Is Homeschooling Easier Today Than It Was Back Then? | #26

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On this weeks Ex-Homeschoolers Club, we welcome Ruth Brooks, a former homeschooler turned homeschool mom of four, to explore her unique educational journey. From hiding from truant officers in the early days of homeschooling to navigating modern resources, Ruth shares how her experiences shaped her homeschooling style, including how she balanced structure and flexibility, adapted to her children’s unique learning needs, and handled the transition from teaching to rediscovering herself. They discuss navigating curriculum challenges, managing large families, and fostering emotional health in both parents and children. This episode is packed with insights for parents, homeschoolers, and those curious about the homeschool experience. Key Takeaways • Ruth’s early days as a homeschooler in the 1970s and how it shaped her parenting approach. • How she addressed learning challenges like dyslexia within her family. • The value of group learning and how literature-based curricula enriched her children’s education. • Her advice for parents on following their gut instincts and prioritizing emotional health. • Insights on the emotional challenges of transitioning out of homeschooling. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:48 Ruth Brooks' Early Homeschooling Experience 02:20 Transition to Structured Homeschooling 03:34 Family Dynamics and Responsibilities 06:27 Deciding to Homeschool Her Own Kids 08:08 Homeschooling in the 2000s 09:38 Joining Homeschool Groups 13:22 Adapting Curriculum for Different Learning Styles 19:54 Parental Reflections and Challenges 27:33 Hands-On Learning in Homeschooling 27:56 Reading Aloud: A Non-Traditional Approach 29:05 The Value of Story-Based Learning 31:55 Transitioning to College Classes 37:46 Balancing Homeschooling and Emotional Health 41:29 The Transition Out of Homeschooling 46:27 Reflecting on Homeschooling Experiences 50:54 Final Thoughts and Farewell If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub Email me at [e-mail]