Whenever we could, the main principle my husband and I tried to follow in our homeschool was child-led learning. Child-led learning (aka “follow the child”) is what I consider the most important principle of Montessori education – regardless of the child’s age. And child-led learning is often where dads – and grandpas – can help the most educationally.
Will (6½), Christina (1½), and Terry during a visit to the Milwaukee Public Museum, 1991.
I was a stay-at-home mom and my husband, Terry, worked full-time. I wasn’t about to ask Terry to help equally with the homeschooling. But he was an essential part of our homeschool anyway. Not just for the love and financial support he gave us but also for the many ways in which he helped encourage our children’s interests. And even though our children, Christina and Will, are now 20 and 25, Terry continues to encourage their interests.
Dad and Sports
Like many dads, Terry loves sports. He was always happy to help Will and Christina with their sports-related interests, whether they were learning to ride a bike, ski, roller blade, skate, golf, play tennis, learn karate – or participate in any other sport.
As a family, we went to a homeschool co-op roller skating Friday – and then joined a roller skating dance club when Christina was 5 and Will was 10. We also spent many magical days skiing as a family and even went to family ski camp two years in a row.
When Will and Christina became competitive figure skaters, Terry and I watched countless figure-skating training sessions and competitions. When Terry couldn’t attend a competition (especially when Will and Christina competed internationally), he talked with Will and Christina both before and after each competition by phone.
Although ballet may be considered by many an art rather than a sport, we used dance for part of our high-school physical-education credits because of the physical exercise and skill involved. Terry helped with that as well. Dance was always one of Christina’s very favorite activities, so Terry encouraged her to dance spontaneously at home. He attended every dance recital and watched every dance movie Christina wanted to watch (and that’s a lot of dance movies)!
Dad and Reading/Storytelling
Will and Christina always loved reading and stories. Terry supported their interest with lots of reading aloud. Terry, Will, and Christina went through the entire Redwall series. Terry also made up creative stories for them at bedtime. When Christina wanted to study vocabulary, Terry created interesting sentences using new vocabulary words.
Dad and Building
Will enjoyed building with wooden blocks and Legos. Terry built lots of wooden constructions, Lego designs, and even an igloo-like snow fort with Will. Of course, Christina was always welcomed in the construction adventures.
Dad and Music
Terry is a proficient guitarist. When Christina wanted to learn piano, he bought a piano and helped her with music theory. Later, he taught both Will and Christina to play guitar when they showed interest.
Dad and Field Trips/Road Trips
Even though I was the adult who attended field trips with our home school co-op, Terry often organized family field trips to nature areas. He enjoyed road trips as much as the rest of the family, and those road trips and educational stops became regular parts of our homeschooling.
Grandpa and Child-Led Learning
Will (15), Christina (10), and Grandpa Glenn on the way to pick potatoes from Grandma and Grandpa’s garden, 2000.
Although my father was the only grandpa still alive to help with our child-led learning, he did an awesome job. As a farmer and electrical contractor, he had a farm with fascinating activities for both Will and Christina. He was always willing to show Will and Christina how things operated, give rides on the farm equipment (especially important to a vehicle-obsessed boy like Will), help Will and Christina learn about gardening, and show them how to make homemade ice cream.
Even though I was considered our homeschool teacher, I was certainly not the only person involved in Will and Christina’s education. The most important men in our lives showed that learning was important to them as well. Whether or not you homeschool, how do the men in your family help with child-led learning?
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Your daughter looks so excited! 🙂
She was! Christina always loved time spent with her dad. At age 20, she loves going through photos of our road trips/field trips and remembering our homeschool years as much as I do! Both Will and Christina always treasured (and still do) time spent with their dad and time spent together as a family.
I totally agree that dad’s need to help take the lead. My son looks to his dad to be a part of all we do.
Stopping from Mom Loop!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! It’s interesting how later on the the effects of Dad’s importance become obvious. Those of us who can see so many positive effects from Dad’s influence when we’re grown up are extremely lucky!
I remember some of the veteran Montessori playgroup mums were incensed when the Dads or Grandparents visit the playgroup. They’re loud. They sit on tables. They interrupt the children. They distract the children. Basically they’re a big nuisance. I remember one of my officers walking up to a father and shoving a wad of papers regarding Montessori Method at him. Hahahhaah. What a laugh. I digress, but the main point is that the primary care giver sees the world and their wards different to how the other spouse may see their child. This other spouse needs to be guided gently – they know not what they’ve got to do!
That’s a funny picture! It’s true that dads and grandpas would need some guidance in a Montessori playgroup – or most structured educational settings. But I love the male energy and fun dads and grandpas bring to the child’s life. Part of the beauty of life at home is that there’s a time and place for all the wonderful things dads and grandpas can give to the child.
Hey Deb
Hahhaaha. I still have this visual in my head of this huge grandma in a kaftan using our little table as a chair. I was dismayed … no one could use that table anymore.
Yes, I always welcomed the dads and grandpas into the playgroup. It was nice not being the token male. In truth I thought myself an associate woman after some time, but it was still nice to see other guys coming along.
Cheers,
Colin
LOL! I love your images, Colin! Thanks for your great comments!
Deb, this is lovely. Sometimes Dad’s demeanor and approach allow little ones to see and explore in an entirely different way.
Thanks, Susan! That’s so true. Dads really add a new – and wonderful – dimension to child-raising.
I love reading about different types of education. As a former public school teacher and current at-home mommy to two under two, I find myself in a quandry about what will be best for us and most importantly, for our children. Thank you for all of your insight!
Thanks for your kind comment, Audra! If you ever have any questions, feel free to ask me here, at my Facebook page, or at my Blog Frog or Mom Bloggers Club Living Montessori Now communities.