Meet the Teacher: Homeschooling Adventures with Me and My Friends
Hey, there! Welcome back to Making Everyday Magic. I’m Shanna, and if you’re new here, we’re a close-knit family of four embarking on our seventh year of homeschooling. I have a sixth-grader and a second-grader, and today, I’m thrilled to host a collaboration with some of our favorite secular homeschooling friends. So, what’s on the agenda today? We’re getting to know the teacher!
But before we dive into that, do me a favor. As always, feel free to connect with me in the comments below or over on Instagram at Making Everyday Magic.
One of my favorite traditions at the beginning of each school year is hosting a “Meet the Teacher” session. It’s a fantastic way for us to connect, especially since we’ve gained so many new friends over the past year. This time, we’re making it a collaboration, and I’m excited to introduce you to some amazing secular homeschooling families. You can find the entire playlist linked here. Hang tight until you’ve finished here, and then dive into everyone else’s content. It’s a fantastic way to make new friends and discover fresh perspectives on homeschooling.
Now, let’s get to know me a little better. I’ve prepared a set of questions for myself, similar to the ones I’ve shared with my fellow homeschoolers. Let’s dive in:
1. What Led Us to This Path?
We embarked on this homeschooling journey when my oldest started kindergarten. Traditional schooling just didn’t feel right for us. My husband and I are passionate about continuous learning, and we wanted to ensure our children had the freedom to explore their interests at their own pace.
2. My Favorite Subjects to Teach
I’ve developed a deep love for teaching history, even though I’m not an expert. We tackle it as a family, and I find myself learning alongside my kids. It’s not about me having all the answers; it’s about us sharing the joy of discovery.
3. Teaching Philosophy and Style
Our approach blends curriculum with eclectic elements. We value interest-led learning, which allows us to adapt and explore subjects organically but we do choose and follow curriculum pieces for many subjects. We want learning to be a collaborative journey.
4. Balancing Roles as a Parent and Teacher
Balancing these roles can be challenging, especially for a completionist like me. I’m learning to be more flexible and stay on top of household chores while ensuring schoolwork gets the attention it deserves. My desire to just power through when nearing the end is not something that my children share. It can be hard for me to remember and balance that.
5. Creating a Conducive Learning Environment
We don’t have a dedicated homeschool room. Instead, we use our common spaces. Accessibility and flexibility are key for us, allowing both my children to learn together.
6. Helpful Resources and Curriculum
I prefer resources and curriculum that provide clear guidance and structure. I don’t need to be the one gathering information; I want tools that empower me to learn alongside my children. I also love being able to adapt the pieces we use to suit our own schedules and styles.
7. Tailoring Teaching Methods to Individual Needs
Each of my children has unique learning styles. It’s crucial to adapt my teaching methods to suit their individual needs. Setting clear expectations is also important. Having a 6th grader and a 2nd grader means that even if we are learning together I have different expectations from each girl.
8. Involving Children in Planning
I involve my children in planning by considering their preferences and feedback. Their input helps make the learning experience enjoyable and effective for them.
9. Extracurricular Activities and Field Trips
We’re an adventurous family, and we love traveling and exploring. We believe that learning happens everywhere, and we don’t always need structured activities or field trips to enrich our homeschooling experience. We can still learn a ton without having to make every outing a structured learning event.
10. Most Rewarding Aspect of Homeschooling
The most rewarding part of homeschooling is having the freedom to instill a love for learning in my children. We cherish the time we spend together as a family, and our homeschooling journey strengthens our bond.
In conclusion, I’m excited to share our homeschooling adventure with you. If you resonate with any of these questions, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on Instagram. And don’t forget to explore the playlist and content from my fellow homeschooling friends. Thanks for joining us on this journey, and I hope you find inspiration and support in our experiences. Bye, everyone!
