The can-do attitude and involvement of all family members to promote learning has nurtured self-confidence. Child-led learning has provided these local homeschoolers with the positive influence to teach skills outside of textbooks alone. “Getting them to do school is never a fight. We are able to do everything child-led and interest-based,” Mitchell said.
Ashley Frodhal explained that her three homeschooled children–11, 8 and 6–often start their mornings with breakfast conversations that turn into opportunities. She adapts them to fit a curriculum. This week, the topic was ocean windmills. There are many options when it comes to alternative schooling styles. Frodhal said, “We’ve always used a curriculum as a spine. I try not to let our curriculum rule what we can and cannot do. I let there be room for life and living and there is no stress.”
For these families, homeschooling has allowed for a deep connection to their children. For Frodhal and Mitchell both, homeschooling has a built-in toolset to help children stay connected and self-led as they align with the outside world.
“The critics used to be there. They still are. Instead of fighting and constantly debating, I just let our actions speak for themselves. At just 9 years old, my daughter was honored by the town of Lincoln for all her volunteer work,” Mitchell said. She pointed out how her children are confident in first-aid preparedness. They can hunt, fish, enjoy hiking and keep nature journals as part of their schooling practice.
The real world has been a primary source of inspiration for alternative schoolers. Families pursuing this path feel they are cultivating the framework for responsibility, teamwork, integrity, curiosity, problem-solving and a strong and healthy sense of self.
