| Following Their Own Path: A Look at Two Longtime Homeschooling Families |
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 "Homeschooling is not merely school at home," says Julie Clark of Chico, "but a way of living life." Julie decided to try homeschooling for a year when her oldest child was approaching school age, to see if homeschool could work for her family. Twelve years later, she is still at it.
"Growing in relationship with my children, and watching them grow in relationship with one another as they make sense of the world around them, has been a joy." Kim and Tod Lundberg of Redding also have plenty of homeschooling experience. With children ranging between four to twenty-two years old, they have a number of years of involvement ahead. They began homeschooling when their family lived overseas. It was working so well, they decided to stick with it when they settled back into the U.S. "More time together is a wonderful advantage, so I try to make good use of it," Kim says. "We play games together, bake, read aloud, hike, draw, dance, and stay up late laughing. These are the kinds of things that strengthen the bonds between us, and I have a feeling they are the moments we will remember most fondly. One of the key features of homeschooling that I enjoy is the ability to be flexible. There is truly not a "typical" day in our homeschooling life."
 Kim agrees. "We appreciate being able to move at the pace that works best for each of our children, and having the freedom to choose what material we study, and how and when we study it. The kids have loved the fact that they've had the time available to focus on the things that interest them the most. We've valued that extra time with each other as a family as it's helped us build strong relationships with each other." Like most North State homeschooling families, the Clark's and the Lundberg's find that socialization is not an issue. They keep themselves busy with activities like music lessons, youth symphony, choirs, dance, Civil Air Patrol, scouting programs, sports, community theater, homeschool group classes, field trips, concerts, plays, academic competitions, church activities, volunteer work, jobs and more. Kim's socialization goal for her children is that they "learn to get along with and appreciate people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and personalities, and to enjoy a broad spectrum of age-appropriate, real-world experiences throughout the years. Every day our kids are busy having fun and learning in many ways-they take advantage of wide-ranging opportunities in our community, and interact with many different people." She adds, "Our challenge has been to discover the balance between activities. Often, less is actually more, so we've had to commit to our own family's priorities and recognize when enough is enough." Teens from both families are utilizing community college classes while still in high school. As Julie's family evaluates future plans, and her children look forward to attending CSU Chico and volunteering in Uganda, Julie appreciates the gradual introduction to college life Butte College is offering. Kim notes that for her family, Shasta College is a great resource for subjects that she has no desire to teach.  Initially, the Lundberg's weren't sure if they would homeschool through high school, but discovered that "through the years, the benefits were clear, and none of us can actually imagine it any other way," Kim says. She adds, "There is no one right way to do high school at home, but there has been a way that has fit each of our children." Having helped three of her children follow their own paths to universities such as Kenyon College, Claremont McKenna College and George Washington University, and with the oldest now a Ph.D. student at Stanford University, Kim says, "When it comes to college admissions, homeschooled students are no longer at any real disadvantage. In fact, my kids found that by focusing on following their passions to a deep level throughout their high school years, their transcripts, tests, essays and interviews all demonstrated their true love of learning and their ability to succeed in whatever they chose to pursue." While it has not always been an easy journey, Julie reflects, "It has been rewarding beyond words." Her advice to homeschoolers is similar to that which she gives to new parents. "Choose your battles, and have a sense of humor." Kim encourages keeping the joy in learning by exploring interests together. "That's what homeschooling really is." Pamela Jorrick is a NorthState homeschooling parent who enjoys exploring the world with her family. |
March 2010
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