complete necessary assignments and readings and are tested and graded against their grade level.

There are many variations of a traditional school-at-home approach.  Some will purchase their curriculum basing their decision on their learning ideals, some will do their own lesson plans based around their children and their interests and some will combine other approaches allowing for a bit more flexibility to their day and how their children are exposed to the curriculum.

Many families new to homeschooling will follow a more traditional approach in the early years.  It provides a security knowing all necessary topics are being covered and that their are no gaps in their learning.  It also gives direct feedback of where your child stands and at what level they are at.  And following a more traditional approach allows for the ease of transition if the child is going to be entering a traditional school environment again (as some families homeschool for elementary years only or just for a year or so).  Also new to homeschooling families find meeting their legal requirements an easier and less overwhelming process when following a traditional homeschooling approach. 

Families from many modalities of learning will oftentimes integrate a traditional model from time to time or use some variation of the traditional model to compliment their learning philosophy. It is always about taking what works for you and leaving the rest behind.  And truthfully even the traditional model can have some good aspects to integrate into your learning way.