Learning in a Variety of Creative Ways: Sara McGrath's Interview

Hey, I just noticed that today's interview marks the 100th family that has participated in this blog project! That's a lot of families. That might be more families than rocks my son collected or screws my husband dropped. Nah, who am I kidding.

Anyway before I start working towards 200, I need to continue with our 100th interview and today we get to hear from Sara McGrath.

Sara has three children and lives in the state of Washington. She has a website, Unschooling Lifestyle, where she blogs about her family's experiences and has organized and compiled lots of "practical unschooling" resources to help other families. In addition, she offers a free weekly newsletter which you can subscribe to from her site.

1. How long have you been homeschooling (or if finished, how long did you homeschool)?

We've been homeschooling for about 10 years, or since my eldest was born.

2. One of the main benefits of homeschooling is the freedom and flexibility it allows. Can you give us a few examples of how this freedom and flexibility benefited you (your family)?

Some of my favorite things about the homeschooling lifestyle are the freedom to learn however much we want of whatever we want for as long as we want in whatever ways we want. Plus, I love being together as a family and having the freedom and flexibility to hit the road or go and do whatever we want without a lot of planning. My daughters have delved deeply into their favorite subjects and activities and learned in a variety of creative ways from a number of different people.

3. Another benefit of homeschooling is the fun factor. Can you give us a few examples of some especially fun times you had as a result of homeschooling?

We've visited every museum around and family trips take on much more meaning than they might. Because the kids have always taken responsibility for their own learning, they look for opportunities and get really excited about their discoveries.

4. We all have funny experiences while homeschooling. Can you share one of yours with us?

I can't think of any one funny instance. Because we're all comfortable in our home environment and with each other, we laugh often.