Learning What Works: Homeschool Adjustments with Boy1

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One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about homeschooling Boy1 is the flexibility. I talked about this in a previous post — Teaching the Way He Learns — and believe it or not, we’ve already made some adjustments!

In just a few short weeks, I’ve learned so much about what works (and what doesn’t) for Boy1. The science curriculum in Miacademy was structured a lot like the science lessons he had in public school — and, honestly, that was part of the problem. So, I took it out and started incorporating themed science activities instead.

I mentioned before that there are so many great homeschool resources out there, and that’s been absolutely true! Leading up to Halloween, we did bat and pumpkin-themed science lessons, and I have some fun animal units lined up next. Boy1 has been practicing the parts of the scientific method in ways that are hands-on, interesting, and engaging for him — exactly what I’d hoped for when we started this journey.

We also have a bunch of upcoming themes on the horizon — Thanksgiving, Christmas, fall, elephants, apples, sea turtles, and more! There are endless creative ways for him to learn, and I love every bit of it. Part of me wishes I could do this with Boy2 too, but he truly loves public school and spending time with his friends, and I’m so glad that works for him.

One of the biggest surprises in this journey has been how much Boy1 genuinely enjoys doing school at home. I was worried he might miss the structure or social aspects of public school, but he hasn’t asked to go back once. Sometimes I wonder if he was struggling more than he could express back then. These days, he just seems lighter — happy, confident, and at peace.

A perfect example: public school was closed for Election Day, so Boy2 was home. I had planned to give Boy1 the day off too, but he chose to do school anyway. He worked on the computer for a bit, then we did some math and phonics together. In just over an hour, he was done — and proud of himself.

He’s thriving, and I couldn’t be more proud of the progress we’re making together.

💭 If you homeschool (or have ever considered it), what’s one way you’ve adjusted learning to fit your child’s needs — or what kind of flexibility would you love most about homeschooling?

One response to “Learning What Works: Homeschool Adjustments with Boy1”

  1. Progress Over Placement: Our Homeschool Midyear Reflection – momma mommy bwuh Avatar

    […] When we first started this journey, our motivation was clear: independence. We wanted Boy1 to learn things public school simply didn’t have the space or structure to teach—how to take care of himself, how to complete a job application, how to navigate real life (see When the School You Love Isn’t the Right Fit and Teaching the Way He Learns). At the time, I was growing increasingly worried that there weren’t many meaningful academic opportunities left for him. I began homeschooling with those fears in mind, but along the way, I learned far more about Boy1—and myself—than I expected (see Learning What Works: Homeschool Adjustments with Boy1). […]

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