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After attempting to recreate school at home, I’ve spent 8 years slowing down, doing less “school” and more joyful discovery. Here’s how:
But first, why?
As homeschoolers, we have the time and space for children to ask questions, explore new ideas, and satisfy their curiosity. Hear me out: it’s totally fine to let your kids choose what they learn. This is part of the dream language my kids have learned in their time using Free the Mind Co’s Freeing Freddie program, which encourages imagination and exploration. These interests come from them trying (and failing at) new things like rock climbing, learning an instrument, and beginning their own businesses. (Yes, really.)
Your Turn
Discovery often happens through hands-on experiences. Take a look at the learning objectives from your state or governing educational body. Take those topics, and use your child’s interests to develop activities, trips, and lessons for them that allow them to continue wondering. As they pursue their interests, they learn to set goals, manage their time, and take responsibility for their education.
All Together Now
Homeschooling families are each others’ biggest cheerleaders. By loosening your grip on the “reins” of your child’s education, you’re allowing them to get out into their community and meet peers and experts of all kinds to satisfy their curiosity. Take advantage of these opportunities in your local library, museums, or government.
Here’s YOUR Homework
1. Start with Your Child’s Interests
Do you know what your child wonders about? Ask! Use this as a foundation to build your curriculum and learning activities. When children are excited about a subject, they are more likely to engage deeply and retain information. Tailoring lessons to their passions can transform learning from a chore into a delightful adventure enhancing emotional wellbeing and developing a mindset to delve into passions in life.
2. Be Flexible and Adaptable
One of your biggest assets as a homeschool family is your flexibility. However, many people are scared to lean into it for fear of regulations or “messing up” their child. Be open to adjusting your schedule, curriculum, and teaching methods based on what works best for your child. Flexibility ensures that learning remains a joyful and effective process, accommodating your child’s evolving needs and interests.
3. Utilize a Variety of Resources
Imagine if all you did every day was read from a text book or listen to lectures. That may not be too hard for you, as it was how most of us were taught! However, there’s no excuse for us to each kids in only one way. These days we have free and low-cost resources like Nearpod, the Libby app, and Code.org, just to name a few. These 3 tools alone support SO much of what we use in our homeschool… and they’re free! This variety not only prevents monotony but also caters to different learning styles, making education a more comprehensive and engaging process.
4. Encourage Independent Learning
Foster independence and self confidence by allowing your child to take charge of certain aspects of their education. Provide opportunities for them to make choices, set goals, and assess their progress. Can I share something amazing I’ve seen? My oldest daughter is a gifted writer, and devours books. She also loves helping others enjoy and understand process art. She decided to work ahead and finish her 6th grade language arts curriculum early, and spend the summer months developing her own Etsy shop. Everything from branding and product design, to an initial loan (from the Bank of Mom) and pricing strategies are things she’s planning out. This type of independent learning empowers kids, boosting their confidence and cultivating self-discipline and responsibility.
I’ve taught in public, private, and online settings, but nothing compares to the privilege of homeschooling and offering my kids the unique opportunities their schools simply weren’t built to give. Take the time to ask what your child dreams and wonders about. Their replies are gold, and are foundational in not only enhance your child’s academic development but also foster a lifelong love of learning.
Little about me. I am a homeschooling mom of 4 from Virginia, currently living with her husband and kiddos in Ecuador. I support homeschool moms looking to build a side hustle, while also providing printable & digital resources for gifted-style learning at melissaisteaching.com
