Homeschooling: A Joyful Journey (with a Focus on PA)
Homeschooling can be a sensitive topic, often sparking passionate discussions. It’s true, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education. Homeschooling can be incredibly beneficial for many families, but it’s not for everyone. This blog is a glimpse into our homeschooling journey, a set of experiences and beliefs, not a claim of superiority. After all, learning begins at home, and as parents, we’re always teachers.
A Dream I Knew I Had to Pursue Since my son’s birth, homeschooling resonated with me. It felt like a calling. When he turned three, eager to learn, I enrolled him in MY preschool, focusing on play and life experiences (perfect for that age!). While he enjoyed flashcards, it wasn’t those that prepared him for kindergarten. (There’s a whole other post on the power of play in learning!)
Homeschooling in Pennsylvania Homeschooling approaches vary – traditional, unschooling, or a blend. Laws also differ state-by-state. Pennsylvania, for instance, is known for its complex homeschooling regulations or lack-there-of. There’s no statewide system, so regulations can vary by school district! The HSLDA website ([Homeschool Legal Defense Association website]) is an excellent resource for information on state regulations. If you’re considering homeschooling, I highly recommend becoming a member.
Our Homeschool Journey in PA In Pennsylvania, kindergarten isn’t mandatory, so we didn’t submit an affidavit or require an evaluation for our eldest. He thrived without formal kindergarten. Our middle child, however, followed a formal kindergarten curriculum and is reading beautifully. The beauty of homeschooling is the freedom to choose the path that works best for your child. There are countless studies on when and how to start – from passionate advocates of delayed kindergarten to those who believe in starting earlier. Ultimately, you, as the parent, will know when your child is ready. Routine, Flexibility, and Freedom Some families thrive on routine, others prefer flexibility, and many adapt their approach based on their current life stage. We aim for a traditional homeschool approach, which instills responsibility, fosters a sense of accomplishment, and provides a predictable structure for our day. But we aren’t perfect, and therein lies beauty.
The best part of homeschooling? The freedom! We can pack up schoolwork and head to the playground on a beautiful day. School can even happen on vacation! The possibilities are endless. And let’s not forget, no hour-and-a-half bus rides! What to Expect from this Blog In this blog, you’ll find recommendations for homeschool libraries, curriculums, must-have materials, and even some flops we’ve learned from along the way. I’ll also share our homeschooling adventures on our Pennsylvania homestead, integrated with life’s experiences.
Hopefully, this post provides a foundation for future posts, giving you a better understanding of our approach. This is just the beginning of our homeschooling journey, and I’m excited to share it with you!
