In a world that often glorifies speed, multitasking, and measurable results, embracing a slower approach to homeschooling can feel countercultural. Yet, for many families, the shift to slow homeschooling brings an undeniable sense of freedom, fulfillment, and balance. Slow homeschooling isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what truly matters—with intention and presence.
Let’s explore what slow homeschooling or “slow schooling” is, how to incorporate it into your routines, and how to let go of the fear of “falling behind.”
What Is Slow Schooling and Why Does It Matter?
In my book The Joy of Slow, I fully describe what constitutes a slow approach to learning. Here are some important points from Chapter 1:
- Slow schooling requires that families home in on their values and adopt a meaningful practice of building deep, rather than wide, roots.
- Whether you’re moving through curriculum or letting learning unfold naturally, slow schooling values deeper understanding over shallow mastery.
- You can focus on what matters most as you curate a learning environment that does fewer things better.
- Inherently, there is a healthy respect for the process of building knowledge rather than simply requiring the “right answer,” because processes take time to unfold.
- Slow schooling honors a child’s interests and respects the time it takes to cultivate the imagination and develop authentic skills.
- Slow schooling prioritizes doing work that is meaningful and taking the time to marvel and be amazed by the vastness of what this world has to offer—the stories of a wide array of people, places, cultures, ideas, and experiences.
- Slow schooling seeks to tackle subjects with dynamism and flexibility, using elements like spontaneity and surprise to linger a little longer with material.
- Slow schooling believes in preserving wonder for every child, regardless of their age.
- Slow schooling commits to creating the kind of space in the day that adds a sense of peace and a margin for adventure. This guards against the tendency to overschedule, to form rigid expectations, and to lead from a place of control due to fears concerning a child’s academic achievement.
- This approach redefines success and broadens our understanding of what constitutes a rich learning life, recognizing that rigor and difficulty are not necessarily analogous to true and useful learning.
- Slow schooling strives for a balance of ideals when it comes to a child’s growth and development.
- Slow schooling welcomes patient pursuits that replenish the soul and seeks to find beauty in the ordinary of everyday rhythms.
- Prioritizing a strong sense of connection in the family, slow schooling makes space for meaningful connection and seeks to simplify relationship-building in ways that yield profound outcomes.
- Undergirding all of these efforts is joy, because, in the end, that’s what everyone will remember.
Be sure to check out The Joy of Slow if you want to really understand more.
To summarize, slow schooling is a mindset that prioritizes depth over breadth, connection over competition, and process over product. It’s about fostering a love for learning that isn’t driven by deadlines or standardized expectations but by curiosity, creativity, and meaningful exploration.
Instead of rushing through curricula to check off boxes, slow schooling allows you to linger over a science experiment, dive deeply into a child’s fascination with ancient Egypt, or savor the simple joy of reading together in a cozy lit room.
Benefits of Slow Schooling:
The benefits of slowing down include things like the ability to be more alert, responsive, and intentional. Learning and living are closely connected and staying mindfully present as we go through life provides many opportunities to engage with the world in a robust way. We do that better when we are not hurrying. Slowing down also gives us time for play and pursuits that go beyond consumption. We begin to notice the intellectual space we have for unlocking and applying ideas. Doing so with other family members cultivates a positive emotional environment in the home, not just an educational one.
In short, slow schooling can:
- Reduce stress for parents and children.
- Encourage a more fulfilling and joyful learning experience.
- Build a deeper understanding of topics by allowing children to explore at their own pace.
- Strengthen family bonds by creating space for connection.
Incorporating Slow Learning into Your Daily Routine
Transitioning to a slower homeschooling model doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul. Small, intentional changes can make a big difference. Here are some ideas you might like to try:
- Start Your Days Slowly
Create a morning routine that sets the tone for the day. Instead of rushing to start lessons, allow time for everyone to wake up fully, enjoy a relaxed breakfast, and ease into the day with activities like family gathering time, journaling, reading, or a nature walk. - Follow Your Child’s Lead
Pay attention to what excites your child and build lessons around their interests. If they’re curious about stars, dive into books about astronomy, watch documentaries, and plan a stargazing night. - End with Reflection
Wrap up your days or particular activities with reflective conversations. Ask questions like, “What did you enjoy learning today?” “What was challenging about that?” “How did you solve that problem?” “What do you plan to do about that?” or “What would you like to explore tomorrow?” These discussions help children take ownership of their learning and deepen their engagement. - Prioritize Breaks and Unstructured Time
Learning doesn’t always happen at a table or desk. Give your children plenty of time for free play, creativity, and rest. These unstructured moments often lead to some of the richest discoveries.
Addressing the Fear of Falling Behind
One of the most common concerns for parents considering slow schooling is the fear of falling behind. It’s natural to worry, especially in a culture that emphasizes measurable achievements and comparisons.
Here’s how to reframe your mindset:
- Rethink Progress: Progress isn’t only about completing a curriculum by a certain date. It’s about your child developing skills, gaining confidence, and nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
- Trust the Process: Children are naturally curious and capable of deep learning when given the space to explore. Trust that they will grow in their own time, often in unexpected and wonderful ways.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize the beauty in small, everyday moments of learning—your child solving a tricky math problem, asking a profound question, or building an elaborate Lego model inspired by history.
A Model of Success That Fits Your Family
Slow homeschooling isn’t about matching someone else’s idea of success; but crafting a life and education that works for your family. By slowing down, you permit yourself to savor the moments that matter, to embrace the joy of learning alongside your children, and to create an educational experience that prioritizes connection, wonder, and growth.
Remember, slow doesn’t mean stagnant. It means intentional. It means finding the beauty in the journey, not just the destination. So, take a deep breath, set your own pace, and enjoy the freedom that slow schooling offers.
Are you ready to take the first step toward a slower homeschooling journey? Start small. Pick one area of your routine to slow down this week and notice how it changes the energy in your home.
Slow schooling isn’t just a method…it’s a way of life. And it’s one worth savoring.
