A Hobbit's Approach To Homeschooling

A Comprehensive Examination of Benefits and Myth

If hobbits homeschooled…

Their approach would surely be cozy, nature-filled, and deeply rooted in the simple joys of life.

Perhaps they would enjoy long afternoons reading living books by the fire, nature walks to observe the seasons, and plenty of time for hands-on learning. Whether it's growing vegetables, crafting, or baking a delicious second breakfast!

They would focus on nurturing curiosity, character, and creativity rather than memorizing facts.

Their homeschool days would be delightfully balanced with outdoor exploration, storytelling, and imaginative play. Education in the Shire would be a slow, steady journey of learning, rooted in the belief that knowledge should be meaningful, beautiful, and worth savoring.

If you are a hobbit who is curious about homeschooling, today I wanted to share about our journey with it! There are many methods of homeschooling, and countless curriculums to choose from. I am only sharing one here!

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Before You Read

At the end of the day, education—like homemaking—should be deeply personal, shaped by the needs of each family and the unique nature of each child.

I firmly believe in the freedom to choose what works best for your home, whether that’s homeschooling, private school, public school, or some mix of the three. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and there certainly shouldn’t be shame or judgment for whichever path you choose.

I hold deep respect for the many gifted teachers who pour their hearts into their students every day. I know incredible educators whose love for learning and for the children in their classrooms is a light in the world. The goal should never be to pit one choice against another but to recognize that the beauty of education lies in its diversity!

I personally experienced homeschool for the majority of my education, and in a very unhealthy environment. Because of my experience I know there are people who shouldn't homeschool, and I know there are children who would benefit from the blessing of teachers who genuinely love their classroom and students. It is an incredibly nuanced subject!

My goal here is just to share the beautiful aspects of homeschool life and how it has helped our family in connection and slow living, so if you are curious about that, I hope you read on.

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Benefits of Homeschooling in Pursuit of Slow Living

As you know, this hobbit here adores the idea of slow living, especially given the unfortunately busy and overwhelming seasons our family has lived through. Homeschooling has been such an incredible way to slow down and take our lives back!

In the spirit of hobbit-hearted living, homeschooling can provide families with the freedom to embrace a slower, more thoughtful pace that nurtures both hearts and minds. (Even if the rest of their lives are a bit chaotic.)

Here are some benefits of homeschooling, particularly in pursuit of slow living:

1. Flexibility to Live at Your Own Pace
   Homeschooling allows families to set their own schedules, which is key to a slower, more intentional lifestyle. Without the rush of early mornings, packed school days, and extracurricular schedules, homeschooling gives you more time to enjoy meals together, savor nature, and embrace a slower pace of life.

2. Focused, Personalized Learning
   Homeschooling offers the ability to tailor education to your child's individual needs, interests, and learning style. This fosters a deeper, more meaningful connection to learning—rather than simply rushing through subjects or ticking off boxes. It allows for more time to explore topics of interest at a relaxed pace, without the pressure of fitting into a rigid curriculum.

3. Time for Nature and Outdoor Learning
   One of the core tenets of slow living is connecting to nature. Homeschooling provides ample opportunities for nature walks, gardening, outdoor exploration, and quiet reflection in natural surroundings. This not only helps children develop a love for the outdoors, but it also fosters mindfulness and a deeper sense of peace. It is truly immersive science!

4. Stronger Family Bonds
   Without the constraints of rigid school schedules, homeschooling fosters closer family connections. Parents and children can spend quality time together, whether it’s during lessons, meals, or shared projects. This strengthens relationships, creating a home environment that feels nurturing, supportive, and full of warmth.

5. Freedom from Over-scheduling
   Slow living emphasizes balance, and homeschooling allows for the flexibility to avoid the overwhelming chaos of packed schedules. Homeschooling families can decide to skip the frantic extracurricular activities and take time for spontaneous adventures, moments of rest, and creative expression. I am so grateful for the slow anchor homeschooling has been amidst busy schedules in the outside world! Even in our crazier seasons, we have our time together aswe read and eat and explore.

6. Slower, More Thoughtful Learning
   Homeschooling encourages deep dives into topics, allowing for time to explore subjects with curiosity and creativity. With fewer distractions and no pressure to move at the speed of a classroom, children can engage with their education in a thoughtful way, savoring the joy of learning rather than rushing through information!

7. Creating a Learning Environment That Reflects Your Values
   Homeschooling allows parents to cultivate an environment that promotes their personal values—whether that’s simplicity, sustainability, or mindfulness. A homeschool space can be designed to reflect a slower, more intentional lifestyle, full of comfort, beauty, and opportunities for creativity and growth.

8. Empowerment for Self-directed Learning
   With homeschooling, children can learn how to manage their time and responsibilities, developing independent learning habits. This encourages a lifelong love of learning, as children are empowered to follow their own interests and set their own pace without the constraints of a traditional classroom. This self-direction aligns perfectly with the slow living idea of autonomy and purposeful living.

9. Reduced Stress for Both Parents and Children
   Homeschooling allows families to avoid the stressors that often accompany traditional schooling—such as early wake-ups, long commutes, and rigid timeframes. The relaxed atmosphere at home means less stress for both parents and children, allowing everyone to focus on what truly matters: quality time and meaningful experiences. A side plus, no dealing with bullying and school admins. If you do encounter disagreeable social situations, your hands aren’t tied by an administration overhead.

10. Opportunity for Creative, Hands-on Learning
    Slow living is about embracing creativity, and homeschooling provides the time and space for hands-on, imaginative projects. From baking bread together, creating art, to crafting, gardening, and even making homemade gifts, these creative activities foster a deeper connection to the simple joys of life and provide a richer learning experience.

11. More Time for Reflection and Spiritual Growth
    In the slower, more intentional pace of homeschooling, families can prioritize spiritual development and reflection. Homeschooling offers more time for prayer, reflection, and fostering a deep connection to faith and purpose, which aligns with the principles of slow living that emphasize mindfulness and intentionality.

12. No Need for Rush
    There’s no race to get ahead or fit into a mold. Homeschooling allows for a relaxed approach, where learning and personal growth happen at an organic pace. This aligns with slow living by emphasizing contentment and presence over hurry and competition. One of my children is in different grade levels in several subjects because we can work at her pace rather than pressure her to test out of a grade, leading her to hate learning or miss milestones, and she isn’t held back where she excels.

13. Building Traditions and Rituals
    Homeschooling fosters the ability to build your own family traditions and rituals. From seasonal activities to weekly routines, homeschooling allows families to create and embrace rituals that cultivate the peaceful, intentional environment central to slow living.

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The Charlotte Mason Approach

In our home, we tend to follow a Charlotte Mason approach in our homeschooling.

Charlotte Mason was a 19th-century British educator and writer who revolutionized the way children are taught! Her philosophy for homeschooling is a comprehensive and holistic approach that places great emphasis on cultivating curiosity, character, and a love of learning in children.

She believed in the importance of developing the whole child, not just their intellect, and she encouraged an atmosphere where learning was meaningful, beautiful, and connected to real life.

Here's a few of her key ideologies:

1. Children are Persons

• Charlotte Mason believed that children are born as complete persons, not empty vessels to be filled with facts. They have their own thoughts, ideas, and the ability to reason and think for themselves. Education should respect their personhood and encourage them to develop into independent thinkers.

2. Living Books vs. Twaddle

• She advocated for the use of "living books" in place of dry, fact-based textbooks. Living books are written by passionate authors who convey their subject matter in a rich, engaging, and thought-provoking way. They can also include lovely, beautiful, inspiring illustrations. These books capture the imagination and inspire deeper understanding. "Twaddle," on the other hand, refers to shallow, overly simplified, or trivial books that don’t challenge children’s minds or engage their hearts.

3. Narration

• Narration is the practice of having children retell in their own words what they've just read or heard. This technique encourages deep comprehension, as students must process, internalize, and then articulate their understanding. It helps children develop their own ideas, refine their thoughts, and strengthen their ability to communicate.

4. Nature Study

• Charlotte Mason placed a strong emphasis on nature study, believing that children should spend time outdoors, observing and learning from the natural world. Nature study helps develop curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for creation, fostering a lifelong love of nature and scientific inquiry.

5. Habit Training

• Mason viewed habits as the foundation of good character. She believed that children’s habits—whether they’re of attention, order, or behavior—shape their future. She recommended intentional habit training, helping children form positive habits that foster self-discipline, responsibility, and moral character.

6. Art, Music, and Poetry

• Education, according to Mason, should be rich in the arts. Children should be exposed to great works of art, poetry, and music to nurture their aesthetic sensibilities and imagination. These subjects are seen not just as "nice extras" but as essential parts of a well-rounded education.

7. Living Ideas

• Mason emphasized the importance of providing children with ideas that are alive and meaningful. Rather than simply memorizing facts, children should be presented with ideas that provoke thought and encourage them to form connections. This leads to critical thinking and the ability to internalize and engage with knowledge in a deep, personal way.

8. Short, Focused Lessons

• Charlotte Mason recommended short, focused lessons (about 15-20 minutes depending on the age of the child). This helps keep children’s attention sharp, prevents burnout, and fosters a love for learning. It also gives them time to reflect on and absorb the material, leading to better retention and understanding.

9. The Importance of Imagination

• Imagination plays a key role in Charlotte Mason’s philosophy. She believed that children should be allowed to explore their imaginations and engage with ideas that stimulate creativity. Through stories, music, and art, children develop not only their imagination but also their ability to think in abstract and innovative ways.

10. A Focus on Character

• Mason’s educational philosophy isn’t just about intellectual growth but about character development. She emphasized the importance of shaping good character through habit training, moral stories, and fostering virtues like kindness, respect, honesty, and self-control.

11. Learning Should Be Joyful

• Charlotte Mason firmly believed that learning should be a joyful experience! When children are allowed to explore their own interests, engage with meaningful material, and connect with the world around them, learning becomes something they eagerly seek. She saw education as a way to open children’s hearts and minds to the beauty of the world.

12. The Use of Real Life Learning

• Real life learning is central to Charlotte Mason’s philosophy. Children should be given the opportunity to engage with real-world experiences, whether through apprenticeships, field trips, cooking, gardening, or caring for animals. Learning is most powerful when it is connected to real life and personal experiences.

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The Stigma of Homeschooling

One of the biggest arguments we hear is the topic of "socialization." As a friend of mine once said, you don't socialize humans... you socialize dogs.

It's a common misconception that all homeschoolers are socially awkward, but the truth is, socialization looks different for every child. Regardless of whether they're homeschooled or attend a brick-and-mortar school.

My children, for example, are social butterflies who thrive in a variety of settings, from co-ops to community activities to playdates. Homeschooling actually allows them to engage with a wide range of people, from different age groups to different backgrounds, fostering a rich social experience… as opposed to a class of peers all born in the same year or two.

The reality is, there are plenty of kids in public and private schools alike who are quiet, shy, or "awkward" as well. Social dynamics aren’t exclusive to one type of schooling.

It’s more about how a child is encouraged to build relationships, not where they go to school. Homeschooling, for those able to, offers the flexibility to tailor social opportunities to each child’s personality, helping them learn and develop confidence in a way that suits them best.

So, just as some kids may struggle with social skills in school, others may shine—just like homeschoolers! Social skills are a result of provided experiences, not a label tied to one educational choice.

These days there are countless arenas homeschoolers can meet people and build friendships with the people they connect with, often more than a classroom of selected peers. “Socialization” is an outdated concern continually perpetuated by misinformation.

Other Common Homeschooling Myths Debunked

• "Parents Aren’t Qualified to Teach"
  Debunked: You don’t need a teaching degree to educate your child, you need dedication and a willingness to learn alongside them. With the wealth of curriculums, online courses, and resources available today, parents can successfully guide their children’s education, even in advanced subjects.

• "Homeschooled Kids Miss Out on Real-World Experiences"
  Debunked: On the contrary, homeschooling often provides more hands-on, real-world learning. Field trips, apprenticeships, travel, community involvement, and life skills training are all part of a well-rounded homeschool education.

• "Homeschooling is Only for Religious Families"
  Debunked: While many families homeschool for faith-based reasons, plenty of secular homeschoolers exist! Families choose homeschooling for various reasons, including flexibility, academic rigor, special needs, or dissatisfaction with traditional schooling.

• "Homeschooled Kids Struggle in College or the Workforce"
  Debunked: Studies show that homeschoolers often perform better in college due to their strong study habits, independent learning skills, and ability to self-motivate. Many employers appreciate the creativity, work ethic, and critical thinking skills homeschool graduates bring to the workplace. A friend’s son became an entrepreneur in his teen years, and is now a thriving business owner as a young adult, thanks to the skills he honed in his personalized homeschool career.

• "Homeschooling is Too Expensive"
  Debunked: While some curricula can be costly, homeschooling can be done on a budget using free or low-cost resources, library books, secondhand materials, and co-ops. Many families find they save money by homeschooling because they avoid costs like private school tuition, uniforms, and expensive school supplies. Even now as we have switched our language arts curriculum mid-year, I have been utilizing a free download I am printing for free at the library!

• "Kids Need a Traditional Classroom to Learn Effectively"
  Debunked: Children learn best in an environment tailored to their needs, and homeschooling allows for personalized education. Many kids thrive with one-on-one instruction, interest-led learning, and a flexible schedule that accommodates their unique pace and strengths.

• "Homeschooling is Too Hard for Parents"
  Debunked: While homeschooling requires effort and planning, parents don’t have to do it alone. There are countless support groups, online resources, and co-ops that provide community and guidance. It’s about creating a lifestyle of learning, not replicating a school classroom at home. And many curriculum offer “open and go” books that don’t require much planning.

• "Homeschooling is Isolating for Parents and Kids"
  Debunked: Homeschool families are often highly engaged in their communities. With homeschool meetups, playgroups, co-ops, sports teams, and church involvement, both kids and parents build friendships and support networks. This is so subjective to family culture and the community you live in. Rural homeschooling can look very different than those living in an urban community.

• "Homeschooled Kids Are Behind Academically"
  Debunked: Studies consistently show that many times homeschoolers outperform their traditionally schooled peers on standardized tests and in academic achievement. Because of individualized learning, children can advance at their own pace, often excelling in areas of interest.

Implementing Charlotte Mason at Home (Even If You Don't Homeschool)

Even if your children attend traditional school, you can still bring Charlotte Mason’s philosophy into your home! Read aloud quality literature together, encourage nature study by spending time outdoors, and foster curiosity through rich conversations.

Limit screens and replace them with hands-on experiences like art, music, and handiwork. Create a home environment filled with beauty, good books, character development, and thoughtful discussions.

Learning doesn’t end when school is over! Charlotte Mason’s ideas can shape family culture and enrich a child’s world beyond the classroom.

Embracing Homeschooling In Your Own Way

Despite my own experience, I always knew I wanted to school my children at home. The reasons why are too numerous too list here, and several are personal. I am writing a different story for my family than the dysfunction that I grew up and was schooled in.

We have been homeschooling for almost 8 years now, and while there are good days and hard days (just like anything else in life), I am so blessed by this experience and wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I am a fairly open book and am always happy to help those interested in pursuing homeschooling! While Charlotte Mason is the way we tend to lean, there are so many options to make homeschooling fit your lifestyle.

After all, you get to make it whatever you need. That is one of the many beautiful perks of choosing to homeschool! If this post has been enjoyable and you’d like a list of suggested books to read, podcasts, or other resources, please let me know.

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Whether you’re a homeschooling family or not, my hope is that you can bring a bit of the hobbit spirit into your learning by prioritizing wonder, curiosity, and a love for the good, true, and beautiful. Because at its heart, education should never be about fitting into a mold, but about nurturing souls and inspiring lifelong learning.

May your days be filled with good books, warm hearths, and plenty of second breakfasts!