Worldschooling Pop-up - Athens 2023
This will probably be one of the most personal blogs I write on here as the concept of Worldschooling is just so close to my heart. From the moment Baxter was born, I've approached parenting with a healthy dose of scepticism. The majority of my first year as a parent was spent without much support, leaving my thoughts largely uninfluenced and open to shaping my own parenting philosophy. People often ask if I had always intended to home-educate Baxter. The truth is, I just never saw mainstream schooling as the only option. I’ve always been pretty determined so have the attitude of I’ll just make it work one way or another as best I can. Well, it seems I did…even this…I’m still a little mind-blown tbh and can't believe we found an option that fitted our needs (this includes, duration, cost, structure and more) and I will always be grateful to the amazing woman who launched this project and essentially served as a springboard to my dreams!
For those who are new to this idea; Worldschooling is all about providing the opportunity for kids to learn about the world around them through a range of diverse people and cultures that go beyond their own. It's about acknowledging the privilege that makes this possible, recognizing that not every family can embark on this journey. But, for those that seek this lifestyle, I have also come to find travel doesn't have to be the expensive escapade we've been led to believe. A treasure trove of affordable options, from last-minute flights to budget airlines, has turned globetrotting into a viable adventure. Flexibility is key, and innovative apps like Google Flights and Skyscanner are your secret weapons. For accommodation, Airbnb is still our go-to, but we're also dabbling in house/pet sitting and swaps this year. It's not just cost-effective, it's a unique way to immerse ourselves in local life and spend time with animals which we both love.
In a world where technology bridges many gaps both socially and professionally, World Schooling also faces the challenge of forming social bonds. But the digital realm has transformed the way our kids connect. From ten-year-olds trading Minecraft usernames to teens excitedly planning upcoming trips via WhatsApp, they're anything but isolated. And then, there are pop-up events like this, where families come together to learn, share experiences, and create unforgettable memories. Perhaps worth noting, many world schooling events last for much longer - personally I feel this is even more beneficial for all concerned. However, our current situation only allows for a week at most, making these short but joyful gatherings perfect for us. With flexibility at the forefront, these events offer a mix-and-match itinerary, connecting like-minded families through shared interests and a passion for exploration.
During our time in Athens, Baxter's transformation was beyond anything I expected. His confidence soared and one of my new favourite memories will always be watching him share his ice-cream with two new friends; one Hungarian and one Italian at the top of a Greek mountain as if it was just another day. This open-mindedness to new experiences and cultures is the essence of how I want him to grow up (and something that comes very naturally to children!) – embracing diversity in all its forms. Our time in Athens was a toe-dip into this lifestyle of encounters with people from all walks of life – we met retired naval officers, diplomats, full and part-time travelling families – all with unique perspectives on politics, education, and life itself.
We made so many lasting memories from volunteering with a charity that cares for street cats, exploring historical sites like the Acropolis, and more than anything simply witnessing Baxter's creativity sparked by the world around him. For weeks after he was adding engravings of Medusa into his pottery, rebuilding the acropolis with wooden blocks and more.
Beaches were always popular with their abundance of natural (and human-made!) loose parts. I can't even count the number of collaborative projects the kids worked on here but one that will always stick out is the beach clean-up come sculpture session immediately after visiting a sanctuary for injured turtles. For me, this type of learning will always hold more meaning, more value and more potential for retention than anything learned in a classroom.
As those who know me are aware my appetite for adventure has always been insatiable, and my enthusiasm for activities knows no bounds - exacerbated by the diagnosis of a degenerative disease.. Sharing the world's wonders and my passion for exploration with Baxter has become my dream and my goal. In our time here he had the opportunity to play, learn, explore and socialise. He used euro and confidently approached native Greek speakers as well as the myriad of languages in our group. For the purists you could say he learned English, Math, Science, Social studies and much much more.
Of course, photography is always close to my heart and adds an extra layer to this journey like any other. It's essentially an excuse to say "Look at this!" as we explore together, so if you are interested please check out the photos below. Our time in Athens was a kaleidoscope of experiences, from museum visits to engineering marvels to mingling with street cats and I can confidently say was the ignition spark I needed to continue down this path of opportunity.
With thanks to
