the rare strength of the rural homeschooled child

When my kids come back inside with mud on their jeans, I know they’ve learned something today.

I know they weren’t just running through fields but navigating them, reading the subtle signs of the land. They weren’t just playing in the woods but coming to understand its intricate ecosystem, identifying bird calls, and tracking animal prints. The last hour wasn’t just childhood fun; it was paving the foundation of a unique education that homeschooling can offer rural children.

Rural homeschooled children are not just students; they're budding naturalists, explorers, and problem-solvers. Their classroom isn't confined by four walls but expands across acres of forests, fields, and streams. This natural environment becomes their playground, laboratory, and library, fostering a deep connection to the land and a unique set of skills.

Consider the practical knowledge they gain. A rural homeschooled child might learn to identify edible plants, build a shelter, or start a fire, not from a textbook but from hands-on experience. They might learn to care for animals, mend fences, or operate farm equipment, developing a work ethic and a sense of responsibility that will serve them well in any field.

But it's not just about practical skills. Rural homeschooling nurtures a unique kind of intellectual curiosity. Freed from the rigid curriculum of traditional schooling, these children can follow their interests wherever they lead. They might spend hours observing insects, dissecting flowers, or stargazing, developing a deep understanding of the natural world that goes far beyond what can be learned in a classroom.

This self-directed learning fosters independence, critical thinking, and a love of learning for its own sake. Rural homeschooled children often become adept researchers, able to find information, evaluate sources, and form their own conclusions. They learn to think outside the box, to approach problems from multiple angles, and to develop creative solutions.

I don’t advocate for employing no structured curriculum, as some others do. Learning to think in abstract terms, to read and write excellently, are essential skills of the educated, thoughtful adult person.

It’s just that this isn’t all a person needs to succeed. I like to think that the real life experiences within our little patch of country fill the gaps well. They build confidence and agency.

One last point. Socialization, often a concern for those considering homeschooling, takes on a different dimension in rural communities. Homeschooled children are not isolated; they are integrated into a rich social fabric that includes family, neighbors, church groups, 4-H clubs, and other homeschooling families. They interact with people of all ages and backgrounds, learning to communicate effectively, build relationships, and contribute to their community. Some argue they mature faster as a result of this diversity of interaction.

The result is a well-rounded individual, uniquely equipped for the challenges of the 21st century. Rural homeschooled children often possess a rare combination of practical skills, intellectual curiosity, and social awareness. They are adaptable, resilient, and resourceful, ready to take on whatever the future may hold.