Episode 68
As homeschoolers, we mostly view ourselves as teachers. But I believe we need to expand this view and see ourselves as facilitators. As leaders, truly. So here are my ideas about how to be the leader in your homeschool.
In conversations with homeschooling parents, I often find myself saying, “Instead of thinking about teaching our children, it helps to think instead about leading activities and creating experiences.”
Because when we view ourselves as teachers, I honestly believe we’re looking through too narrow a lens.
We need to broaden the view. To see ourselves more as facilitators. And really to be the leader in our homeschool.
In this episode of the Art of Homeschooling podcast, I’ll explore the difference between teaching and leading.
Teaching & Leading
By definition, teaching is the delivery of information for the purpose of education and transferring knowledge, while leading is the application of knowledge to achieve a desired outcome.
And what is our desired outcome as home educators? I’d say, raising lifelong learners, of course!
Yes, we do teach. We deliver information for the purpose of transferring knowledge.
But what we really want is for our children to be able to apply that knowledge and become lifelong learners.
“Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives.” ~ Rudolf Steiner
Be the Leader in Your Homeschool
How can you become a better leader in your homeschool?
Really, as homeschooling parent/teachers, we are leaders all day long.
We lead by example in the way we act, speak, and behave. We lead our children through activities and learning experiences. And our children benefit from our initiative and leadership capabilities.
There are many ways to become a better teacher…
- Read & research education (check out Episode 31: My Favorite Books for Homeschoolers)
- Professional development such as homeschooling conferences, 1:1 mentoring, mentorship communities, researching curriculum, or networking with other homeschooling parents
“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.” ~Robert Frost
But to become a better leader…
- Consider yourself an “awakener” of your child’s interests, capabilities, and love of learning
- Become a keen observer of your children
- Be more decisive
- Be willing to experiment and be playful
- Find your own joy in the learning experiences
Don’t just be a teacher, but be a leader in your homeschool.
Leading, Teaching, & Holistic Homeschooling
I know that as holistic homeschoolers, we often think we need more technique. Especially when we’re working with whole-hearted, hands-on approaches like Waldorf.
This desire for more technique comes from realizing how powerless we are over our children’s learning! We can’t just make them learn!
Teaching and learning – no matter the setting – are unpredictable. I say this all the time: Learning is not linear!
But what I hope you can take away from this episode is a shift in how you see your role in your homeschool.
Don’t forget about developing your leadership skills so you can be the leader in your homeschool.
“Instead of thinking about teaching our children, it helps to think instead that our role is leading activities and creating experiences.”
Just like Robert Frost, instead of a teacher, you can be an awakener!
Resources for You
- The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life by Parker J. Palmer is an inspirational book to develop your leadership as a home educator. In the author’s words, “This book builds on a simple premise: good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher.” (That’s my referral link.)
- How to Be More Decisive in Your Homeschool, Episode 37 of the Art of Homeschooling podcast
- Episode 18: What To Do When You Get In Your Own Way
- Homeschooling is Really More Art Than Science, Episode 8 of the podcast
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