Have you read the book Eragon? Did you know that was written by Christopher Paolini–a homeschool graduate? Even more impressive, it was written by a homeschooler who graduated at the age of 15!! He explains in an interview that he had graduated, but because he was 15 he didn’t have a job and his parents didn’t think it wise to send him off to college at such a young age. He didn’t have anything else to do in the rural Montana mountains but write a book!
When Kids Have No Boundaries
I am constantly amazed at what my own children can and will do without the boundaries of school. When no one tells them exactly what color a flower is supposed to be, you get the most beautiful of combinations. When children are allowed to explore, ask limitless questions, write at will, read substantially, and satisfy curiosity just to do it–they thrive.
Seldom in school settings do kids think this far out of the boundaries. I’m sure this guy could’ve written some good stories in English class. But to every writing assignment, reading list, or worksheet, there is a point. A teacher simply doesn’t have time to encourage students to go out and publish an entire book!
The Joy of Learning For its Own Sake
Can you imagine your teenager passing up Play Station to work on his novel? In all honesty, most homeschoolers I know pursue many things outside of school and end up excelling. When children are released from the pressure of having to achieve a certain grade, or pass a test, they just learn–just to learn. My own children pick seemingly difficult subjects and tackle them with ease simply because they actually want to know the answers. Of course there are things that I require that they know but the vast majority of what they study is on their own terms. The home schooling atmosphere, in so many kids, tends to create life long learners that think big.
Well Socialized?
As we’ve mentioned before, one of the first things that people tend to ask homeschoolers is the big ‘s’ question–what about socialization?
Here is a kid who sold his own book, which was about his own fantasy world that he created, to a movie producer. This movie producer took the book, made a screen play and when it opened, it grossed 23 million dollars its first weekend. I just wanted to point out, that I highly doubt that anyone is asking whether or not this kid is well socialized. I also doubt that anyone is going to wonder if any colleges will accept him (if he‘s not already finished–the article didn‘t say). . .and I’m pretty sure his family is not wondering how they’ll pay for it.
Related Articles:
Building a Homeschool Library Part 1
Building a Homeschool Library Part 2