Hi Reader! I've spent years diving deep into the latest research from some incredible experts in neuroscience and child development. And I keep coming back to the same thought: Homeschoolers have such an advantage right now. The newest neuroeducation research shows that traditional classroom practices often work against how children's brains actually learn best. But as homeschoolers? We have the freedom to work with our kids' brains instead of against them. Here are 3 insights that caught my attention: Kids need autonomy to actually learnDr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson's research shows that a sense of control is "associated with virtually everything we want for kids" - good health, positive mood, self-motivation, and academic success. When kids have buy-in and feel some control over their learning, resistance drops dramatically. We can give our kids choices about when, where, and how they learn in ways schools simply can't. Strengths-first approaches work better than deficit-focused onesSusan Baum's decades of research with twice-exceptional learners proves that focusing on what kids are good at actually helps them grow in challenging areas too. This is especially powerful for neurodivergent kids - when we leverage strengths while supporting struggles, kids thrive. We can build entire learning experiences around our kids' interests and talents. Active engagement beats passive learning every timeRecent neuroscience confirms that movement-based activities, real-world examples, and timely feedback align with how the brain learns best. Research shows kids need competence, autonomy, and connection to be truly motivated learners. We can make learning hands-on, relevant, and connected to what matters to our families. These aren't just nice ideas. They're evidence-based practices that can transform how kids learn. And as homeschoolers, we get to implement them without asking permission from a school board. Hit reply and tell me: Which of these insights resonates most with your family right now? Your friend,
P.S. Want to dive deeper into implementing brain-friendly approaches in your homeschool? Join us in our coaching community where we turn research into practical strategies: Community - Homeschool Essentials |
We inspire parents to raise confident, emotionally healthy children, empower them to create personalized learning experiences and ultimately see them build amazing relationships with their kids that last a lifetime!
Favorite Recommended Resources Trusted Tools, Practical Solutions, Curated Finds Hi Reader! Remember those dry geography textbooks from when we were kids? Pages and pages of state capitals and facts. No wonder so many of us thought geography was boring. One of the things I love about homeschooling my kiddos is that I get to learn all over again! Geography doesn't have to be dry and boring for our kids. When we make learning meaningful and fun, our kids actually want to dive in. And we get to...
Hi Reader! This week in a coaching call, a mom asked a question I hear often: "Did I pick the wrong curriculum? My child is struggling and I'm wondering if I should switch to something else." I loved the conversation that followed. Because it changed the perspective on how she was thinking about homeschooling. You're not teaching a curriculum. You're teaching your child. Curriculum is just a tool. Like a hammer. If one hammer isn't working for the job, you grab a different one. No big deal....
Hi Reader! While I love the excitement of a new school year - the new curriculum, the new routine, the new supplies - there were years when starting a new school year used to fill me with dread. Not because I didn't love my kids. But because "school time" felt like we were on opposite teams. The resistance. The eye rolls. The "Do I have to?" The meltdowns over math. I kept thinking: How can I be their favorite teacher when I feel like their least favorite person during lessons? Then I...