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Issy Butson
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Issy Butson

The Word 'Educate' Doesn't Mean What You Think It Does

I have a short but incredibly empowering tidbit for you today: If you look at most current definitions of the word ‘educate’, they will talk about the act or process of imparting knowledge or skill. They will focus on systematic instruction, teaching, and schooling. But the Latin word it came...

Issy Butson

Opening Our Roadschool

Sunday, 10am, a week before Christmas 2022. I’ve just pulled our car and caravan onto a narrow strip of gravel near the highest point of Arthur’s Pass. Arguably the most stunning of three alpine passes that traverse the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand, and...

Issy Butson

Why Are You Still Sweating Over Academics?

What you think you need to teach your homeschooled children: math, science, history, language. What you really need to teach them: How to question How to explore How to communicate How to fail How to listen How to believe in themselves How to understand others How to respect differences in...

Issy Butson

Does Homeschooling Develop Resilience?

Yes, life can be hard. Yes, it will throw challenges at you. But many of the things we talk about as being hard when it comes to school don't transfer to navigating true, rewarding life challenges.

Issy Butson

Is School Just The Childhood Rat Race?

‘Escaping the rat race’ is held up as the pinnacle of freedom for adults. No more strict daily schedules to set an alarm for, no more time spent on work that has no meaning to us, no more grinding ourselves into the dirt for hours on end every day, week,...

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