We are a neurodivergent, single-parent household with one remaining teen of school age (L, 15 years old). Two older siblings (C, 19 and A, 23) sometimes join our activities out and about and often join in home-based learning. However, our learning no longer looks anything like traditional schooling: L is a self-directed learner and prefers periods of deep dives / hyperfocus. Our home education style has evolved to be very much unschooling.
Currently, we are job searching and working on a resume. We are investigating potential career paths as L is showing interest in formal learning for a purpose. We have yet to decide and are just taking our time looking through options.
Monday
I work Monday mornings and L prefers a sleep-in. Early mornings are often unproductive anyway, so it’s a perfect time for me to work. In the afternoons, L does her daily Duolingo, learning Japanese, and often watches anime or reads whatever her current favourite book series is, or re-reads favourites with fantasy themes, based on history or mythology.
Monday evenings are volleyball training and this routine helps with time management and planning as she needs to ensure that she has washed her gear, showered, etc., and eaten by a certain time. She works best when she manages this routine rather than being told by me.
Tuesday
Tuesday mornings, I run a STEAM group for teens, which L used to attend but the morning time slot didn’t work well for her. L often helps prepare activities for this group and helps me test things out—STEAM learning via stealth! Tuesday afternoon is our board games group, which A also attends with us. Tuesday evenings are for volleyball again—this time social games with both the girls’ and boys’ teams, which A referees.
Wednesday
Wednesday morning is pottery class, which L has been attending for years and enjoys immensely. It’s a small
local group and easy to get to, as it’s less than ten minutes away (essential for morning motivation!). Wednesday afternoons alternate—we either have indoor climbing, social catch ups with other home- educated teens, or craft group (also social). Once a month we also have psychology appointments in between activities. Wednesday is our only night off from sports, etc.
Thursday
Thursday mornings are quiet, with self-care tasks and watching TV dominating the time. A and C like to test themselves with quizzes on YouTube, mostly related to their special interests. That, or gaming together, happens during down time, either during the day or late in the evenings.
On Thursday afternoons L works as a mentor at a local autism group (alternate fortnights), supporting pre- school and primary school-aged home-educated kids with craft, engagement, games and more. Spending time with neurokin is important and valuable and L is a well-loved member of the team. Thursday evenings are long volleyball training sessions again.
Friday
One of L’s quiet days where she can choose her own activities. Learning here is not formal, and mostly happens incidentally. Sometimes she will info-dump all about her latest knowledge acquisition—usually prompted by its relation to favourite characters or series (books, TV, gaming, etc.). I learn a lot from her and know more about mythology and languages than I ever learnt at school!
The Weekend
Saturday is volleyball game day, which means very early mornings (the horror!). The whole day is usually spent at the volleyball venues as A plays as well, and they watch each other’s games, as well as friends’ games. Sometimes L hangs out with volleyball friends afterwards and usually arranges to hang out on Sunday also. Family time is mutual decompression after a busy week, shared games (board or digital) and sometimes outings.
Otherways 177 – August 2023
