If I Started Now Homeschool Edition | 8 Years of Homeschool Hindsight
Welcome to Making Everyday Magic! My name is Shanna, and our family has been homeschooling for eight wonderful years. With the power of hindsight, I’m excited to share what I would do if I were to start homeschooling now. Whether you’re just starting out or revisiting your homeschool approach, this insight could help you shape the journey ahead.
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Laying the Foundation for Learning
If I could zap back in time, I’d focus even more on laying a strong foundation for learning. Not just academic skills like recognizing letters and numbers, but also life skills and character development. These include:
- Teaching patience and respect for others.
- Encouraging children to take safe risks, like going down the slide without fear.
- Instilling routines, like making the bed and cleaning up after themselves.
- Helping them explore new foods and take care of their bodies.
These life skills are just as important as the ABCs when it comes to preparing our kids for the future. Setting a strong foundation ensures children are ready to embrace both life and learning.
Embracing Open-Ended Play
I would make open-ended play a cornerstone of our homeschool. Encouraging activities like:
- Building with Legos and blocks.
- Engaging with puzzles and coloring.
- Exploring learning apps like Numberblocks or Teach Your Monster to Read.
These play-based activities create a fun and engaging environment where children develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills—essential for long-term success.
The Right Curriculum Choices
In hindsight, knowing the curriculum that resonates with my children has been invaluable. If I started now, here’s what I’d choose:
Language Arts: I would use All About Reading from the start, going through all levels, and pair it with All About Spelling. Around Level 4 of reading, I’d introduce Michael Clay Thompson’s Poodle Series for a more structured yet enriching approach.
Math: I’d begin with Math-U-See up to pre-algebra, then switch to Denison for a more engaging middle school experience.
Science: Fun is the key! I’d choose resources like Mystery Science, Generation Genius, and hands-on experiences like learning physics with Legos. Programs like marine biologist camps and homeschool days at places like SeaWorld would also be part of the plan.
History: History Quest would remain our go-to. Its engaging, narrative style brings history to life. Coupling this with field trips, graphic novels, and literature deepens the learning experience.
Critical Thinking: I’d continue to use workbooks from Critical Thinking Co. as they offer fun, engaging ways for kids to stretch their minds. Simple logic puzzles and games help children learn to think differently, preparing them for future challenges.
Geography: I’d integrate map-based games and apps like Google Earth, allowing kids to explore the world in a fun, interactive way.
Incorporating Art and Music
Art has always been a big part of our homeschool. From simple supplies that encourage creativity to video-based art history lessons, there are so many ways to inspire your children. Programs like Woven Melodies beautifully tie music and art together, enriching our children’s lives through exposure to composers and different mediums.
Handwriting and Kits
If I had to start over, I’d embrace Zaner-Bloser handwriting from the beginning. The approach is structured yet fun, with resources like QR codes that demonstrate proper technique.
Lastly, I have to mention the non-religious Timberdoodle kits. These kits helped us branch out and discover the joy of incorporating games, robotics, and puzzles into our homeschool. They gave me the confidence to experiment and tailor our education to my children’s specific needs.
The Common Theme: Fun and Flexibility
The biggest lesson from my eight years of homeschooling? Inject more fun and freedom into learning as early as possible! Engaging projects, art, and science experiments make homeschooling not just productive but enjoyable. Harder doesn’t always mean better, and in hindsight, I would have embraced our own homeschool style much sooner.
Final Thoughts
If you’re starting homeschooling now or rethinking your approach, I hope my insights help you find the right path for your family. The beauty of homeschooling is the flexibility to adapt, pivot, and even quit when something doesn’t work. Your journey will be unique, but I hope you find your own “holy grail” that fits your family’s needs and learning styles.
Homeschooling is a personal journey filled with growth and learning for both parents and children. It’s okay to change course and make adjustments as you go. In the end, you’ll discover what works best for your family and build a rewarding, memorable homeschool experience.
I hope this post helps you find inspiration for your own homeschool journey!
