I’m thrilled to return from maternity leave, with my new little girl, Ellie Rose, soundly asleep on my chest as I write. Taking this step back into the podcast world while balancing motherhood feels so good and aligns perfectly with the theme of this episode: sharing more about our first official year of homeschooling with my older daughters.
The Homeschooling Decision
A few weeks ago, I put up a poll on Instagram asking what you wanted to hear about next on the podcast, and the overwhelming response was our homeschool journey. I love that because it really shows how many families are exploring alternative ways to educate their children, a movement that I think began to take root around 2020 when so many were forced into virtual learning.
In my latest episode, I open up about our decision to home educate our girls, at least for now, and share honestly that we’re learning as we go, taking things year by year as our girls grow and develop their own interests and personalities. I’ve always believed that young children should spend as much time as possible in nature, and that structured learning can come later.
In this episode, I share what led us to homeschool, the research and resources that have shaped my own philosophy around early education, and what our days actually look like this year with a preschooler and kindergartner.
If you’ve ever considered an alternative path for your own child’s education, especially in the early years, I hope this episode gives you some insight, encouragement, and confidence to choose the path that feels right for your family.
Qualification and Attainability
The question of qualification is often a deterrent for many considering homeschooling. But I believe, as a parent, you are perfectly positioned to teach your child, driven by love and a desire for them to succeed. Education is about nurturing the innate curiosity children have, rather than simply imparting a slew of facts. I’ve discovered that fostering a joy for learning and wonder is truly what matters most.
Our Daily Rhythm
Homeschooling doesn’t need to look like school at home. Unlike traditional schooling, where a day is structured to educate many at once, homeschooling can be tailored to your children’s pace and interests. Our learning sessions are brief, allowing time for life skills, exploration, and creativity. A significant aspect of our setup is involvement with our nature-based co-op. It provides socialization in a diverse age group setting, enriching their educational experience with real-world interactions and learning from different perspectives. This community aspect is crucial, offering mutual support and wisdom sharing among parents.
Balancing with Business
Juggling a business alongside homeschooling is no easy feat. It requires support systems and time management. My schedule allows for dedicated workdays and co-op days while homeschooling fits into the remaining time. Our aim is simplicity, focusing on foundational skills in these early years and embracing learning through life itself.
Why We Homeschool
There are many reasons behind our choice to homeschool. We love slow mornings, cherish unstructured outdoor play, and appreciate the flexibility that homeschooling affords. Most importantly, this path offers substantial family time, enabling us to create lasting memories and experience so much of life’s offerings together. We’re part of an enriching homeschool co-op that connects us with like-minded families and educators. The co-op meets outdoors, creating a love for nature and diverse learning experiences. My daughters are gaining a beautiful education, balanced with the joys of childhood and sibling bonds.
Looking Ahead
Our journey is an evolving one, taken year by year. It will adapt to our daughters’ interests and needs as they grow. The beauty of homeschooling lies in its adaptability. We remain open to modifying our path as necessary, ensuring it continues to align with our family’s values and lifestyle. Homeschooling might not be for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay. The essence is about realizing what works best for your family and committing to nurturing a lifelong love for learning. For those contemplating this journey or drawn to the idea of slowing down childhood’s rush, I encourage you to explore and connect with others on this path.
Resources
Books & Curricula
- Handwriting Without Tears – a handwriting curriculum used to teach penmanship.
- Explode the Code – phonics workbooks geared toward reading readiness.
- Bob Books – beginning reader sets for early literacy.
- Modern Miss Mason (by Leah Boden) – a book on the philosophy of education inspired by Charlotte Mason.
- Treehouse Schoolhouse / the “Nature Study” program – a seasonal nature-study curriculum for families.
Podcasts / Communities
- The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast – a podcast (and movement) encouraging outdoor time for children and families.
- Wild + Free Community
- Seaside Kids Collective – a nature-based homeschool co-op
