Why We Chose Homeschooling
The decision to homeschool our children wasn’t made lightly. It was the result of weeks of research, reflection, and heartfelt conversations. What once seemed unimaginable became the most logical path for our family.
When we truly considered what we wanted for our boys — their growth, happiness, and natural curiosity — the traditional school model no longer fit. But the next big question was: What does homeschooling look like for us?
What is Deschooling?
Before we could even think about formal lessons, we had to help our son Max recover from a negative school experience. Pushing him straight into reading and math lessons would have been counterproductive.
We discovered the concept of deschooling — a crucial transition period that allows children to decompress from the structure of traditional schooling. It’s a time for rest, play, and most importantly, rekindling a child’s natural love of learning.
For us, this meant spending lots of time outdoors, exploring nature, and letting curiosity lead the way. Nature walks became science lessons. Questions about animals, ecosystems, and the natural world flowed naturally. And we were there to answer them — on their terms.
Homeschooling vs. Unschooling: Finding Our Balance
There are many homeschooling methods — from structured curriculums to more relaxed approaches like unschooling.
Homeschooling often mirrors traditional school with scheduled lessons and set curriculums.
Unschooling, on the other hand, encourages child-led learning — allowing kids to explore subjects that naturally interest them without formal lesson plans.
We realized we didn’t fit neatly into one category.
We didn’t want rigid lesson plans, but we also understood the importance of structured learning in areas like reading, writing, and math. Our approach became a blend — a flexible learning environment rooted in curiosity with moments of structure when needed.
What Our Homeschool Day Looks Like
Our homeschooling days are full of variety — and that’s what we love most. Here are some of the ways we’ve embraced learning outside of the classroom:
1. Leveraging Community Resources
Weekly trips to the public library for books and STEM programs.
Membership with the Audubon Society for nature-based learning.
Visits to museums, science centers, and historical sites using discounted library passes.
Day trips to Boston for hands-on lessons in history, architecture, and culture.
2. Socialization & Extracurriculars
Joining local homeschool groups on Facebook for support and social meetups.
Participating in sports like track & field, ice skating, and baseball.
Engaging in library programs like reading to therapy dogs.
3. Flexible Schedules
One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility. We visit museums on weekdays when they’re quiet, take nature walks during off-peak hours, and explore learning opportunities without being bound by a school bell.
Teaching Our Kids to Read & Write
After a year of deschooling, we introduced structured reading lessons. We used Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons and the Bob Books series — both of which were incredibly helpful.
Daily lessons were short (about 30 minutes) and always approached with patience. We balanced this structure with plenty of time for play, creativity, and free exploration.
Now, both Max and Noah are confident readers — a milestone that felt even more special because of the journey we took to get there.
The Importance of Family in Our Homeschool
Family is at the heart of our homeschool journey.
Our boys are growing up surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who all play a role in their education. From learning how to cook with Grandma, to practicing Polish with their Babcia, to playing chess with Grandpa — these moments are invaluable life lessons.
This intergenerational learning has given our kids skills, stories, and wisdom that no classroom could replicate.
18 Months of Homeschooling: Reflections & Results
So what does homeschooling look like after 18 months?
It looks like freedom, joy, and a love of learning.
Our children are thriving. They’re curious, kind, capable readers. They’ve explored nature, learned to swim and ice skate, counted money for fundraisers, and read bedtime stories every night.
Their classroom isn’t limited to four walls — it’s the world around them.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our journey continues to evolve as our children grow. But what remains constant is our commitment to fostering their curiosity, supporting their dreams, and raising kind, capable humans.
Life is good — and so is learning.
