What is Deschooling?

Deschooling refers to a period of adjustment where families take time away from formal educational structures and curricula to allow for a smoother transition into homeschooling. This period is not simply a break but an important time to unlearn the rigidity of traditional school settings and embrace the flexibility and personalized learning that homeschooling offers.

Kindergarten readiness often brings to mind lists of skills like counting to 10, knowing the alphabet, or being able to sit still. But readiness should not be about pushing kids to give up naps prematurely, part with their comfort items, or sit motionless. It isn’t just about what they know or how quickly they learn—learning paces can vary greatly among children, and that's perfectly okay. True readiness isn't a fixed state; rather, it's about fostering a love for learning, developing curiosity, and nurturing emotional and social maturity. We should be asking, "Does my child love learning?" rather than checking off skills on a list.

Even if you’ve been homeschooling for a while, it’s always beneficial to refresh your strategy and explore new resources. Take this opportunity to inject new life into your homeschooling practices, ensuring your children remain curious and passionate learners.

Incorporating state standards into your homeschool doesn't mean sacrificing the uniqueness of your educational path. Instead, it means enriching your child's learning with a broad base, then expanding beyond it in ways that ignite their passion, creativity, and critical thinking. With the flexibility of homeschooling, you can use state standards not as a strict checklist, but as a framework to ensure your child's education is comprehensive and well-rounded, all while keeping their individual needs and interests at the forefront.

A self-guided homeschool curriculum is a powerful way to equip your child with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. By providing the right balance of freedom and support, you can help your child build a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and confidence that will serve them for years to come.

These ten simple spring art activities are designed to inspire creativity, teach new skills, and appreciate the natural world. Remember, the process is just as important as the product, so encourage your children to express themselves freely and enjoy the act of creation.

Guide Dot Art has been more than just an addition to our art curriculum; it has become a testament to the core values of homeschooling—flexibility, creativity, and the pursuit of personalized education.

Understanding the intricacies of spelling goes beyond memorizing letter sequences; it's about connecting sounds with symbols and unlocking the code of language. This skill is crucial for developing fluency in reading, enhancing writing clarity, and fostering a deeper comprehension of text. It serves as the scaffolding upon which children can build their language skills, enabling them to decode new words, articulate thoughts, and engage with diverse forms of literature.

Morning baskets weave together various strands of learning into a cohesive, engaging experience that caters to the diverse interests and learning styles within a family. Here's why they are an invaluable addition to your homeschooling routine: