Deciding to educate my child at home was a challenging choice for me.
At the tender age of seven, I’m uncertain if I can provide him with a well-rounded education that includes essential life experiences. Will he lose out on valuable learning opportunities if he skimps on interaction with other kids on the playground or struggles with nervousness during his first school performance?
The following concerns had been persistently bothering me for a significant period.
He often found himself wasting playtime, standing alone by the fence. This made him feel belittled and overlooked. At school, his exceptional ability to concentrate on the finer details of his favourite subjects went to waste as he struggled to sit silently and focus in classes that held little interest for him.
For the final time, we packed up and left home. But there was one unique aspect to this departure: we were embarking on a project called ‘world schooling’.
What is world schooling?
Learning is taking place in informal environments, as opposed to the conventional academic setting of a school.
There has been a surge in the number of students being home-educated in the UK over the past few years.
According to the most recent data from the Department for Education, approximately 97,600 English minors are currently being home-schooled by parental choice as of the 2023 summer.
World schooling works similarly to homeschooling, except that it utilizes the world as the primary learning environment.
It involves acquiring knowledge and skills through practical, interactive experiences, as opposed to more traditional methods of learning, such as studying books or digital screens.
Emphasizing regional consideration, focusing efforts on geographical vicinity.
It entails a bit of careful preparation.
A trip to Iceland sparked an idea for us to adopt world schooling.
Last summer, during our hike onto a glacier, we discovered the rich legacy of the Vikings and delighted in savouring local specialties.
The spark of inspiration my then five-year-old showed me was truly remarkable. It brought to mind a very logical idea – why not combine making memories with learning at the same time as well?
Generally, how much of our school education stays with us into adulthood? For my part, I did not retain a significant amount, and many of the memories that have stuck with me from school are from the field trips.
during ‘term time’.
Embarking on a Global Academic Expedition to the Netherlands
adventure.
Notable guide, Remco Dörr, escorted us through the ‘Escher in the Palace’ exhibition and led the way to viewing renowned masterpieces displayed within the prestigious Mauritshuis.
He had an extensive knowledge of his hometown, encompassing its vibrant heritage attractions and, of course, the most delicious local specialties (Haagse Hopjes cake had won the heart of my son and was sure to remain a lifelong culinary favourite).
Prior to our trip, the Moxy hotel kindly reached out to inquire about my son’s interests, allowing them to prepare a special activity for him. Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed with an engaging problem-solving puzzle, where he had to locate all the hidden laminated pictures of Pokémon characters.
We stopped by the Nijntje (Miffy) Museum to socialize and experience globally renowned, child-oriented art by Dick Bruna. Its design is inspired by the premise that “people think and act based on their memories, and the earlier we fill our ‘memory bank’, the more well-rounded, interconnected, and self-reliant we become”.
Interactive technology items, selected to give authentic experiences and discover culture, and encourage children to experiment and investigate through play.
Each time you sit down to eat is a chance to gain new knowledge and understanding.
Raw oysters, along with pancakes, stroopwafels, and croquettes, are special treats in the Netherlands.
The ideal time to engage in oyster harvesting occurs from September to April, and although we were unable to visit the renowned fishing community in the nearby region of Zeeland, we did make a stop at The Seafood Bar to sample them.
Consumed two in quick succession, motivated by his newfound boldness.
We spent a memorable night amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Nardinclant Historical Garden, located in the picturesque countryside town of Laren, which is not as widely known to tourists.
As we embarked on the art trail, we stumbled upon a lesser-known treasure, the Singer Museum, where my son had the opportunity to discover the works of Piet Mondrian and learn about the fascinating concept of Neo-Plasticism. This new addition to his art knowledge has only strengthened his unique artistic perspective, which will now allow him to showcase his tastes, proudly proclaiming ‘Surrealism’ and ‘Abstract’ as his preferred styles.
We stopped by a renowned art museum to admire famous works such as “Sunflowers” and the thought-provoking “Head of a Skeleton with a Burning Cigarette” among many other notable pieces. We composed a postcard to share with our family back home, obtainable from the on-site gift shop, which also served as our writing exercise for the day.
“The Challenges of Worldschooling
Worldschooling is an educational approach that involves learning through real-world experiences and explorations, rather than a traditional classroom setting. This style of learning offers numerous benefits, including increased autonomy and creativity for students, as well as a more immersive and engaging experience.
Some of the benefits of worldschooling include:
– Developing motivation and self-directed learning skills
– Improving adaptability and flexibility
– Enhancing cultural awareness and appreciation
– Fostering a lifelong love of learning
– Reducing stress and increasing well-being
However, worldschooling also comes with its own set of challenges, including:
– Balancing travel and learning, with the need to meet requirements for standardized testing and qualifications
– Finding and funding consistent and quality educational resources and experiences
– Adapting to different environments and learning styles
– Managing homeschooling responsibilities while on the road, and maintaining a sense of continuity and routine
– Separating activities that are educational from those that are purely recreational
Our trip was not without its challenges. Many of us expressed frustration at having to rush through our itinerary, which left us feeling restless and uncomfortable, suffering from aches and pains from all the hurrying.
Considering the numerous museums available, it’s recommended to obtain a museum card, as the cumulative cost of individual tickets can be substantial.
It’s undeniable that we have much to learn, particularly as my child is still in their early years. However, one certainty is that we’ve gained invaluable lessons on this trip that can’t be replicated in a traditional classroom setting, and the experiences have left a lasting impression on our family.
Creating poetry that sparks from our travels and developing math skills by establishing our very own pretend art emporium with our creatively crafted paintings.
This world school project won’t remain solely focused on art indefinitely; its trajectory will likely shift by next week. That’s the nature of world schooling – our practical experiences with the world have led to a richly diverse and intellectually stimulating project. Although it was not intended to unfold in this way, the outcome is ideal. Moreover, it feels exhilaratingly enjoyable and effortless.
We made this choice, and it’s proving to be the right one. We’re constantly learning and discovering new things.
