This is from a couple of years ago, but since it is still so common for me to hear this question when we spend the “school” day away from the house, I thought I’d post about it.
We went on a two night field trip to Devil’s Den State Park (about a 4 hour drive from us) with a couple of other homeschooling families. We had wonderful Autumn weather and took our time hiking and climbing the Devil’s Den trail. When we got back, more than one relative asked, so, what did they learn?
Um, really?
Well,
They learned to appreciate the simple, unplugged beauty all around them.
They learned that any place can be a stop for quiet reflection and self expression
They learned caution
They learned to face a fear head on
And to conquer a physical challenge
They learned to help those smaller than themselves
And most of all, to enjoy a nice Autumn day.
I think they “learned” quite a bit that day!
Look how little our kids are! That weekend was awesome. I still remember coming back to the cabin to the amazing stew you made. Misty water colored memories…
I love this post! I’ve always believed that most learning takes place outside of the classroom. I love the Mark Twain quote, “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” ;D
Ah, but those things cannot be put on a paper test and graded.
I get that question all the time, too and find it frustrating that ‘school’ is so much tied to ‘learning’ yet life is not. A bit backwards, no?
I agree of course!