Earth Schooling by Accident: Teaching and Learning as we Go

A reader emailed me.

“My 16 year old is really struggling with his purpose in life.

He asks WHY about everything, lately.

It’s just why about finishing high school, why he’s here, and what is he supposed to do in life (all in a very negative way).

It’s heartbreaking as a mom, and while I’ve always taught them they are here on earth for a purpose… I can’t always answer those questions thrown at me.

Have any of your boys struggled with that?”

I stopped in my tracks and wrote her back.

“Yes… My youngest son was really struggling a few years ago (when he was 14 I think).

I did something extreme.

Every day, rain or shine, we began our day with a walk.

I didn’t give him a choice. Honestly, his dyslexic brain needed the fresh air.

Every day we laced our shoes and hit the road for the first 1-2 hours of school.

I found myself looking at the man-child and realized I have very little time with him. It was killing me that when he struggled with school our relationship suffered.

I named our new way of learning Tom Sawyer schooling.

• I handed him my phone and encouraged him to take pictures.
• We walked to a local beach and searched for treasures.
• We purposely splashed in puddles.
• He began to talk more and more each day
• I began to listen with intensity.

After a few weeks, (yes weeks), he said, “don’t laugh… but I think I might know what I want to do when I grow up.”

“Buddy, I won’t laugh… what?”

He took a deep breath. “A cardiothoracic surgeon.”

My eyes went wide.

ignoring the truth that he is dyslexic and can’t spell for beans, I replied.

“WOW!! How can I help you get there?”

Mom, this is the most important thing I learned that day. He already KNEW what his first steps were!

We continued walking and talking and he became more and more excited. Not wanting to lose any of the GOLD flowing from his lips, I recorded his developing plan so he could write it down when we got home.

He’s now almost 16.

He’s been studying human anatomy and the history of medicine since. He studies on his own, unprompted.

Things like:

• how to survive and thrive in medical school
• how to sleep enough in medical school
• how to learn complex idea
• advance note taking skills

Everything he studies has a clear purpose in helping him reach his goal. and he’s ALL IN.

New homeschool word: Earthschooling. I didn’t know this is what I was doing; but it works. No. I didn’t buy any curriculum:).

Everything he does has purpose.

Taking photographs to relax his mind and soak in the outdoors and improving his fine motor skills through sewing and crocheting earning money for medical school with:

• photos he’s taken
• a DIY heart foldable
• Heart BOOM cards
• snowman printables
• teaching kids to crochet,
• opening his Etsy shop.

He’s laser focused on his goal, and we give him time, resources and assistance by wrapping all his school in a way to align with his goals.

As his teacher, I lay the practical skills he needs right on top of his goals. And then I stand back and rub my eyes in astonishment with what he accomplishes.

Your teen can do the same kinds of amazing.

If I could whisper in your ear it would be to say… stop normal school for the next few weeks, at least for an hour or two a day and hang out with him without technology.

For me, walking was the ticket.

It may be going on a drive with him… you know him best. That season is a serious gauntlet where the enemy not only discourages their hearts, but floods their minds with hormones so they can be testy.

Prayer is key.

So is leaning into their lives and listening.

Even if it’s late at night. Once you’ve spent time enjoying each other, he may be open enough to share some of his hopes/wishes with you… respond with “how can I help you get there?” And then listen and take notes.”

3 Tips to Unlocking this Magical Learning

1. Spend enough time shoulder to shoulder with your kids that they relax and learn to TRUST YOU with their heart.
2. LISTEN a lot more than you speak. Take notes even.
3. Choose materials and hobbies that feed their passion. Yes, even buying gifts like this for your wanna be surgeon like we did. (He LOVES it).

I learned this “How can I help you reach your goals” and then listen from Kerry Beck. Wow! One workshop from her transformed my homeschooling.

PRINT THIS FREE HOMESCHOOL MOM REMINDER.

This post comes with a free printable reminder list to help keep your heart focused on the heart of homeschooling. I always have the hardest staying focused. This printable simplifies it!

Here is a sneak preview…

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE

1. Download the checklist. You’ll get the printable, plus join 9,000+ homeschool moms who receive my weekly parenting tips and ideas!
2. Print. Any paper will do the trick, but card stock would be ideal.
3. Place it on your refrigerator as a helpful reminder.

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