Hi,
I'm an editor and a columnist with Home Education Magazine. I'm also a homeschooling parent, one of my offspring is Claire who was one of the early writers for ApricotPie.

I am completing an upcoming book about interest-led learning, especially homeschooling beyond home. I need input from homeschoolers willing to share their insights and stories. I have a number of questions I'd like to ask to generate responses for inclusion in the book. Or please send your answers to my private email at stlaura at lcnoh dot com

I know these are big questions. I value your experience and your perspective. If you have time to answer even one I am very appreciative. Even a sentence or two would be wonderful.

*Can you talk about the ways you have made enriching connections with those who are different from you (in age, race, background,experience, etc)? Are there people in the area, on the net (forums, etc) or elsewhere who have widened your interests, expanded your worldview or given you valuable experiences?

*Can you give specific examples of the way you have followed an interest? How did the interest start? How did you pursue it?

*Can you tell me about a volunteer experience? Some details you may wish to include are how this volunteer position was found, what it entailed, what abilities it fostered, what relationships it may have helped develop, what lessons may have been learned. Or tell me what you think is important.

*While you may not separate "subjects" such as math, writing, history and science can you share some activities that have helped your comprehension grow?

*Have you generated your own ideas for enrichment such as field trips, tours, mentoring opportunities, volunteering? Please give an example or two.

*Have you or has someone you know gotten a business, club, organization or individual to offer programs, workshops, classes, field trips, apprenticeships or volunteer opportunities for homeschoolers which they did not have available before? Please give some details.

*What are some ways you "take" learning with you or seek out real life learning? By this I mean broadly to learn without textbook or worksheets.

*You're probably familiar with the term "being in the flow." Children in particular are energized by their interests. They can concentrate so fully that they lose sense of themselves, of time, even of discomfort. Can you talk about a time or times when you were pulled by the current of a project or interest?

*Can you talk about your homeschool journey? How do you feel it brought out your unique gifts and interests?

When you reply with answers to my questions please indicate how you would like your name (first only or first and last) to appear in the book should I use your answer, and please include your state if in the U.S. or country if out of the U.S. Your reply is taken as permission to use your words in the book.

Some editing for clarity and space may be necessary.

gratefully,
Laura Weldon