From Nature School to Homeschool: Finding Peace and Curriculum Choices

Navigating a Big Change: Why We Chose to Homeschool

For many families, the decision to homeschool is a significant one, filled with questions and uncertainties. Today, we’re sharing our journey – a recent shift for our family that’s been a long time coming. We've been open about this transition on Instagram, and many of you have asked about the ‘why’ behind it. This video dives into our decision-making process, our concerns about traditional schooling, and ultimately, how we arrived at the choice to bring our children’s education home. It’s been a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience, and we’re excited to share our story with you.

As homesteaders, we value a holistic approach to life – and that extends to our children's education. While we initially found a wonderful blend with a local nature school, recent circumstances led us to re-evaluate our options. This wasn't a decision taken lightly, and we want to be transparent about the factors that played a role.

The Nature School Experience & Unexpected Changes

For a couple of years, our daughter, Charlie, thrived at the nature school. It provided a beautiful balance – learning in a natural setting, socialization, and a supportive community. I even had the opportunity to teach gardening to the older children, which was incredibly fulfilling. However, an unexpected increase in tuition forced us to re-examine our budget and consider alternatives. While we were committed to supporting this valuable non-profit, the financial strain would have been significant. This situation highlighted a deeper concern: the pressure of making rushed decisions when facing significant life changes, a lesson we learned early on in our marriage. We felt cornered and knew we needed to step back and carefully consider our options.

The Public School Experience & Finding Our Peace

Initially, we enrolled our daughters in the local public school, believing it to be a good option for a year. However, the experience quickly raised red flags. Charlie, accustomed to the relaxed and nature-based learning environment of the nature school, struggled with the structure and testing within the public school system. The standardized tests, which she had never encountered before, triggered anxiety and a focus on grades rather than the joy of learning. Seeing our daughter’s distress, we realized we couldn’t compromise our values or her well-being. The public school setting, while potentially beneficial for some, simply wasn’t the right fit for our family.

Curriculum Choices & Learning Styles

Bringing our children’s education home has allowed us to tailor the learning experience to their individual needs and styles. We've chosen a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, exploration, and a love of discovery. While we acknowledge the value of traditional schooling, we believe that homeschooling provides a unique opportunity to foster a child’s natural curiosity and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We want to cultivate a love of learning, not anxiety about performance.

Lessons Learned & Encouragement for Others

Our journey has been a reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education. We encourage you to trust your instincts, prioritize your children’s well-being, and seek out learning environments that nurture their individual talents and passions. If you're questioning your child's current schooling, don't be afraid to explore alternatives. Share your experiences and learn from others in our community – we’re all in this together! We hope this video has been insightful and encouraging. Feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!