Charlotte Mason would have loved my pond. Only a half-mile from our house, the pond has river otter, blue heron, and other fabulous Northwest wildlife. When we moved here, I thought I would spend hours at the pond with my children, doing nature studies. A short distance from Puget Sound, I fantasized about oceanography units and marine biology studies…..I dreamed of examining algae under a microscope and I was positively giddy about the ducklings.Except…..it didn’t happen. It’s one thing to focus on “delight-driven” studies, but what about driving “non-delightful” studies? My boys would whine and complain the whole time we did nature studies. They loved physical exertion, and didn’t mind getting out for a bike ride or a swim, but they didn’t want to just “sit there and look at stuff.” All they wanted was books and bikes. Sigh! What’s a Charlotte-Masony Mom to do?
I finally had to conclude that the “delight” in delight-driven was about them, not me. I had to let go of the fabulous nature studies and focus on the ways my children learned instead. “Let them have books!” I decided.
Now that the kids are in college, my husband and I frequently walk to the pond, and walk to the beach, and enjoy our nature studies together. And he doesn’t whine… usually….
Blessings,
Lee
–
The HomeScholar
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Kristine says:
LOL, Lee, that’s funny. It’s perfectly descriptive of you and your boys! I’m wondering how in the world I will find ANY balance this year, with everything we have going on!
August 28th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
{ jamie } says:
Thanks for sharing! And I, too, would enjoy that pond!
September 21st, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Deb Spradlin says:
You are a life-long learner. The ultimate goal!
Deb Spradlin
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Reda says:
Sometimes it seems to take a little longer for boys to appreciate some of the things we enjoy so much. They may surprise you and want to take you on a walk and look at that beautiful pond one day:)
February 18th, 2010 at 7:27 am
Jennifer Grant says:
This is soooo true. I had weekly outdoor science “field trips” planned when we first started. Not anymore! So nice to know I am not alone!!
February 18th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Paula says:
I appreciate this! It sounds very similar to my story. We’ve been homeschooling 8 years and a lot has changed throughout the years as I’ve learned, along with my kids, what works and what doesn’t in our home.
February 18th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
karen says:
“I finally had to conclude that the “delight” in delight-driven was about them, not me”
Ah Lee were you in my head today?
April 2nd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Lee says:
I’m right there with you, Karen!
Blessings,
Lee
April 2nd, 2010 at 3:53 pm
Jennifer says:
Thanks for the giggle. I have been homeschooling for 8 years now and have had similar experiences. I have had to learn how to be delighted with what delights my kids. I still show them things that delight me, but they don’t always “buy into it.”
May 22nd, 2010 at 8:29 am
Chronicles of a Blessed Heritage » Blog Archive » Weekly Homeschool Wrap-Up–April 11, 2010 says:
[...] it was “okay.” Speaking of which, there’s a short, but profound article from Lee Binz, the Home Scholar, regarding whose delight is key in delight-directed [...]
May 26th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
J W says:
Hee hee – I have the opposite. My girls want to sit and look at stuff but no way do they want to hike to get there.
If you can get us into The Cove you can borrow them and I’ll help out
June 1st, 2010 at 5:54 am
Terry says:
You’ve struck a chord – “the “delight” in delight-driven is about them, not me”. I have enjoyed homeschooling my children much more than they have enjoyed being homeschooled. I need to discover what rings their bells, instead of focusing so intently on getting it all done. I’m a check the box, finish the book, complete the list kinda’ gal, and, frankly, it’s wearing on us all – even me, the one who considers learning a privilege and loves it all – well, most all! Thank you, Lee.
July 14th, 2010 at 6:40 pm