Oh yeah, we did some research on Beethoven too.
This may not sound like such a big deal but I couldn't make him touch his first keyboard to save my life. Researching composers/artists/statesmen for our traditional homeschool curriculum was like pulling teeth!
Heck, that's why I helped him set up CJ's Kids Club: to promote self-confidence and natural learning fun. Literally. It even says that in the header!
Now, after years of struggling - somehow and in some way I am not quite sure my learning style understands - the unschooling method is doing what I desperately wished to do before: instill a love of learning. Not just loving to learn favorite subjects. Loving to learn everything.
Today's proud homeschooling parent thought was:
My child could someday be a famous homeschool pianist!
Except that he's aiming for rock and roll legend (acting is a fallback). I've successfully convinced him that knowing how to play instruments - like the piano, guitar, and drums - will help him to understand the music, timing, and the needs of his bandmates on a deeper level.
It would also help him control his career more if he's the one writing some/all of the music and increase his profit potential through songwriting deals on the side.
The best part about this whole thing is that even if CJ doesn't go into music professionally, he will have reaped all the benefits of this learning experience.
Business skills, music, character education, social studies, history, language arts, financial literacy and math, foreign language(s), science (sound, tone, acoustics), reading, research skills, and I get to use my Life Coach skills to help him plan his ideal life? Check, check, and check to the 100th power!
As exciting as this is, it does make me kind of sad that a lot of us don't grow up feeling empowered to be what our hearts and souls yearn to be and do. I honestly believe there is a way to be successful and fulfilled, making our dreams play out in real life (IRL).
In my case, it took a layoff and a difficult job market but others, like pre/post retirement workampers and second career launchers, are finding ways to make their dreams a reality every day. They aren't waiting for Medicare, Social Security, the end of the world as we know it or any other thing to line up perfectly.
They are aiming their ship at the island of their dreams and launching their yacht, knowing full well that the sea of life will probably cause some ups, downs, and course corrections.If you aren't living your dream right now, what steps can you take toward making that your reality? Don't make yourself overwhelmed by thinking of it as one major overhaul. Focus on baby steps in the direction you would ideally love to go.
That is what keeps me sane and I'm a single, stay-at-home, work-at-home, homeschooling mom to a young, energetic boy with rural responsibilities, numerous pets, and a soon-to-be re-retiring mother! Did I mention that in addition to my recent computer/internet crisis, we cannot seem to agree on an RV, AND we're remodeling the house? LOL
Baby steps, my Friend, baby steps. Make a goal and take one step toward your dream every day. Live your dream!
Wishing you much peace, happiness, and success,
Penny
Good advice.
ReplyDeleteChoppy waters and course corrections can feel like OH MY GOD WHAT HAVE I DONE. Not every day, though. :D