In a frenzy to collect every herb listed in Rodale’s Herb Encyclopedia, I planted the lovely angelica archangelica. I couldn’t resist the crown jewel of herbs. It put on a good show that summer, but it didn’t return.

Three years later, a volunteer angelica seedling landed right in front of my office window. It is magnificent!

I’m also finding several volunteer tomato plants that look so robust, that it’s a pity they don’t have much time before the frost kills them. What’s really bugging me is that I carefully planted and staked 20 different varieties of tomatoes, but none of those anemic specimens look as good as my weeds.Voluntary learners also thrive. In Guerrilla Learning - How To Give Your Kids A Real Education With or Without School, Grace Llewellyn and Amy Silver, cite 5 keys to creating a home environment that fills your child with the joy of learning.

The 5 keys to joyful learning are:

1. Opportunity - Allow kids to explore their world, not as an obligation, but for their enjoyment.
2. Timing - Allow kids to develop their own interests. Give them the opportunity, then back off!
3. Interest - Interest can be inspired, but it can’t be forced.
4. Freedom - Freedom means authentic choice.
5. Support - Use your resources (time, expertise, etc.) to help your kids achieve their goals.

When I try to push Alex to do work he doesn’t care about, he drags. I feel like I’m pulling teeth to get one tiny kernel of completed work. Yet, when he decided to read the Gregor Overlander series - which should be well above his reading level- he moved mountains to make that possible.

I have to remember that my job is to inspire and support, not to rein in the kids.

Receive free On Living By Learning articles by email.  Click this link.