Fringe benefits

I observed a morethanfine fringe benefit of homeschooling yesterday afternoon. We had taken a field trip to the Norfolk Botanical Gardens for their annual 'History Alive' event--where there are reenactors from many different historical eras. 5 homeschooling families got together to go with kids ages 3-14.

At one point, I watched as my 8 year old son walked and talked with the 12 year old daughter from another family. They had no concern about the 4 year age difference or that he is in 3rd grade and she is in 7th or that she is a girl and he is a boy. They are just friends who were enjoying a conversation about a Viking reenactor.

It is too bad that school often forces kids into an age/grade segregation mindset. It is cool to see all different kids mingle together and enjoy each other's company regardless of age. I am so glad we are homeschoolers!

Barb