Episode 1: How to Think Like a Homeschooler

What does it mean to think like a homeschooler?

To think like a homeschooler means thinking beyond curriculum, standardized test scores, and sitting at a desk for six hours a day. But it can be challenging to transition from a public school mindset to a homeschooling mindset. Unless we were homeschooled ourselves, we tend to believe by default that education needs to include textbooks and tests, quarterly grades, following the traditional school year calendar, and teachers who are certified to teach.

In this episode, Harmony, Annie, Heather, and Lindsay unpack what it means to think like a homeschooling parent, which means a significant change in mindset–one that leads away from the beaten path.

They share how they thought homeschooling had to look when they first started–repeating the Pledge of Allegiance and having school desks. And how their homeschools look now–snuggled up on the couch reading good books, child-led learning, and a lot of flexibility. Flexibility is vital to thinking like a homeschooler!

Every year and even every season will look different. Our children are continually growing, and our homeschools need to adapt to changes.

We talk about teaching for mastery, not pushing our kids before they are ready, and caring more about their heart than their smart.

We hope you enjoy listening to us break down what it means to think like a homeschooler!

In this episode, we’re talking about:

• How homeschoolers define and assess learning
• Methods homeschoolers use to integrate education and home life
• How homeschoolers view curriculum
• Why homeschooling can meet all your children’s needs with you at the helm
• How homeschooling benefits our children and families by scaffolding relationships and making family time the top priority

Links from this episode:

• Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
• Rainbow Resource Center
• Abebooks
• Thriftbooks

Click the play button below to listen:

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To learn more about The Relatable Homeschoolers, check out our About Us page!