School to Homeschool
In July 2020, I did something I vowed as a once-public middle school teacher, that I would NEVER do. I withdrew my remaining four children of six and began homeschooling. My oldest two sons had graduated from public/charter schools and my remaining four had been in public school since Pre-K. I had two children about to finish middle school and head into high school. To say I was terrified was an understatement–even with my experience teaching hundreds of kids a year prior to getting married. This was different. What if I made them stupid? What if they became “weird” homeschooled kids? What if they couldn’t get into college? What if I messed up? What if I ruined them forever? I wasn’t a math teacher. I wasn’t a science teacher. I wasn’t an English teacher. I had been a theater teacher! I was an ELECTIVE teacher. Most kids came to my class because they WANTED to, not because they HAD to. My own kids would be DOOMED! Yet, I felt compelled…and the upcoming 2020-2021 school year was so uncertain and scary. Would they be in school or out of school? Would they be online or hybrid? Would they have to social distance? What kind of an experience would that be for them? No one knew what to expect…not administrators, not teachers, not parents…no one. They needed stability. Amidst the uncertainty, and at the very least, I could give them stability. Plus, it couldn’t be any worse than the remainder of the school year at the onset of Covid, could it? So I took the plunge. On Tuesday, July 21, 2020, with hands shaking, I handed in my Notice of Intent to Homeschool to my school district and thus began the journey. I was terrified. I didn’t know anyone who withdrew their children BEFORE high school to homeschool. The few homeschoolers that I knew had ALWAYS homeschooled or withdrawn them in elementary and then often put them IN school to complete high school. I felt afraid and alone. I don’t anymore. Over the past few years, along with homeschooling my kids, I have spent hundreds of hours studying the history of the school system in the United States coupled with a better understanding of how children learn and how they do not. I have studied dozens of educational philosophies–philosophies NEVER discussed in my education work to become a certified teacher. Yet, the philosophies are brilliant and effective. I have met with like-minded parents–all over the country–whose kids are thriving and happy being educated at home! Our family has gone through a masterful journey. My children are thriving more than they ever did while in public school despite all my deficiencies as a mother and as a teacher. By sharing our journey, experiences, and lessons learned, I hope to calm some of your fears, welcome you to this magical world, answer the hard questions and give you the confidence to start this journey with your children… I want you to come away with confidence knowing: -where to find resources and the legalities in your state to leave public school -how to deschool them and you -what to do about socialization and friendships -what the different forms of homeschooling look like to determine what is best for your family -what to do with your elementary and middle schoolers -what to do with your high schoolers -determine how to help them discover their passions -how to prepare them for college, trade school, or other paths -what curriculums to choose or not to choose -what to do about personal time for yourself -what to do if you don’t feel qualified or know every subject -what to do about technology -what to do about Math, Science, Reading, and Writing -and much more… I had those fears too! You don’t need to be afraid! You just need a guide. I want to share with you our journey so you can have the confidence to start yours. You can do this! It doesn’t have to be scary. It doesn’t have to be lonely. You won’t ruin your kids and you just might come to love them even more than you thought was possible. Join me as I take you through the journey from School to Homeschool.
Episodes
Discover how minimalist homeschooling can bring more peace, clarity, and purpose to your family’s education journey. This episode explores the power of just-in-time learning—an approach that emphasizes core skills, real-world readiness, and student-led discovery.
Whether you're an <...
THROWBACK EPISODE:
Ever wonder how early education can shape the future thinkers of our society? This episode welcomes Connor Boyack, a prolific author, public speaker, TV show producer, and the founder and president of Libertas Institute, who explores this question with us. Connor shares his inspiring journey from web development to establishing Libertas Institute and authoring the Tuttle Twins children's series, which brings comp...
New episodes and a NEW Season coming in July! In the meantime, enjoy this throwback interview with the AMAZING Unschooling Mama and Founder of Empowered Homeschool Club, Nicole Shiffler!
Link to hear Caroline Shiffler's song:
On Golden Sands by Fragile Beings
To Reach Nicole:
Authors Referred to in this Episode:
Can fairy tales really shape a child's moral compass? Join me as we navigate the enchanting realm of classic fairy tales, inspired by literary giants like Dr. Vigen Guroian and Bruno Bettelheim. We'll unravel the mysteries behind these timeless stories and their profound influence on nurturing a child's moral imagination, contrasting the enduring narratives of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen with their modern retelli...
Joshua GRADUATED!!! Join us in part 2 as we talk to our first homeschool graduate! Yes, unschoolers can graduate! Yes, they can have great lives! Let's chat with Joshua and get his perspective! I apologize for the audio on this one! I am travelling and the mic was NOT having it!
Joshua's Graduation Instagram Reel
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Could you create a summer for your homeschooling family that’s both restful and magical? By choosing meaningful activities, embracing cherished traditions, and keeping things simple, you can craft a summer that you’ll look back on with satisfaction.
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Private Mentoring with Janae: Schedule a Free Discovery Call
Happy Mother's Day! Let's set low expectations! Who is with me?!
YouTube Short of My Mother's Day 2022
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School to Homeschool YouTube Channel
Private Mentoring with Janae: Schedule a Free Discovery Call
Etsy Store: Shop for Homeschooling Swag
*Please note that some of the links included in this article are Amazon affiliate links.
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What if you could transform your child's education into a personalized adventure based on their unique interests? Join us as we chat with Treece Davis, a devoted homeschooling mother of eight, who shares her remarkable homeschooling journey of 32 years. Get ready to explore the vibrant world of unit studies, a method Treece has mastered to turn her children's passions into immersive learning experiences. Don't miss this chance to b...
We went from public school to homeschooling to unschooling and now to graduating. Today, is bittersweet as I interview my son, who is about to graduate as our first homeschooler. This is Part 1 of 2 parts.
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School to Homeschool YouTube Channel
Private Mentoring with Janae: Schedule a Free Discovery Call
Etsy Store: Shop for Homeschooling Swag
*Ple...
Homeschooling trailblazer Jennifer Pepito, the visionary behind the Peaceful Press, shares invaluable insights from her remarkable 27-year journey in nurturing young minds. Jennifer's path was inspired by the harmonious family lives she observed in her community, leading her to embrace the wisdom of educational pioneers such as Charlotte Mason. Her unique blend of literature-based and nature-oriented teaching, enriched with classic...
Not all homeschooling days are going to be sunshine and roses...on the days that are tough. Little things+consistency+time=big results. You really are doing better than you think you are!
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School to Homeschool YouTube Channel
Private Mentoring with Janae: Schedule a Free Discovery Call
Etsy Store: Shop for Homeschooling Swag
*Please note that some of the links included in this article...
In this conversation, Part 2, John (Jack) Muir Laws discusses the importance of nature journaling as a tool for creativity and self-expression. He shares his personal experiences with drawing, the challenges of dyslexia, and how these elements contribute to a deeper understanding of the natural world. The dialogue emphasizes the value of curiosity, the process of exploration, and the significance of attention in both art and educat...
Nature journaling maestro John Muir Laws shares his profound insights into the timeless practice of nature journaling, a pursuit that stretches back to the days of Leonardo da Vinci. With a charm reminiscent of Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross, John invites us to open our eyes to the world around us, enhancing our observation skills, curiosity, and creative thinking. By practicing deliberate attention, we can build deeper connections with n...
Are you ready to pull your teens and kids from public school to start homeschooling, but don't know where to start!? This mini-series is the place. In this episode, we discuss finding community, for your family! This is the 5 episode of 5 in this mini-series. For a deeper dive into the homeschooling transition, check out Episode 1: Beginning the Journey of this podcast.
Are you ready to pull your teens and kids from public school to start homeschooling, but don't know where to start!? This mini-series is the place. In this episode, we discuss homeschooling philosophies, rhythms, & routines for your family and homeschool! This is the 4 episode of 5 in this mini-series. For a deeper dive into the homeschooling transition, check out Episode 1: Beginning the Journey of this podcast.
A Few Books to Lea...
Are you ready to pull your teens and kids from public school to start homeschooling, but don't know where to start!? This mini-series is the place. In this episode, we discuss creating a vision for your family and homeschool! This is the 3 episode of 5 in this mini-series. For a deeper dive into the homeschooling transition, check out Episode 1: Beginning the Journey of this podcast.
Are you ready to pull your teens and kids from public school to start homeschooling, but don't know where to start!? This is the place. In this episode, we discuss deschooling...and yes, it IS a real thing! This is the second video of 5 in this mini-series. For a deeper dive into the homeschooling transition, check out Episode 1: Beginning the Journey of this podcast.
Are you ready to pull your teens and kids to start homeschooling, but don't know where to start!? This is the place. This is the first "mini" episode of five that will be released over the next week. In this episode, we discuss how to find your state homeschooling laws.
This is the first episode of 5 in this mini-series. For a deeper dive into the homeschooling transition, check out Episode 1: Beginning the Journey.
After this mi...
Step into the Nature Lab, an innovative outdoor homeschool program designed by Abby and Coleman. Inspired by California’s outdoor preschool movement, this nature-based learning environment blends forest school principles, hands-on STEM learning, and sustainable education. Children thrive through farm chores, nature journaling, and outdoor free play, fostering independence, curiosity, and environ...
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