Every homeschooler has a set of values close to their heart which are the foundation of their homeschool. They were the reason we started homeschooling, and they’re the reason we sigh with contentment at the end of a happy day with our beloved children.
But what about the not-so-good days? For me, those are the days when – for one reason or other – I lose touch with my values.
It might be tiredness, or illness, or busyness, or insecurity after reading a blog post about some super-effective homeschooling family… whatever the reason, when I disconnect from what’s most important to me, I’m not the homeschooling mum I set out to be.
Joyfully Rejoicing
Joyfully Rejoycing is one of the places I turn when I need inspiration. This website is a treasure-trove of information and advice about unschooling and respectful parenting.
So I was delighted to meet Joyce Fetterol, the woman behind Joyfully Rejoycing, when she spoke at the LTTL Unschooling Conference in July.
I confess I got so caught up listening to Joyce speak that I forgot to take any notes to share with you {oops}.
However, thanks to Joyce’s generous gift to each delegate, I do have an idea to share.
Unschooling Toolbox
What Joyce gave us was an “Unschooling Toolbox”, comprising:
* 48 double-sided cards, each containing a wise and loving quotes about parenting or unschooling
* a magnet
* a small rock (from New England – very exotic to us Brits)
At the conference we were invited to pick out some of our favourite cards and use them as conversation-starters with our neighbours. (People sitting next to us, that is. I’m not quite ready to take them round the houses on our street.)
This was a wonderful opportunity for the shyer among us to make new connections. It certainly reminded me of the value of real-life community.
How to use your toolbox
Joyce suggested storing the cards in a metal tea tin and selecting one at the start of each day, fixing it to the outside of the tin with the magnet. (In my house, I think the fridge will be a safer place.)
The rock is to carry in your pocket to remind you of your chosen card.
I just love this simple way of connecting with my values amid the hustle and bustle of a homeschooling day.
Make your own Unschooling/Homeschooling Toolbox
It would be pretty easy to put together your own unschooling/homeschooling toolbox. (If you don’t homeschool, how about a parenting toolbox?)
1. Collect a bunch of quotes that resonate with your parenting values. If you’re an unschooler, you could search for John Holt quotes like these or these, or visit Joyfully Rejoicing.
You could also use bible verses, or your favourite Charlotte Mason or Emelia Reggio-inspired quotes … whatever connects you with your values.
2. Print your quotes onto card and cut them out.
3. Grab a magnet, and pick a card to stick on your tea tin or refrigerator.
4. Pop a pebble in your pocket to remind you of your special words of wisdom throughout the day.
Don’t forget to come back and let me know if you make an inspiring toolbox of your own!
I’m linking up here:
Share it Saturday – Teach Beside Me