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Raising Lifelong Learners, Not Walking Encyclopedias

A Note from the InkandescentKids editors: If it’s Friday, it’s time for our weekly spotlight on HomeschoolOT founder Sarah Collins, who will be sharing her insights with us. Be sure to follow Sarah at homeschoolot.com.

A Note from Sarah: This topic was inspired by a recent conversation on The OT is IN on episode 99 of our podcast with Colleen Kessler

Many homeschool parents carry a quiet fear that they might miss teaching something important. What if we skip a topic? What if they don’t learn a skill they’ll need later? What if they graduate with gaps in their education? These concerns are normal, but they also assume that the goal of education is to know everything before adulthood.

The truth is that every learner has gaps. Public school students have gaps. Private school students have gaps. College graduates have gaps. Adults have gaps. The difference isn’t whether gaps exist; it’s how we respond when we encounter them. The most successful learners are not necessarily the ones who know the most facts. They are the ones who know how to find information, ask questions, seek help, and learn new skills when the need arises.

Homeschooling gives us a unique opportunity to help our children develop this kind of self-awareness. As we work alongside them, they begin to discover how they learn best, what strategies help them succeed, and what supports they need when challenges arise. Long after the curriculum is forgotten, these skills remain. A child who knows how to learn can continue growing throughout their entire life, and that may be one of the greatest educational gifts we can provide.

Want to explore this topic further? Listen to Episode 99 of The OT Is In Podcast: What We Wish We Knew Before We Started Homeschooling.

Listen to more episodes: homeschoolot.com/podcast