-by Ketika Kasetwar, July 2023

Do we home-school? Yes. Do we un-school? Yes. Do we road-school? Yes. Do we world-school? Yes. Do we art-school? Yes. Do we nature-school? Yes. Do we explore other similar approaches? Yes. However, is it truly necessary to categorize our learning journey?

Choosing our learning journey has become a lifestyle and a shift in perspective, both individually and as a family. We embrace a diverse range of educational approaches without confining ourselves to specific labels. Our focus lies in the freedom to explore, grow, and learn in unconventional ways, rather than adhering to a predetermined structure. Having built connections with people across generations, we flow with the natural rhythm of life, taking each day as it comes.

This path wasn’t planned, decided, or chosen; it simply evolved beautifully and organically. We gradually transitioned towards this learning journey when we learned to prioritize and focus on what was important in the present moment. Our priorities don’t have to be consistent or the same at all times. By cultivating a flexible environment at home, we collectively foster a love for learning, encourage independent thinking, and empower each individual to explore their own interests.

During breakfast discussions, when my daughter and I ponder over the answer to the question of the smallest single-digit number, our focus isn’t on the end goal but on the process itself. When our family spontaneously embarks on drives through the wilderness within 15 minutes of conceiving the idea, we don’t concern ourselves with the destination but rather with discovering unknown roads and areas. When we interact with people from diverse communities and backgrounds, our focus isn’t on what they lack but on what we can learn from them and what they wish to learn from us. When stray animals accompany us during evening walks, we don’t worry about potential harm; instead, we joyfully play with them as they approach us with broad smiles and no expectations. During our rainbow walks, where we collect colorful items while wandering in nature, we explore why certain objects possess particular hues and delve into how plants communicate with one another. When planning our next exhibition, our attention isn’t on what to sell but on brainstorming new items to design and experiment with. And when we choose to stay home, we don’t view it as wasting time but rather as an opportunity to attune ourselves to our bodies and the natural rhythm around us.

Our learning journey also encompasses daily doses of arguments, disagreements, and strong expressions of emotions. However, we have come to accept that we are all unique individuals who communicate differently. Consequently, we are constantly learning and striving to understand one another, both verbally and non-verbally, as effective communication is the key to our harmonious coexistence.

These approaches help us nurture autonomy, think critically, and acquire practical problem-solving skills essential for navigating our ever-evolving world. This is why our learning journey resembles an ever-evolving tapestry, woven together with threads of home-schooling, un-schooling, road-schooling, world-schooling, art-schooling, nature-schooling, and various other approaches.