Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
#137: From 'Homeschooled' Movie to Real Life: This Is Kristi's Story
Episode 137
What happens when you throw out rigid timelines and arbitrary benchmarks, allowing children to learn at their own pace in ways that honor their unique personalities? Kristi's 11-year homeschooling journey with her three daughters reveals the transformative power of personalized education.
When her introverted third-grader with learning difficulties asked to homeschool, Kristi—despite having no prior knowledge of homeschooling—took the leap. Within two years, she brought all three daughters home, discovering that the full benefits came when the entire family shared the same educational approach. This shift opened extraordinary possibilities: four-day school weeks, regular RV camping trips, skiing adventures that started on Thursdays, and meaningful participation in the family's citrus farm.
Most remarkably, Kristi's approach to her oldest daughter's learning challenges demonstrates the power of patience and personalization. Working "one to two years behind typical grade level for a very long time" and even repeating ninth grade at the student's request, this daughter eventually caught up naturally. By age 15-16, professional assessments showed she qualified for no learning disorders whatsoever. Today, she attends Concordia University with a substantial academic scholarship.
Interest-led learning transformed their homeschool experience. When a child loved horses, they studied equine science for a year. When another was fascinated by birds, they created habitats around their home that now attract unique species their neighbors don't have. Their youngest daughter's inexplicable passion for the Beatles as a preschooler evolved into studying 60s history in ninth grade. As Kristi explains, "I think you get some passionate, extraordinary individuals by really customizing and letting them be interest-led in everything they do."
Considering homeschooling? Kristi's advice is refreshingly simple: "Homeschool should and can look different in every single household." You can always return to conventional schooling if needed—they'll take you back.
Kristi's Instagram
'Homeschooled' the movie: WHERE TO WATCH: https://homeschooledthemovie.com/where-to-watch
Curriculum discussed: Teaching Textbooks, Moving Beyond the Page, Apologia, IEW, Amal Unbound, Rutus Apetis, Alan Gratz, Under the Painted Sky
Cheryl's Guide to Homeschooling: Check out The Homeschool How To Complete Starter Guide- Cheryl's eBook compiling everything she's learned from her interviews on The Homeschool How To Podcast.
👉 15% off Tuttle Twins books with code Cheryl15
What is the most important thing we can teach our kids?
HOW TO HANDLE AN EMERGENCY!
Help a child you know navigate how to handle an emergency situation with ease: Let's Talk, Emergencies!
Instagram: TheHomeschoolHowToPodcast
Facebook: The Homeschool How To Podcast
Published on 11 hours ago