Last Friday we were pleasantly surprised by a call from my sister, a school librarian, who is currently working on earning her Master's Degree in Media Science. She'd called to ask me if we had time for her to interview myself and either N or T regarding their reading habits for an assignment that she had to complete and turn in that day. I agreed, and as T was busily working on her math, I asked N if he'd like to be interviewed by his Aunt Alicia for one of her classes. He excitedly agreed and said that it sounded like fun.

I was so blessed as I listened to his answers, and was especially tickled to see how much he enjoyed the whole affair, proclaiming afterwards "how nice it was to have someone (besides his parents- you know) asking his opinion on things." He was practically glowing as he considered and shared his answers to her questions. Here are just a few:

I'm amazed that people don't like reading about history... it's my favorite subject to learn. I think lately my best teacher has been myself, since I just read so much. I read mostly before my bed-time, and between school work, mostly biographies, history books and historical fiction. I like myths and fairy tales too.

What do I think makes a person a good reader? I think reading out loud because it helps your mind, and helps yourself pronunciate the words better, so you can practice reading silently on your own time. When you're reading out loud, your mind can hear the words and remember them... and it keeps you from being embarrassed, to find out later that you think you're reading great in your mind, but then when you read something out to read like a second grader...

Q.10. What are your favorite and least favorite subjects in school? Why?

I'd say maybe grammar is my least favorite. It's pretty boring for me even though I know it's good for me because I need it even though it's not one of my biggest interests.

My most favorite subject is definitely history because I like reading about all the famous emperors and kings like Julius Caesar when he was a general in the Roman army and all the plots, strategies and stuff. Reading history is definitely more than just reading about a bunch of dead guys. It's the story of kings and generals, plots and assassinations, generals turned to emperors and lots of adventure. It's very interesting reading about the past is why.

Q.12. What would you most like teachers to change about school?

Public schools?:

I think that teachers at public school, even though, depending on what classes they have, are working with over six hours of schooling plus homework afterward at home, so I think they should focus on two or three subjects at a time and then deepen them more. I have talked to my friends who used to go to public school and based on web sites that I read on my own and that my Dad gives me I can tell they cram a lot more material toward students rather than giving them a chance to soak it in.

(Well said Nathan... it's called teaching to the tests. I don't think I could have said it better myself!)

Home School Changes?:

I think a lot of parents over stress themselves, thinking they have to be up to standards or up above public schooling when they first begin home schooling because they hear that home schooling is better. This makes it to where there is too much stress when they try to teach just like a public school. That is the glory of home schooling because that most of the time the student gets to choose some of his or her assignments and subjects for the day, to have input.

*sighs* Where did he learn THAT? It's so true! The boy's a thinker alright. Makes a Momma proud...

Q.13. What would you most like your parents to change about your home life?

There is not a lot they could change. I like my lifestyle, it is very laid back. I think they give me enough things to do to keep me going. There is bored and then there is irritating bored where you start to annoy other people on purpose and stuff like that. We just moved and I used to have more pets, with more chores, but lately we are getting in to harder school work like starting Algebra and high school level work such as more written out reports, tests, and stuff like that, which keeps me busy. It's pretty balanced.

Q.26. Which is better: reading or watching tv?

I guess it just depends on what book you are wanting to read or what show you are wanting to watch.

It was very encouraging for me too, when my sis called back later just to express to me how impressed she was with his thoughtfulness as he answered each question, pausing for reflection as she asked her questions, and conversating so comfortably with her. She said the most frustrating part was all that she missed, as she couldn't type fast enough to keep up with his answers while holding the phone at the same time. I was just tickled to see his positive responses and insightfulness regarding homeschooling and education in general, not only in the interview itself, but in our discussion of it afterwards. Love that boy.

Click here to read the complete interview.

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