Beyond Schooling: Embracing True Education Through Homeschooling

"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." ~Mark Twain

This quote has always resonated with me, but it came to mind again as I revisited John Dewey’s My Pedagogic Creed (1897). His insights into the connection between home life and education reflect what many homeschooling families already know—that true learning goes beyond rigid structures, standardized tests, and curriculum dictated by deadlines rather than student mastery. Instead of letting these traditional schooling constraints define education, we can embrace our children’s unique strengths, interests, and natural curiosity to guide their learning journey.

Dewey’s philosophy aligns beautifully with homeschooling. After teaching in public schools for several years, I made the decision to homeschool my son when he reached kindergarten. The idea of subjecting such a young child to excessive assessments and a lack of play-based learning didn’t sit right with me. Now, as he thrives in seventh grade and my daughter flourishes in third grade, I see firsthand how homeschooling fosters a love for learning. As Dewey (1897) explains, "education, therefore, must begin with a psychological insight into the child's capacities, interests, and habits" (p. 77). In most homeschooling environments, education is shaped by children's interests, choices, and individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach seen in public schools.

Homeschooling also allows for meaningful social development within a nurturing home-like environment. Learning isn’t confined to textbooks or desks—it happens through exploration, discussion, and real-world experiences. C.R.E.A.T.E. Cooperative plays a vital role in this, offering opportunities for our children to engage in group learning, develop friendships, and participate in hands-on activities that build both knowledge and character.

By embracing this personalized, child-centered approach, we are not just schooling our children—we are truly educating them!

Let us know how we here at CREATE Connection can assit with your homeschooling and cooperative needs, questions, or concerns.

Reference

Dewey, John (1897, January). My pedagogic creed. School Journal, 54, pp. 77-80. https://doi.org/10.1177/002205742510101803