As I mentioned on Wednesday, I’ve been contemplating the concept of “scholé” afresh, thanks to the new Scholé Sisters podcast. Mystie, in her post “What is Scholé?” has done an excellent job of defining this Greek word and explaining it’s significance for homeschooling moms. One way to think of it is an attitude and lifestyle of unhurried wonder that allows time for contemplation. Checklists and curriculum can facilitate this, but they should not take priority over the relationships we are building, with God and with each other. It is resting in God for the outcome instead of becoming anxious because we think we have to do it all.
While listening to the introductory podcast last week, I was intrigued when Pam Barnhill described the three aspects of scholé – really three ways it can be expressed in our homes and homeschools. With her gracious permission, I have decided to use these facets as a sort of lens to look back at my week, and capture some of those moments of “unhurried wonder” that might otherwise be forgotten. Here are Pam’s three aspects of scholé (hopefully I have relayed them accurately 🙂 ) with some recent examples from our home:
Scholé of Intent: This is the facilitating aspect – deciding on curriculum and scheduling it out, planning field trips, etc. It could also be cultivating habits that will encourage restful learning, like a quiet time in the afternoon where both the kids and mom can read or listen to an audiobook without distraction. Mr. D and I are enjoying The Complete Book of Marvels together, following the Ambleside schedule. This week, we traveled back in time to Pompeii and explored Capri’s beautiful Blue Grotto.
Scholé of Method: This is an unhurried, unruffled outlook on life and education which takes the needs of the student into account and adjusts the curriculum as necessary. Miss A has been doing Teaching Textbooks Algebra 1 this year, but was still struggling with fractions. She asked if she could have a break from algebra and try the Life of Fred Fractions book that was sitting on the shelf. Hopefully a different take on math with the quirky Fred will aid her understanding.
Scholé of Practice: This is the spontaneous side of scholé, where we allow ourselves to enjoy those moments of wonder that come across our path, instead of succumbing to the “tyranny of the urgent”. Sometimes it’s the things that aren’t on the schedule that are the most important. Last Friday evening, we came back rather late from our church’s congregational meeting. It was past the kids’ bedtime, but the sky was clear and the stars were bright, despite the street lights. So we contemplated the heavens for a few minutes, finding Rigel and Betelgeuse and a few others. It was a restful way to end the day. 🙂
Of course, I have a long way to go towards making scholé a way of life in our home. I easily forget and start getting anxious about the future (like the fact that I’ll have a high schooler this fall!). And I start comparing myself with others or with the “ideal” homeschool in my head and feeling like a failure. I hope this way of reviewing our week will help me stay focused on what is most important.
I am also on Instagram now, and have started sharing little moments of restful learning using the hashtag #scholeinourhome. I’d love to have you join me!
What aspects of scholé have you enjoyed in your home this week?
Anna! I’m going to love this series. I already recd it a couple of places. Great job looking at the stars ❤