HOMESCHOOL
Now, let’s talk homeschool.
Because maybe you live in a state that has removed all your exemptions, or your school district is requiring masking for children. Maybe you want to be in charge of what your children are learning about this time we are in.
Or maybe you just feel that calling in your bones to bring your child home and educate them yourself.
Maybe it’ll be for a year, maybe you’ll go through the whole way.
Either way, this post is for you.
Last year we decided to homeschool Grey for a multitude of reasons. Some of them had to do with the current climate (I won’t mask my children, and I want to be in charge of what they are learning about current events.) and some of it was truly a feeling in my soul. I wanted to be with him more, watching him learn and grow and ask questions.
Parents, you are fully capable of teaching your children. There are an abundance of resources, curriculums, styles, unschooling, allllll the things - out there for you to draw from. You can take it year by year. You don’t have to commit to this for the rest of your life.
// OUR EXPERIENCE //
For our first year, Grey was in Kindergarten. Our days looked like this: waking up slowly, playing in the morning while mama drank her coffee and became human again, then we did about 20 mins of The Good and The Beautiful language arts. Math was done during our regular life - while baking, collecting eggs - math is literally everywhere. Reading was done all day long - reading signs and labels as we lived life, and reading to Mila at bedtime. For science, whatever Grey kept asking me questions about, we turned into a science lesson. Wanna know about weather, volcanoes, sharks, tornadoes? Okay, we watched youtube videos and did unit studies. (I’ll link ones we loved below)
Unit studies were awesome for us, bc they were based in things the kids were interested in, and they combine ALL aspects of learning. Writing, math, science, art, etc.
We talked a LOT about current events. We read the Tuttle Twins books. We talked about law, and right from wrong, and standing up for what you believe in - even when it’s hard. We talked about giving people grace and understanding - even when we disagree.
We played. A LOT. Kids learn by playing - period. We had so many hangs with friends, and Grey is out in the world with me - learning to speak to adults and carry on a conversation with another person.
// GET CREATIVE //
If homeschool is on your heart - but aren’t sure how to make it work - get creative. Join your local homeschool community, they often have group activities and things they do together. Grab some other friends who want to homeschool and trade off - maybe once a week you host an activity at your house, maybe you all meet up at a park or museum.
Create a pod! We did this for Mila last year, and will do it again this year. I know MANY local families who do this with older children too. Get a few kids together, and hire someone. Get a lot of kids together, and hire someone. Whatever. Be creative if this is on your heart for your family. I know many families who homeschool on every single income level and schedule.
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// RESOURCES //
What are my state requirements?:
HSLDA.org - This will give you a complete walk through on exactly what you need to submit to homeschool in your state.
Remember:
You are informing your district that you are going to homeschool. They don’t “approve” you. You just need to submit the proper paperwork for your state to inform them. (Some states require no paperwork at all!)
DO NOT OVERCOMPLY.
Many districts do not fully understand the law - and will come back with a list of items or requirements. This is over compliance and you do NOT need to comply with anything that is not required by law.
Do not submit more than what is required - period.
HSLDA can help walk you through what to do if your district is asking for more information than they need.
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// BOOKS //
These are my two favorite, must-read books if you are thinking of homeschool.
+ Call of The Wild + Free
This is the book that gave me confidence to make the step into homeschool and I felt like her words spoke to my soul and exactly what I was feeling.
+ The 5 Hour School Week
This book is a must-read for understanding how homeschool differs from regular school. You are NOT recreating a classroom environment. Learning is happening everywhere.
This was also hugely helpful!
+ Free to Learn
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// WEBSITES //
There are a MILLION different ways and styles to homeschool. There is no one size fits all approach - at all. My goal was to allow Grey’s interests to lead, and not recreate the classroom.
I’ll list some of the tools we loved below, but please share in the comments your favorite resources!
Good & The Beautiful
https://www.goodandbeautiful.com
Gather Round
https://gatherroundhomeschool.com
Stephanie Hathaway Designs Unit Studies
https://www.stephaniehathawaydesigns.com
Playful Pioneer
https://www.thepeacefulpreschool.com/the-playful-pioneers-2
Jones Roots
Tuttle Twins
Homer App: This is the only educational app my kids use
https://glnk.io/8zx0/anniehauserc
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// INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS //
I have a homeschool highlight with tons of resources:
www.instagram.com/anniehauserc
Wild + Free
https://instagram.com/wildandfree.co
Five Hour School Week
https://instagram.com/5hourschoolweek
Your Natural Learner
https://instagram.com/yournaturallearner
Our Home School Journey
https://instagram.com/ourhomeschooljourney1
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I hope this helps you, if you’ve been considering homeschool. I am no expert, but I am a mom who is passionate about teaching our children however we feel is best. Homeschool is not for everyone - and that’s okay. There are plenty of amazing schools out there - and plenty of kids who thrive in them. Zero judgement from me on what you choose to do with your children - they are your children and you know best. ❤️
Not the government, not the internet, not your friends, not your family - YOU - the parent - knows what’s best for your children.
