![]() ![]() ![]() Observing cultural traditions such as snow days or participation in organized sports, gives our kids a point of connection with their more conventionally-educated peers.Marking milestones gives kids a sense of accomplishment, and that produces motivation to keep exerting effort.These, in turn, contribute to what they value about their family. Establishing traditions in our homeschools create meaningful memories for our children.In hindsight, here are the takeaways I see from making those concessions: Now that my homeschool days are over, I have the benefit of hearing my adult children reminisce about their childhood, and it is those traditions they remember. We will mark those milestones that are noteworthy and establish some traditions of our own. Fair enough, I conceded, I agree to your terms, but I’m drawing the line at report cards for French fries. ![]() While I loved homeschooling for its flexibility and informalities, my kids wanted a homeschool where rites of passage were duly noted and cultural conventions observed. With experience, I came to see that many of these traditions create touchstone moments for kids-evidence of progress, achievement and maturity. In their view, they were being denied something of value. It was a shock to end up with children who demanded that conventions be observed. My educational philosophy was learning all the time and the blurring of the lines between family life and the school day was an important part of living this out. In the early years, I was eager to throw off any trappings of a traditional education. We further insist on report cards, recess, snow days and back-to-school shopping trips. More than one of my four kids looked confused when a stranger asked, “What grade are you in, Honey?” When they were old enough to realize they could get rewards from local restaurants if they produced a report card, they held a summit and presented their demands: We want a definitive answer on our grade placement. One of the downsides, I learned, is children are never quite sure where they stand in terms of their educational progress. One of the attractions of homeschooling is the opportunity to seamlessly fuse our children’s education with the rhythms of family life. ![]()
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