As schools start rolling out their proposed re-opening plans, a lot of parents are looking at the guidelines and requirements and saying, “WELP, I guess we’re going to homeschool!” Whether you’re doing it because there are no other feasible options, or you fear the inevitable total shut-down in the fall, or you wouldn’t be able to handle the crazy schedule anyway, or you’ve always wanted to try it and now here’s your chance, a decision to homeschool can be incredibly daunting.
Crisis schooling – which is what so much of this is – is not exactly the same as “regular” homeschooling. Many of the traditional homeschool philosophies, mindsets, and approaches won’t necessarily apply to the family whose kids are attending their local school classes online with the parents simply overseeing the work. While this is a great option, it’s a very different thing to enforce someone else’s idea of what your kid should be learning than getting to choose curriculum and methods on your own. Many local friends told me how hard it was for them to implement the school’s agenda when the kids first got sent home back in March. Several people just outright gave up because they realized their kids weren’t engaging with the material. A few friends expressed concern because, until then, they hadn’t realize just exactly how far behind their kids were… Even if you choose to homeschool because you think it will be the best option for the fall, it’s hard to enter into a homeschool “mindset” when you know with 100% certainty that you plan to enroll your kid the second the schools announce they’re back up and running as normal.
So with all of this uncertainty and anxiety around what this coming school year will look like, I want to introduce you to someone who will encourage you, reassure you, empower you, and inform you as both a homeschooler and a parent, in general.
Julie Bogart
Her book “The Brave Learner” is actually all about YOU. The parent who is, or is considering, undertaking some form of education at home. Which, if you think about it, is basically ALL OF US who have children living in our house, whether they go to public/private/charter/home school or not. (Which is why her book is also just an amazing parenting god-send).
Julie has a podcast that is pretty much as fantastic and life-altering as her book. While many episodes are centered around writing or language arts, she has some great shows that will encourage and inspire you no matter where you are in your child’s education journey.
If you’re thinking about homeschooling – for 6 weeks, 6 months, a year, or as long as you can – do yourself a favor this weekend, give yourself a gift, and listen to her podcast. Buy her book. Download it on audible. However you consume good, soul-refreshing stuff, find a way to listen to Julie.
I am not affiliated with her whatsoever, although I have used her curriculum (and loved it!), but I saw her speak at a conference and have followed her since, and her philosophy on life, parenting, education, creativity, and love has genuinely changed me.
Here is the link for her book and some links to podcasts that would be well worth your time and energy. It’s 4th of July weekend and we can’t really go anywhere, what else are you going to do? 😉
Be encouraged and inspired.
Out of the Classroom – Brave Schooling
Learning to trust yourself, your child, and the process
