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The statistics on home schooling are pretty amazing.

The state of Florida alone had over 56,000 learning at home in 2007, up from 10,039 in the 1991-92 school year.

There are controversial aspects to home schooling. Many towns and cities in Florida and across the country complain about the loss of per pupil funding. Educators point to the “brain drain” with some of the most affluent and articulate parents no longer involved in public education. Others challenge whether parents as a whole have the skills to teach. And social scientists question whether the home school environment sufficiently prepares children for the diversity of democratic living or adequately socializes them for main stream USA.

But according to a study done at the University of Florida for the home schooled child there is much to gain. The study found home schoolers were generally more patient and less competitive. They tended to introduce themselves to one another more; they didn’t fight as much. And the home schoolers were much more prone to exchange addresses and phone numbers.

For now, home schooling is still growing, and it’s no longer confined to a fringe that may never have believed in the idea of public education. People from all political and social strata are discovering the benefits of home schooling.

Of course, home schooling is not for every family. The necessity of at least one parent being home for the concept to work would eliminate the opportunity for many moms and dads who work out of the home. And no doubt there are an enormous amount of resources required for home schooling to function well.

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Arriving home, I am thankful for the beauty of where we live year round and even more appreciative of our Sanibel retreat.

Although I have traveled to many continents and found beauty on them all, Sanibel and Captiva are iconic of America in their particular brand of beauty. The preservation of these islands despite the over-development of most of Florida and much of the USA is something worth evaluating as well as appreciating.

Among barrier islands, Sanibel and Captiva are unique. Their natural features, together with a climate that is subtropical in summer and temperate in winter, create unparalleled habitat for a diversity of birds, reptiles, mammals and aquatic life.

Sanibel is Southwest Florida‘s only barrier island with a significant southern exposure. It formed from a lobe extending from Captiva. Along its south-facing shores, the currents of the Gulf of Mexico deposit countless shells with every tide. Sanibel is also Southwest Florida’s only remaining double-barrier island, in which two major sets of ridges catch rains to produce an extensive system of interior freshwater. Just beneath the surface, a rain-fed freshwater lens protects the interior wetlands from saltwater intrusion.

Vegetation is luxuriant. On the ridges, cabbage palm, strangler fig, gumbo limbo, wax myrtle, wild coffee and a host of indigenous shrubs and trees flourish. In the lower swales, sawgrass, spartina grass, leather ferns, sedges and purslanes dominate.

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deck outside the kitchen & guestroom that overlooks the pavered deck, heated pool & spa. The open split-bedroom floor plan features tiled floors throughout, tray ceilings, & paddle fans in every room. The kitchen has stainless appliances, Corian counters & custom cabinets. The Master suite has walk-in, his/hers vanities, & marble shower. Second bath features tumbled marble shower with European style frameless doors & Corian counters. … “Sanibel Real Estate” “Sanibel Home” “Sanibel Beach home” …

Does walking along a beautiful sand beach collecting shells sound like a good way to relax? How about viewing wildlife in beautiful sunshiny weather? If these sound like fun activities, you will want to visit Sanibel Island in Florida. This tiny island, only 12 miles long by 5 miles wide at the largest point, is a wonderful spot to spend a vacation.

Sanibel Island has a lovely tropical climate with sunshine year-round. On days when it rains, it often clears up in time for visitors to enjoy a beautiful sunset. Sanibel is joined to the mainland by a causeway for easy access, and is also joined to another, smaller island right next to it named Captiva Island. The two islands combined offer excellent shopping, dining, and leisure for visitors.

Although there are many permanent homes on Sanibel Island, there are also many places for tourists to stay, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and resorts. No matter where you stay, you will be able to see beautiful scenery from your window and experience the laid-back pace of life on the island.

For a leisurely day, dress comfortably, put on lots of sunscreen, and set out to enjoy sights of wildlife on the island. It won’t take long for you to spot birds, ocean fish and mammals, and other interesting creatures. Bring your camera and some binoculars for the best views. Or, try putting on a mask and flippers and go snorkeling in the warm ocean waters to experience ocean life up close.

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