Passion to Learn

SO, my 17-year old first child has pointed out to me several times that I have not blogged here in quite a while.  I guess I felt like I had made note of everything I wanted to regarding this topic - up until this point.  I just read a book by Connor Boyadck entitled Passion-Driven Education.   The author proposes some powerful thoughts.  The part I identified with the most  was the story of Eric Goldson, an 18 year old high school valedictorian who dared to speak her mind while addressing her graduating class.  She basically stated that she had learned how to play the system...how to take tests and be obedient and answer how she was supposed to....without really learning anything significant and definitely without loving any of the subjects to a point where she would love to pursue them in depth.

That is me.  I did the same thing.  I even went on to do it in college.  Any desire to explore topics just for the love of learning was completely forsaken and sacrificed on the altar of the almighty grade.

My biggest goal in homeschooling my children has been to raise kids who love to learn and want to keep learning after they get the all-important high school transcript filled in nice and neatly.  So far, it seems like the oldest has retained the desire to read for pleasure and to pursue talents and skills outside of the transcript requirements.  (Another nice thing - we can make her interests into elective classes and count that time as a class...... very backwards from taking a class to get the credit.)  Now that she is looking at her future beyond high school, it was very refreshing to read Connor's book to help drown out the noise of the world and what it says she should do.  (I also highly recommend Pails by Chris Brady. Visit this site to find and order the CD or the book:  www.lifeleadership.com/leavenodoubt )  

So - Those are my thoughts for the day.  More to come, I'm sure, as we navigate uncharted waters with the senior as she moves onward and upward .... and the sophomore, as he follows his passion of playing baseball.

One more thought before I sign off..... I love that the freedom home schooling allows gives the kids time to do the important things, as well as explore their interests.  They make time to spend with family and to volunteer as well.  When I was a teenager I think I put the grade ahead of everything and neglected a lot of the most important things in life.

Have a wonderful 2016-2017 school year!