Episode Details

Hey, homeschoolers! Are you happy with your homeschool style or approach to education, or could it use an upgrade? In this episode, I’m going to share why we should up our homeschool style and three simple ways to do it.

What is Homeschool Style?

Although I’m not talking about your wardrobe, I will be using fashion as a metaphor. Homeschool style is the educational philosophy that guides the way you teach. Unit studies is the homeschool style I used at the beginning of our homeschooling journey with 5 in a Row and then Konos. Because subjects are related in the real world, I felt it made sense to study all aspects of a topic. We studied kings and queens with music, art, drama, literature, and even food. I’ll never forget eating a meal off a trencher or plate made from bread. We had a blast learning with unit studies.

But as my older kids started high school, the unit study style wasn’t working as well. I could have chosen from many popular styles to improve our homeschool: textbook, online, hybrid, Charlotte Mason, classical, unschooling, or eclectic.

You might wonder how important homeschool style is if you’re a newer homeschooler. That’s a fair question. Referring to the fashion metaphor, I’ve interviewed two fashion stylists for the podcast. Both women shared that while style isn’t the most important thing in life, it is important. When you are comfortable and confident in your clothing, you are happier. When you’re happier, your relationships improve, and you have more success.

Homeschool style is similar. If you are happy to start a day of school using the approach you’ve chosen, everything homeschool will be so much easier. Your kids will be happier; you’ll spend less money; and you’ll get more done.

If that sounds good to you, I have three steps that will help you up your homeschool style.

Sponsor

First, I want to thank NOW Programs for sponsoring the podcast.

3 Steps for Improving Your Homeschool Style

The first step in improving your homeschool style is an edit. Like a pair of pants with a snug waistband, your educational materials that don’t fit stay in the closet. Same with high heels when most of your time is spent at home or at kids’ sports practices.

If we were going to upgrade your wardrobe, we would have you look at the unworn pieces in your closet. We will do the same with your homeschool