The Homeschool View
Seasons of Homeschooling
By Hunter Fell

February 24, 2011

___As I write, a balmy spring breeze blows through my open window and I stare out at the quickly melting remnants of the snow fort I built just a few weeks back. Can this really be February? ___Though another snow system may hit before you read this article; today I’m reminded of the seasons, and can’t help but be thankful for their diversity.
___I recently read that Homeschool parents assume four primary roles throughout their children’s lives - caretaker, teacher, mentor, and friend – different roles for the different “seasons” which they homeschool their children. This got me wondering how these might affect kids who are homeschooled – possibly the seasons of Dependent, Student, Partner, and Jedi.
___In our Dependent season we need constant attention; our educational caretaker reads or explains everything to us since we can’t do it well ourselves. Remember when naps, play breaks, and snacks were all part of the school day? Ah, sweet memories.
___The Student season brings more confidence and independence as we begin doing more on our own, though under our teacher/mom’s guidance. It can be a long season, though necessary for preparing the foundation of growth and responsibility to come.
___During our third season we require help more occasionally, as we are mentored to take ownership for our education, becoming a Partner in our schooling process.
___In our Jedi season we achieve total independence, growing more in a specific field of study. We still value the input of those who’ve taught us, but often times, the student surpasses the master as exemplified in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, when Obi-Wan says, "You are strong and wise, Anakin, and I am very proud of you. I have trained you since you were a small boy. I have taught you everything I know. And you have become a far greater Jedi than I could ever hope to be."
___Just as seasons don’t begin and end on exact dates, nor duplicate themselves from year to year, educational seasons are different for each child and home too. Generally, we may classify season one as early elementary; season two, later elementary through Jr. high; season three, high school; and season four, college; however, it’s not quite that simple. Some students bloom early in one season, but are latent in others, just as spring may arrive in February in one year and not until April in another. The key is to keep growing.
___I think spring is my favorite season because everything starts growing again. Surrounded by farms in Dillsburg, I watch the corn grow until I can no longer see the trees in the distance. I watch the cycle of growing and reaping of crops; and even in my own garden I’m reminded that though all vegetables need soil, sun, and water, they grow at different rates. I watched as the zucchini and cucumbers took over the entire garden last summer - you should have seen our 2 ? -foot long, 7-inch thick cucumber!
___So, as the air warms and we see signs of the seasons, let’s view our educational growth and remember the warning of Obi-Wan to Anakin in the Clone Wars:
___Anakin: "Master, I haven't always been a patient student, but I am a Jedi Knight. I won't fail you."
Obi-Wan: "No, Anakin... Don't fail yourself."

As always, thanks for reading The Homeschool View. Should you have questions or comments, email me at dillsburgbanner@dillsburgbanner.net, subject line, “Homeschool View”.