As homeschooling parents and educators, we hold the immense responsibility—and privilege—of shaping our children’s educational experiences. Each choice we make, every activity we invite them to participate in, contributes to their development and their perception of the world around them. But it’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day hustle of academic goals, lesson plans, and checking off boxes. So, it’s essential to pause and remember the true heart of homeschooling: childhood.
Every single thing we do, every project, every experiment, every song we sing, every book we read—it’s all for the sake of childhood.
Why? Because childhood is precious. It’s fleeting. And it’s in these formative years that children build the foundation not only for academic success but for creativity, problem-solving, and emotional well-being. In our homeschool journeys, we often emphasize academics and “getting things done,” but we must also create spaces where our children can grow and explore in ways that foster a love for learning and a sense of wonder. After all, learning is not just about mastering subjects—it’s about cultivating lifelong curiosity, confidence, and joy.
The Foundation of Childhood in Homeschooling: What it Looks Like in Practice
Let’s break it down and explore the different aspects of our homeschool curriculum that cater to the essence of childhood, ensuring that every part of the learning process encourages growth, joy, and development.
- Invitations to Play
Play is the cornerstone of early learning. It’s through play that children explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them. At WonderHere, we believe that learning doesn’t have to feel like a rigid, structured activity. Play invites children to engage deeply with ideas and concepts without the pressure of “getting it right.”
Practical Tip: Incorporate playful activities into every subject. For example, a math concept can be taught through board games, or a science lesson can come alive with hands-on experiments. Let the child lead with their curiosity, and allow play to be a natural part of their learning journey.
- Invitations to Create
Creativity nurtures problem-solving skills and helps children make connections between ideas. Art projects, building with blocks, or even inventing a new game—these opportunities give children the space to express themselves and explore their imaginations.
Practical Tip: Integrate creativity into each lesson. Have your child draw a picture of a concept they learned about in history or create a diorama for a science project. Encourage creative writing or building a story around a character in their literature book. Every subject can have a creative element that sparks joy and exploration.
- Every Science Experiment
Science experiments are one of the most exciting ways to foster curiosity and critical thinking. The hands-on nature of science teaches children how to ask questions, make observations, and draw conclusions—skills that are invaluable in all areas of life.
Practical Tip: Make science a regular part of your homeschooling routine. Don’t worry if you don’t have an elaborate experiment planned—simple ones like mixing baking soda and vinegar to demonstrate chemical reactions or growing a plant from a seed can spark a child’s interest and teach them about the natural world.
- Every Craft
Crafts and hands-on activities are excellent ways to deepen understanding while also allowing children to express their creativity. Whether it’s a simple paper craft or a more involved project like making a model of the solar system, these activities provide tactile, visual, and kinesthetic learning experiences.
Practical Tip: Tie crafts to the current unit study. For example, if studying ancient Egypt, have your child create a paper-mâché pyramid. If learning about animals, they could make a habitat diorama. The possibilities are endless when it comes to integrating crafts into learning.
- Every Research Challenge
Research is not just about gathering facts. It’s about instilling in children the skills to question, explore, and seek answers on their own. By encouraging research challenges, we teach children to take ownership of their learning and to understand that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey.
Practical Tip: Turn research into an adventure. Instead of merely handing your child information, present them with a question or challenge to solve. For example, “How would a plant survive without sunlight?” Let them find the answers through books, internet research, and observation.
- Every Nature Activity
Nature provides endless opportunities for learning. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, gardening, or observing wildlife, nature connects children to the world around them in ways that nothing else can. Nature activities foster curiosity, environmental stewardship, and a sense of awe.
Practical Tip: Spend time outdoors regularly—whether it’s hiking, birdwatching, or simply picking flowers and identifying them. You could also start a nature journal where your child draws or writes about their findings. Let nature be a classroom.
- Every Choice of Literature
Books open windows into different worlds and experiences, providing children with perspectives beyond their own. Through literature, children develop empathy, build vocabulary, and learn about history, science, and culture in a deeply personal way.
Practical Tip: Choose diverse literature that challenges and broadens your child’s worldview. Include stories about different cultures, time periods, and life experiences. After reading, have discussions with your child about the themes, characters, and lessons learned.
- Every Project Time Session
Project-based learning is a powerful way to integrate multiple subjects into one cohesive experience. Projects encourage children to investigate, create, and reflect, allowing them to apply knowledge in a meaningful context.
Practical Tip: Give your child a long-term project where they can explore a topic of interest. For instance, if they are fascinated by animals, they could do a research project on endangered species, create a presentation, and even host a “wildlife conservation” day with family members.
- Every Weekly Song
Songs are not only fun; they can be educational too! Music supports memorization, enhances language development, and helps children retain information. Whether it’s a song to remember the days of the week or a math song that helps them learn multiplication tables, music is an essential tool in any homeschool routine.
Practical Tip: Incorporate songs into your daily rhythm. Create simple tunes to help your child remember concepts, like the water cycle or the parts of speech. Use catchy, repetitive songs that are easy to sing along to, turning lessons into joyful experiences.
- Every Math Project Task
Math is often seen as a subject to be “mastered,” but it should also be fun and interactive. Hands-on math projects allow children to apply mathematical concepts in real-world scenarios, helping them see the relevance of math in everyday life.
Practical Tip: Use real-life examples for math problems. Baking, shopping, and building projects all provide opportunities for applying math concepts like measurement, addition, and geometry.
- Every Novel Study Page
Novel studies introduce children to the world of literature and critical thinking. By reading books together and analyzing them, children learn how to understand themes, identify character traits, and appreciate the power of storytelling.
Practical Tip: Approach novel studies as discussions rather than lectures. Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think deeply about the story and connect it to their own experiences. Create activities like character journals or story mapping to deepen understanding.
Homeschooling for Childhood
In the end, everything we do in homeschooling—every lesson, every activity, every choice—should serve one ultimate purpose: for the sake of childhood. Yes, we’re preparing our children for the future, but we must also ensure that they are experiencing the fullness of their childhood in the present.
As homeschooling parents, we have the opportunity to create an environment that nurtures not just academic growth but also creativity, curiosity, and wonder. Let’s embrace this incredible journey, knowing that every activity we introduce, every subject we explore, and every memory we create is shaping our children into confident, joyful lifelong learners.