The Joy of  a Less Is More Slow Learning approach to Homeschooling 

Introduction

When I embarked on the journey of homeschooling our 7 children, I was eager to dive into the wealth of educational resources and methods available. Like many parents, I felt the weight of responsibility to be sure my children received a well-rounded and good education. Yet, as we moved through our days, I noticed something unsettling: the joy and wonder I had hoped to cultivate were often overshadowed by the relentless pressure to keep up, to move faster, to check off all the boxes. It was in the midst of this whirlwind that I began to ask myself a pivotal question: What if the key to a meaningful and fulfilling homeschool experience wasn't in doing more, but in slowing down?

The answer to that question led me to embrace what I now call "slow learning"—an intentional approach to homeschooling that prioritizes depth over breadth, joy over productivity, and meaningful connection over rigid schedules. Slow learning is not about abandoning academic rigor or lowering expectations; rather, it’s about fostering a rich, well-rounded education that respects the natural pace of childhood and the unique rhythms of each family. By choosing to slow down, we can create a homeschool environment where learning becomes a joyful, lifelong journey rather than a race to the finish line.

The Pressure to Hurry

In the broader world of education, there's  emphasis on productivity and timelines. The homeschool community, unfortunately, isn't immune to this pressure. The constant drumbeat of "faster is better," "sooner rather than later," and "hurry up and get it done" often leads parents into a frantic state of doing and achieving, all the while wondering if it's enough. In this rush, the joy and delight that should accompany learning can easily be lost. 

Slowing down, however, offers a chance to reclaim that joy. Over time, I stopped measuring our success by how much we accomplished each day and began valuing the joy we experienced together. Our best days became those where we laughed, explored, and marveled at the world around us—not because we checked off every box on our lesson plan, but because we were fully present with each other.

 The Shift from Theory to Practice

Slowing down sounds wonderful in theory, but putting it into practice is where the challenge lies. Over the years, I've noticed a pattern among homeschool parents that mirrors what I've seen in traditional school settings. When children are young, parents often embrace a slow childhood, focusing on cultivating wonder, imagination, independence, and creativity. They believe in the benefits of a peacefully paced childhood. 

But as children grow older, panic can set in. Suddenly, parents become preoccupied with what their children "should" know to be prepared for the world beyond school. This anxiety can create a distorted view, leading to a frantic and shallow pace of learning, with outcomes that don't match the intention. Even in the early years, fears can creep in, especially when faced with learning challenges, unspoken competition with peers, or standardized assessments.

Perhaps you're a parent who feels overwhelmed, barely managing to get through the day. Nothing seems to be working smoothly, motivation is low, and you haven't found that elusive "secret sauce" that other homeschool parents seem to have. Your fears might stem from a sense of personal failure. Wherever you are on this journey, I invite you to consider an alternative—a life lived at a slower, more intentional pace.

 What Is Slow Learning?

So what does slow learning or slow schooling look like in practice? It's characterized by several key principles:

- Depth Over Breadth: Whether you're following a curriculum or allowing learning to unfold naturally, slow schooling values deeper understanding over superficial mastery. It's about building deep roots rather than wide ones.

-Focus on What Matters: Slow schooling encourages you to curate a learning environment that does fewer things better. It prioritizes meaningful work and takes the time to appreciate the wonders of the world.

- Respect for the Process: Slow schooling honors the time it takes to build knowledge, understanding that processes need time to unfold. It's not just about getting the right answer but appreciating the journey of learning.

- Child-Centered Learning: This approach respects a child's interests and the time it takes to cultivate imagination and develop authentic skills. It's about finding joy in the process, rather than rushing toward a predetermined outcome.

- Preserving Wonder: Slow schooling seeks to preserve a sense of wonder in children of all ages. It allows for spontaneity, surprise, and the flexibility to linger on topics that capture their imagination.

- Creating Space for Peace and Adventure: Slow schooling commits to creating space in the day for peace, adventure, and meaningful connections within the family. It guards against overscheduling and rigid expectations, allowing for a more relaxed and joyful home environment.

- Redefining Success: Success is not defined by how quickly or how much a child learns, but by the richness of the learning experience and the joy it brings. Slow schooling embraces a broader understanding of what it means to be successful in learning and life.

 Is Slow Learning Really Possible?

As appealing as slow learning sounds, the reality is that it's not always easy to implement. We all come to homeschooling with preconceived notions about what education should look like. For me, these ideas were deeply influenced by my upbringing. Like many Caribbean parents raising their children in America, my parents instilled in me the value of a solid education. This meant exceeding the teacher's expectations, taking school seriously, and prioritizing good grades over fun and friends. The idea of doing less, taking time to figure things out, or going at my own pace was foreign to me.

Adopting slow schooling for my own children has been a journey—one that involved reevaluating my own biases, reconciling conflicting thoughts and desires, letting go of control, and staying present to the truths my children demonstrate daily. It hasn't been easy, but it has been rewarding.

For me, homeschooling my own children became the true test of how much I believed in the benefits of slow learning. I had to confront my own questions and doubts in a much more intimate way.

 Slow Isn't Lazy—It's Quality Over Quantity

One of the biggest misconceptions about slow learning is that it's unproductive or lazy. On the contrary, slow learning is about focusing on quality over quantity. It's about spending time on things that are worthwhile, rather than cramming as much as possible into each day.

A letter from Harry Lewis, a former dean of Harvard College, to newly admitted students resonates with this idea. He advised students to slow down, limit their structured activities, and use their unstructured time to explore their true interests. He emphasized that slowing down doesn't mean abandoning high achievement. Instead, it's about allowing yourself the time and space to think, reflect, and engage deeply with your work.

When I first read that letter, it struck me how even at a prestigious institution like Harvard, the value of slowing down is recognized. Slow is not about doing nothing; it's about doing fewer things better, with more focus and intention.

Slow Learning Is Enough

As parents, we're naturally our children's biggest fans. We cheer them on, celebrate their milestones, and take pride in their achievements. But if we're honest, we also have expectations that our children will be extraordinary in some way. We project our fears and desires onto them, subtly instilling a pressure to perform.

Many parents worry about their child "falling behind" academically. This fear often stems from a belief that children need to meet certain milestones at specific ages, following a linear, standardized timeline of development. But if we reject the idea of standardized education, the concept of falling behind becomes irrelevant.

Instead, we can trust that our children will learn at their own pace. If we provide them with support, resources, encouragement, and time, they will grow and thrive. Learning is not a race, and our children are not competing against each other or against a national standard.

This shift in mindset is crucial. It allows us to see growth, development, learning, and education through a different lens—one that prioritizes the child's individual journey over external benchmarks.

 Slow Learning Across Educational Philosophies

Slow learning is not confined to one specific educational philosophy. Whether you follow unschooling, Charlotte Mason, classical education, or an eclectic mix, slow learning can be integrated into any approach. It's about finding freedom and joy within your chosen path, teaching the child rather than the curriculum, and using time to build meaningful experiences.

There's a misconception that slow learning is only suited to relaxed or unstructured educational styles. In reality, it's about preparing for challenges, developing resilience, and embracing flexibility within any educational philosophy. Slow learning allows children to manage their own learning, see themselves as capable, and develop the skills they need to face challenges.

 Embracing Learning Gaps

One of the most common concerns among homeschool parents is the fear of learning gaps. The reality is that gaps in learning are inevitable, regardless of the educational setting. But rather than seeing these gaps as failures, we can view them as opportunities for growth.

Learning gaps are often a result of standardized education, which equates what is taught with what is learned. But learning is more than just acquiring information. It's about developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and a love of learning.

Slow learning allows us to take a long view of education, recognizing that not all gaps need to be filled immediately. Children will naturally revisit and deepen their understanding of topics over time. They will also become more adept at identifying and addressing their own learning gaps as they grow.

Finding Balance in Academic Subjects

Slow learning doesn't mean ignoring traditional academic subjects. Instead, it's about finding a balance and doing fewer things better. While foundational academic skills are important, they don't need to be mastered earlier or faster. Children can go on to excel in these areas even with a later start.

Striving for balance in education is crucial. It means allowing time for play, creativity, and freedom, alongside traditional academics. This balance fosters a more holistic approach to learning, where children can develop a widerange of skills and knowledge at a pace that suits them best. It also means recognizing that learning is not confined to a particular subject or schedule but is an ongoing process that happens in everyday life.

 The Role of Delight in Learning

One of the most beautiful aspects of slow learning is the opportunity to infuse delight into the educational experience. Without the pressure to rush through material, we can take the time to make learning truly enjoyable. This goes beyond making lessons "fun" in a superficial way; it’s about creating rich, meaningful experiences that captivate the mind and heart.

When learning is delightful, children are more likely to engage deeply with the material. They become curious, ask questions, and explore topics with genuine interest. This kind of learning is not just about absorbing information; it's about fostering a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

In our homeschool, we’ve had many moments of delight. I remember the day we decided to put aside the planned math lesson and instead spent the afternoon baking bread. We talked about measurements, chemical reactions, and the science of yeast—all while kneading dough and waiting for it to rise. The experience was hands-on, enjoyable, and deeply educational. It was a perfect example of how slow learning allows for spontaneous, joyful exploration that still meets educational goals.

 Slow Learning for All Ages

It's easy to think that slow learning is only suitable for young children, but its benefits extend well into adolescence and beyond. As children grow older, the pressures of standardized tests, college admissions, and future career prospects can make parents feel that a faster pace is necessary. However, teenagers, too, can benefit from the peace and intentionality that slow learning offers.

During the teenage years, it’s especially important to press into your family’s values and resist the urge to rush. Adolescents need time to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in meaningful work. They also need space to build relationships, reflect on their experiences, and prepare for the challenges of adulthood.

Slow learning during the teenage years doesn’t mean avoiding rigor or hard work. Instead, it’s about providing the right kind of challenges—those that are meaningful and aligned with the teenager’s interests and goals. It’s about helping them develop resilience, independence, and a strong sense of self.

For example, when my oldest was preparing for college, we took a slow and steady approach to the process. Rather than cramming for standardized tests or rushing through advanced courses, we focused on deep, thoughtful learning experiences that aligned with his passions. We also made sure to leave plenty of time for rest, reflection, and family activities. This approach didn’t hinder his academic success; in fact, it helped him approach college with confidence and a well-rounded perspective.

 The Long-Term Benefits of Slow Learning

One of the greatest gifts of slow learning is the long-term impact it has on our children. When we prioritize depth, joy, and meaningful connections in our homeschool, we’re not just educating our children for the here and now; we’re preparing them for a lifetime of learning and growth.

Children who experience slow learning are more likely to become independent thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and lifelong learners. They’re also more likely to develop a strong sense of self and a deep appreciation for the world around them. These are qualities that will serve them well, not just in their academic pursuits, but in all areas of life.

Slow learning also fosters strong family bonds. When we take the time to learn together, explore the world, and enjoy each other’s company, we create memories and connections that will last a lifetime. These experiences become the foundation for a strong, loving family culture that supports each member’s growth and well-being.

 How to Start Embracing Slow Learning

If the idea of slow learning resonates with you, you might be wondering how to start incorporating it into your homeschool. Here are a few practical tips to help you begin:

1. Reevaluate Your Priorities: Take some time to reflect on what matters most in your homeschool. What are your core values? What do you want your children to take away from their education? Use these reflections to guide your decisions about what to focus on and what to let go of.

2. Simplify Your Schedule: Look at your current schedule and see where you can create more space for slow, meaningful learning. This might mean cutting back on extracurricular activities, reducing the number of subjects you cover each day, or allowing more time for exploration and play.

3. Follow Your Child’s Lead: Pay attention to your child’s interests and let them guide the learning process. When children are engaged and excited about a topic, they’re more likely to dive deep and learn more thoroughly. Trust their instincts and be willing to adjust your plans based on their needs and interests.

4. Incorporate Hands-On Learning: Look for opportunities to learn through real-life experiences. This might include nature walks, cooking, building projects, or visiting museums. Hands-on learning allows children to engage with material in a meaningful way and often leads to deeper understanding.

5. Focus on Relationships: Make space in your day for connection and conversation. Whether it’s reading together, discussing a book, or simply talking about your day, these moments build strong family bonds and create a supportive environment for learning.

6. Be Patient: Slow learning requires patience, both with your children and with yourself. There will be days when it feels like nothing is getting done, or when you doubt whether you’re doing enough. Trust the process and remember that learning is a marathon, not a sprint.

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Stories of Slow Learning Success

To illustrate the power of slow learning, I’d like to share a few stories from our own homeschool journey.

The Garden Project

When our youngest girls were hitting their teenage years I wanted to help them both earn some money and gain some confidence with themselves. What began as a simple project quickly grew into a season-long learning experience. We learned how to garden, bake, and deal with many people as we started our spring garden and baked to sell at some local markets. We   researched different selling techniques and planned the layout of the garden, and took responsibility for planting, watering, and caring for the crops. Not to mention shopping for particular items to bake bread, muffins, cakes, and many other goodies.  We also sourced an organic ice cream and sold that also.

As the weeks went by,  we learned so much of organization, dealing with customers, kindness and hard work in the garden. and even dealt with the disappointment of things not going as planned. The kitchen, the garden and the markets  became a living classroom where they learned about science, responsibility, and the rewards of patience and hard work.

By the end of the season, we had a modest amount of money, but more importantly, we had a rich collection of memories and experiences that taught us far more than any textbook could.

The Slow Road to Reading

My youngest son struggled with reading from an early age. While other children his age were quickly advancing in their literacy skills, he found it difficult to keep up. Rather than pushing him to meet arbitrary benchmarks, we decided to take a slow, supportive approach to his reading journey.

We spent time reading together every day, choosing books that interested him and allowed him to build confidence at his own pace. We also incorporated activities like storytelling, word games, and audiobooks to keep the process enjoyable. We went with a totally different approach than we had with any of the other children and he began to thrive.

Over time, he began to make progress. It wasn’t a quick or easy road, but by allowing him to learn at his own pace, he eventually developed a love for stories.  Today he can read but he loves more than reading to listen to audio books and thrives in knowledge that way.   Looks a little different then I would have thought but it's still good and he has discovered the joy of reading in his own way. The slow approach allowed him to build a strong foundation and, most importantly, to discover the joy of reading on his own terms.

Exploring Art Together

Art has always been a significant part of our homeschool, but we approach it with a slow, exploratory mindset. Rather than following a rigid art curriculum, we take the time to experiment with different mediums, techniques, and styles. 

One year we decided to buy a bunch of Bob Ross painting supplies and videos of him teaching his painting techniques.  Before long we had an abundance of friends who were interested in painting with us. It was amazing how the kids thrived and how well they learned to paint just following along with him step by step.  It was also fun to do it with both kid and adult friends,

As we continued, the children naturally began to develop their skills. They learned about shading, perspective, and composition through experimentation and observation. The process was slow, but it was filled with discovery and delight. By the end of the year, they had created a collection of artwork that was uniquely theirs—a testament to the beauty of slow learning.

 Conclusion: The Gift of Time

In a world that often prioritizes speed and productivity, choosing to slow down in your homeschool can feel like a radical act. But it’s one that is deeply rewarding. By embracing slow learning, you give your children the gift of time—time to explore, to wonder, to grow, and to build meaningful connections. 

Slow learning is not about doing less; it’s about doing what truly matters. It’s about focusing on the quality of the educational experience rather than the quantity of material covered. It’s about fostering a love of learning that will carry your children through their entire lives.

So, if you’re feeling the pressure to keep up with the fast-paced world of education, I encourage you to consider the alternative. Slow down, take a breath, and remember that the best learning happens in the spaces where joy, curiosity, and connection thrive. 

In the end, the moments of slow learning—the ones filled with laughter, discovery, and deep conversation—are the moments that your children will carry with them long after their homeschooling days are over. These are the memories that will shape who they become and how they see the world. And that, I believe, is the true gift of time.