3 Things I've stopped doing in my Homeschool

1. Stop Expecting so much

Firstly, I stopped expecting too much from my children and instead trusted the learning process. By providing them with resources and opportunities, I allowed them to learn and engage at their own pace, fostering a love for learning that goes beyond academic achievements. Once a child is interested in a topic, it requires little encouragement and effort for them to learn. I learned to look out for interests and build on them while incorporating other subjects. This is known as 'unit studies' in homeschool. For example, my daughter was interested in extinct animals, so we did handwriting of extinct animal names, located the places they lived on a map and looked at the habitats they lived in (science and geography, and I managed to find maths problems that involved extinct animals from Twinkl!

2. Abandon sit-down work

Children are full of energy and are not meant to sit down for hours to learn- unless they are a rare child prodigy. Therefore, I abandoned the idea of sit-down work and worksheets, especially since my children were under the age of six. Recognizing their need for flexibility and play, I incorporated toys, outdoor exploration, videos and interactive activities into our learning routine. This not only made learning more enjoyable but also helped them develop essential skills through hands-on experiences.

Having a background in Child Education, I learned it is not developmentally appropriate for young children to do formal learning under the age of six. Children learn mainly through their senses and imagination. Planning activities doesn't have to be complicated, its amazing how much fun a child has with a large cardboard box! Paint it, turn it into a car, add stickers. I also learned that in order for children to play, it does require no screen time. When my children had too much screen time, I noticed it left them feeling irritable afterwards. I reduced screen time gradually and saw a difference in how they play and even interact with others.

3. Stop using the National Curriculum

Lastly, I stopped relying on the national curriculum to track learning progress. Understanding that it's a one-size-fits-all approach, I realised that homeschooling grants us the freedom to explore diverse topics and life skills beyond what's prescribed. While my child may excel in certain areas and lag in others, I trust that she'll learn at her own pace and in her unique way. Moreover, I prioritize teaching life skills such as tidying, cleaning, emotional regulation, and effective communication, which are often overlooked in traditional curricula but essential for success in life.

By letting go of rigid expectations and embracing a more flexible approach to homeschooling, I've witnessed my children thrive, not just academically, but holistically as well. It's a journey of discovery and growth that continues to enrich our lives every day.

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