The rise in homeschooling | keep the magic alive in learning

With homeschooling on the rise, there are reasons now more than ever to homeschool. I sit down with my friends Josefa Ciccarelli and Jenna Strubhar to share all about our homeschool routines, the reasons we homeschool, tips to keep the magic alive in learning, where we get our inspiration from, the benefits we’ve seen, and more.
In this episode we cover:
- Different homeschooling philosophies
- Josefa and Jenna’s personal homeschooling journey
- The reasons to homeschool
- Problems that can arise with modern or public schooling
- The many incredible teachers there are - whose hands are often tied with many of the systems in place
- Are the milestones the public education system has created arbitrary, or is there a place for it?
- The rise in homeschooling and the reasons now more than ever to homeschool
- What age to start homeschooling?
- The concern some parents have that they aren’t certified teachers or experts in certain subjects and that they wont be able to properly educate their children
- Do homeschooled kids lack socialization?
- How to keep your kids motivated. What do you do when your kids don’t want to do homeschool?
- Does homeschooling require a schedule?
- Homeschooling ideas with a budget or financial restrictions like both parents needing to work
- Are there any cons to homeschooling?
- Creative ways to keep the magic alive in learning
- homeschooling authors and resources that have inspired us
RESOURCES
Jodie Mockabee: jodimockabee.com/schoolhousec...
Jodi Mockabeee Getting started with homeschooling guide: jodimockabee.com/schoolhousec...
TedTalk Hackschooling makes me Happy by Logan LaPlante: • Hackschooling makes me...
Changing Education Paradigms: • RSA ANIMATE: Changing ...
Data suggests 1.2 million families switched to homeschooling last academic year: www.the74million.org/article/...
Art for kids hub: www.artforkidshub.com
Outschool: outschool.com/#abkxy3zdji
hslda.org
TedTalk Do Schools Kill Creativity? By Sir Ken Robinson: • Do schools kill creati...
Homeschooling philosophies we discussed:
Unschooling
Boxed curriculum
Online schooling (lakeshore learning, rainbow resources, the good and the beautiful, Acellus, etc)
Charolette Mason
Books
How Children Learn by John Holt
How Children Fail by John Holt
The 5 Hour School Week by Aaron & Kaleena Amuchastegui
The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment
Dumbing us Down by John Taylor Gatto
WHERE TO FIND JOSEFA & JENNA:
Jenna’s instagram: / jennastrubhar
Jenna’s website: www.withthestrubhars.com
Josefa’s instagram: / naturalwellnest
Josefa’s website: www.naturalwellnest.com
Where to find me:
Get my ebooks: www.ellenfisher.com/ebooks
My instagram: / ellenfisher
LISTEN to these episodes on Apple Podcast or Spotify: link.chtbl.com/ellenfisherpod
Family KZbin channel: / ellenfisher
Elevate your videos with record-label quality music from Musicbed:
share.mscbd.fm/ellenfisher

[@A107S]

Hi. I’m Abigail. I’m 28. I was homeschooled all the way through. There were 4 of us. We did drama, sports, music, etc. My mama socialized us so well. And when people talk to us as adults, they are shocked at how social we all are. We went to the nursing home to visit the elderly every Wednesday. We played instruments and sang for them. Helped with meals etc. On Sunday we were in church helping with the little kids in their classes. All 4 of us could socialize with anyone from birth to elderly. I appreciate all my mama and dad did for us with homeschooling and teaching values, hard work and life skills. Now I have 3 boys of my own and homeschool them. :) I love it and I have so much more respect for my mama. We LOVE The Good and The Beautiful as well. THANK YOU for this podcast. It’s so good. You all have inspired me with your content. You’re incredible women.

[@milo_thatch_incarnate]

I am another 100% homeschooled adult who “turned out” great, for anyone is wondering if we exist! 😆 I’m 24, I was homeschooled K-12 and never set foot in a public school, and I’m so grateful for it. I 100% plan on homeschooling my kids because I want to raise my offspring, not the state I don’t trust.

[@A107S]

@@milo_thatch_incarnate Love this! We do exist. 😂

[@marieldavidson4040]

I hated elementary school; I begged my parents to homeschool me for all 8 years of my elementary education. I wish more people were open to homeschooling when I was a kid

[@theellenfisherpodcast]

I did the same thing! My mom was like, "nope." haha. Every kid is different huh! Because my sister on the other hand, loved school.

[@lucianas4919]

I begged my parents to homeschool me as well, sadly it never happened. If I am ever blessed with children, I absolutely want to homeschool them.

[@hannahtaylor2739]

I love this episode!! as a public school teacher who agrees with everything in this video and disagrees with a lot of the things that I am asked to do in my job, I would love to see the “counterpoint” of this episode by talking to a public school teacher or someone who disagrees! i always look forward to this podcast!!!!

[@hannahtaylor2739]

not necessarily Who disagrees because I don’t know how you can disagree with most of this but I just mean curriculum writers and experts on the science of reading versus the unschooling process

[@kaitlyndenney7779]

Hi! I'm thinking about going into elementary education and I plan to have a lot of hands on, out of desk experiences as part of my teaching. In your experience, how much flexibility do you have in your curriculum and is it possible to teach in a non traditional way?

[@milo_thatch_incarnate]

I’m another adult who was homeschooled K-12, and I’m much more well socialized, articulate, capable, and educated than most of my peers (I’m 24). And I fully plan on homeschooling my kids, to give them the same huge advantage in life! My mom was a very “stick to the out-of-the-box curriculum” kind of homeschool mom, and I’m the opposite in that I definitely want to go the Montessori, child-led, unschooling route. But I still got a great education! Both ways can turn out healthy great kids. You can choose whatever schooling style and curriculum YOU work best with, as well as your kids!

[@candyluna2929]

Anything is better than public schools. I wish I had your experience! Sounds like you will do great as a parent. ❤

[@themedicinalhomestead3337]

I really loved how Josefa was honest about it taking 2 years from really wanting to be a stay at home mama and actually being able to do so. It's not always 'just' a decision to make and we don't all have the option to just be with our kids - especially from a financial standpoint - no matter how much we would want to. Liked that that was touched on!

[@briannaryan2733]

I think Josefa had a really good point about some teachers not wanting to teach because they don’t get paid enough or don’t have the resources. It’s very sad with the public school systems how teachers and students in underserved areas are at a disadvantage solely because of where they live. Everyone deserves an education however that may be.

[@GardenMinistry.]

Yes, three of my good friends were teachers, and two of them left the field because they felt so burnt out and unsatisfied at their work. Its sad to lose quality teachers all because the system isn't doing more for them!

[@carleigh4242]

Ellen, this episode is AMAZING. I've had it in the back of my mind that one day I might want to homeschool my future children, but I always wondered if it might cause any harm or be unrealistic and difficult. But I really feel strongly about not placing children in desks for hours out of the day, dulling their light and spirit with the ridiculous, demanding schedules that the typical American education system has in place. I think there needs to be a MAJOR shift in how we raise and educate our children and I now know for SURE I have to make this happen for my kids one day. It feels so right and natural. Thank you!!!

[@edenbenson3782]

So fascinating! I started unschooling at 14 after having spent a life in public school. I ended up as an English teacher overseas! It was such a phenomenal experience.

[@theellenfisherpodcast]

wow so cool!

[@tiffanyvcurry]

Great convo! One my favorite things about homeschooling is the fact that homeschooling looks different for everyone. I think you guys did a great job of expressing that fact during this talk.

[@theellenfisherpodcast]

oh good I'm so glad!

[@MrsCan]

My biggest flaw in being a homeschooling stay at home mom, is not owning it! I need to stop being timid and shy that I will be judged for my family choice to home educate What I'm doing this year is owning the hard work I put in my home, and educating my children.

[@axesandaprons]

We live in a cabin in the woods and will be homeschooling next year❤ LOL I laugh because of the “cabin in the woods” rhetoric is the example of no socialization in homeschool. I beg to differ. We are very social! Our church, family friends, community, etc. can give us all the socializing we need. The book Wild + Free touches on this so well! I totally recommend reading. Nature should be interlaced into curriculum and where else can we do that SO EASY? We walk out our cabin right into the woods. What a beautiful opportunity to homeschool.

[@jasminm8784]

Here in Germany we are not allowed to homeschool. However, all the things you shared are sooo great for applying in our family time as well. I struggle with how to occupy my toddlers in a meaningful way and the podcast reminded me of all the possibilities. I have a hard time not feeling overwhelmed when I try to prepare topics but I guess it is a learning process :-) You are three amazing women, you are great role models. Thank you!!!

[@amandatempleman1160]

"Not allowed to homeschool"?! 🥺 That's so so sad and frustrating. Kind of scary really.

[@spacebar9733]

You’re a great mom!

[@jasminm8784]

@@spacebar9733Thank you so much!

[@maisieliberty1319]

@@amandatempleman1160 it is illegal in Germany unfortunately.

[@XavS-qs9lx]

Best wishes :) There are not even exceptions for homeschooling in Germany ?

[@BK-pw5es]

I was homeschooled all school years. I loved it and thrived. Sadly I was not able to homeschool my daughter. I worked at my local casino and warehouses and I had rent and bills to pay so it would have been impossible. But I am now a school bus driver and starting next school year (4th grade) my kiddo will learn at home, taught by me. I don't want to pull her out of school half way through the year which is why we're waiting. We are both so excited.

[@luraayzit]

The quality of your videos and your podcast is so high class. I feel delighted to watch your content. You seem so vibrant and communicative. Also all of you are intelligent and aware humans. What an enrichment for a conscious world. Your conversation inspires me to homeschool my children.

[@theellenfisherpodcast]

wowww thank you for sharing this! this made my day, thanks for your encouragement.

[@xena1028]

Josefa’s hair looks gorgeous 😍

[@LoveCoveredLifePodcast]

Seeing the topic of this podcast just made my day! Just what I need as we settle in for our second semester of homeschool. Thank you Ellen!

[@Amyfillinger]

I loved this episode!! Homeschooling can be hard but there’s always a way to make it work. My kids have done public, private, and home school and all 3 of them (with very different personalities!) all prefer homeschool.

[@jongrenon2596]

(From Jon's wife, a teacher) Another element of education that would be excellent to include for children is letting them experience being of service to others. While educating children according to their interests in order to find their talents is good, it is service to others that brings a special kind of joy to children; and is, in some way, what it means to be truly human. It helps children develop self-respect and feel that they are valuable and have something to contribute to society. This parents may help their children do whether they are being homeschooled or in public school.

[@ashton6001]

Thank you SO MUCH for this Ellen! So inspiring, motivating and it just confirms my intuition!

[@sarahmorton1699]

This podcast is JUST what I need right now! You are all such an inspiration on the topic!

[@Ailbhee13x]

Wow - really enjoyed this conversation! As someone who's not yet a mother, I still really got a lot out of listening to this on a more personal level! Was so lovely to hear each of you're perspectives on this subject :) thank you for sharing x

[@lucianas4919]

I love the idea of homeschooling/unschooling, thank you for covering this topic Ellen! It was nice to hear the three of your discuss your homeschooling journeys.

[@allisonosborne5881]

My fiance and I are just starting to plan for kids right now and this is just SO nice to hear! Thank you!

[@shawnavienneau6148]

My goodness Ellen i love you more with every podcast episodes. We have so many things in common about life and the way we're raising our families. Thank you for sharing and having all these beautiful conversations.

[@theellenfisherpodcast]

wow thank you for all the support for my podcast, it truly means a lot to me!

[@HomeSweetHomeschoolLife]

Loved this podcast! I learned about Jodi Mockabee from one of your homeschool videos and now I am obsessed. We love notebooking in our homeschool.

[@bareynoso]

This haa been amazing!! Ive had imposter syndrome and have pretty much stressed myself out looking for curriculum and having EVERYTHING for my soon to be kindergartener. You all made homeschool more attainable. She is such an active girl and i already know that public school is not going to be a fit. She is social and loves talking to adults and all children, so having that flexibility that you all mentioned is going ro be so beneficial for her

[@christineniering1233]

Coming from home schooling in England..really appreciating your shout out for home education 😘

[@crisashley5056]

Absolutely loved this podcast. Thanks so much for sharing all the ideas and names of resources.

[@trbrig22]

I have known we will homeschool! This year’s events solidified it for us. We are so excited to raise our babies wild & curious. Thanks for ALWAYS being such an inspiration. You were the first person I saw on the internet that had home births… and ever since then it was a dream of mine. And because of that seed you planted, I had my first home birth last year!!

[@julietterogasik9107]

This is such an amazing episode, thank you Ellen!!! I'm starting a home school group microschool in NYC this september thanks to your content. I'm so excited to start my homeschooling journey!!

[@dandelionlovemonkey]

This is so inspiring Ellen! We have no choice but to homeschool our daughter as we live in CA & she is unable to attend school. I was so intimidated at first but the more I learn the more I feel confident that this is the best decision. Please more homeschool content. So much love to you & the family. We just got back from 2 weeks of beach days on the Big I 🌴🌺

[@nicoles.higginbotham8984]

I love your podcast & regular family page. I do have my favorite episodes 😉 so far, but it's just a personal choice. Which I love about your page & your personality. This one hit home... even more with the world today. Thank you

[@elizaaliasblair]

Amazing podcasts, thank you so much Ellen ! Love from Switzerland ♡

[@ladyeliseopera]

All these women are such good moms. It’s so inspiring.

[@shyannadesiree]

Loved hearing from real life homeschool mamas. It’s always interning to hear from other homeschoolers. I do wish when it came to the question about families on a budget someone would have mentioned the vast amount of free resources available to families.

[@mzfitmama2361]

Just now found this video and love it!!!! 😍 Ty for sharing

[@skatulle]

I am looking to homeschool in the next academic year and this has really helped encourage me alot

[@firsttimemommy3735]

I LOVE listening to you guys! So helpful and nice to hear this stuff from other homeschool parents. Thank you 😊 New subscriber

[@GardenMinistry.]

I am a beginner in the homeschool journey. For a long time I thought "Oh no I'm never homeschooling." That was until I had the calling, and I learned how great it actually is. We do a very eclectic approach, we use a "box curriculum" for LA and Math, but are more student led when it comes to all the other subjects. Definitely finding a friend or community that homeschools is helpful, at least to get some support when you need it!

[@coracarsyn5143]

Wow! I finally found a video that answered getting started on my homeschooling journey! Please more homeschooling videos❤️

[@4acceber]

SO GOOD! making my husband listen to this one.

[@aimeevargas4016]

Ellen! YOU ARE A NATURAL! Amazing!🌻

[@itzizzle]

I love homeschooling. We tried public school, and we didnt like it. Maybe once they're older, we'll try private school. But for now, we are excited for our journey. It is overwhelming, however it's something you learn to manage. Learning has so much magic in it!✨ 🌱✨

[@thebiggestarianator]

Hi Ellen, You inspired me to homeschool and I started this school year (yeah) and while still learning I already feel so content and proud of me and my child. Thank you for all you do and inspire so many of us. I loved the idea of money managing and Stock's, which App or website does Jenna use for her children and if you do use one, would you mind sharing?

[@sentwaliamen-ra2974]

I’m currently pregnant with my 1st and have always intended to homeschool my kids, so I really enjoyed this video. Love the content on this channel! You’re doing an awesome job!

[@Marie-zz1el]

I don’t have kids yet but homeschooling has always been my goal when I do have kids. The American school system is so bad and lacks so much that I can’t imagine sending my kids there to learn. I remember vividly in middle and high school having classes of just downtime because the teachers didn’t teach or the class was out of control. This video was great and so inspiring! You guys are living the dream mom life lol🥰. My only fear is not finding a group of likeminded families but I’m sure they’re everywhere!

[@ILLUSKA1]

Great episode, thank you! ❤️

[@nephhh_5301]

Thank you so much for sharing!

[@softbune]

josepha you’re doing good bb girl you’ve got this!! 😘💖💖

[@prettygirlslovetheology]

I love this! Thank you 🙏🏾

[@firsttimemommy3735]

New subscriber:) thank you for this podcast. I LOVE homeschooling!!

[@Delina41]

very nice podcast we are homeschooling our children in the netherlands,and its a lot of fun 💜🙏🏽

[@deepashamusic]

I believe even if we just thought our kids to read, write and do basic math (and focus on money with math) we would do more then what 99% of the schools do. The rest of the time they would have, they could use to learn about the beauty of actual learning and do stuff they enjoy and are good at.

[@insiderinside1905]

I love the the aspects of letting kids follow their curiosity and move forward at their own pace. Different brains mature on their own schedule. It’s harder to do that with 30 kids. But the learning styles approach isn’t supported by the outcomes. Definitely don’t stress about it.

[@prettypurplekao]

When you guys were going over the cons of homeschooling, I couldn’t help but wonder if it is ever a struggle for the siblings to get along. If they are all at home together and spending so much time together, does it ever seem like siblings need a break from each other? Loved this podcast. Always love when you talk to Josefa about home schooling and find her so inspirational.

[@theellenfisherpodcast]

that's such a good point! Yes that does happen at times so we find it helpful to get more one on one dates with our kids and set up play dates with their friends on their own instead of all the siblings joining. that is helpful :)

[@angieh3584]

Love this Ellen.

[@saramhaidra4180]

Thank you so much! Love the podcast. This is such an inspiration for me. I want to homeschool my kids but in my country it is not allowed. So we moved to an other country. But now i don’t have a community and i stil have to make contact with other moms and need to get to know people. So it feels like a big challange. My kids miss other children there age. And also this other challange we stil need to learn the language. So every book i want to buy is in englisch my kids dont know englisch yet. I feel like i have put alot on my plate. Learn different language Start at a new job Get to know new people Teach my kids 2 different languages Reading and writing in own language And all the other stuff I want to explore with them. Am I even realistic, I am starting to wonder 😅 Really searching for encouragement and clearance. This helped a lot, thank you ladies 🙏🏽

[@ensambleconsultoriabarragan]

I’m a pedagogy , working and consulting, parents, teachers, schools, etc. Specially in parents thar are homeschooling now, in order to they became the guides for their kids. As this mothers said, each child has her or his own pace. I listen the same old stories about schools no doing what they are suppose to do. Listen and dialogue making a place and wellbeing to each one is what maters. In elementary school is the best to do if you can . Well done! And being holistic of course, all depends and starts on what kids want and what they love to learn and do. The rest comes with that.

[@alisiajimenez]

The material in this video is really great for younger children under 6th grade. Older children need to learn academics (Math/Reading/Language Arts). You can't wait until they're like an 8th grader to teach how to read, multiply and different important concepts. We homeschool our 3 children who are in the 6th, 4th, and 2nd grade. I'm so glad our children learned to read very young because our youngest daughter is struggling with reading (not actually reading perhaps, but comprehension) and she's 8. Now, I'm so so so glad we didn't wait until she turned about 8 to start teaching her because then it would have taken a lot longer to learn Reading skills. I do agree that children need to learn through life and play, but on the other hand when do you stop all the playing around and actually really teach them to be disciplined and sit down to do actual structured assignments because when they get older they will need to have that type of skill. Plus, it is harder to teach discipline when they get older when it comes to getting them to do assignments like school work. I know this all very well because my son is going to the 7th grade (possibly) and it's very much harder for me to get him to sit down to want to do school work. He never had to do that before with us being at home homeschooling him. We let him choose what he wanted to learn at the beginning. I know you all discussed this in the video, but I think the lady explained it wasn't being unrealistic. We allowed our son to be able to have fun during homeschooling. Now, that he's going to be a middle schooler it's a lot harder. How do we now begin to teach him the importance of sitting down to do assignments like writing reports? Homeschooling is only good for younger children. I don't agree that homeschooling is good for older children if they're not self motivated or disciplined. It would take a strong parent to be able to deal with an older child in homeschooling. This video sounds great, but it's not a realistic view of homeschooling. What about parent burnouts. I do agree that every child is different, every homeschool is different, and every family is different, but at the same time there's a point when children need to learn structure. It just needs to be more educational and more learning involved because if you just sit around and ask a child what you want to do today, do you want to go outside, do you want to do a nature walk, do you want to go play with Legos or build something, do you want to cook a meal, do you want to sew, or do you want to go play a instrument? Of course they will say one of those options or something close to it because it's all fun and games. It's nothing that they have to really sit down and be doing something structural. That's all fun at the beginning when they are smaller, but as they get older they need more life skills, peer groups, and actual educational structure work. They just need to be smart in math, reading, science, social studies, and history. Let's be real for a moment and just ask your children young or old children. A lot of older children don't really like being at home with their parents, going to the museums, hanging around younger siblings, doing house chores, taking care of younger siblings. There are some children that may enjoy playing the Mom or the Dad rolls. I heard where parents have older children who take care of other children like helping them do assignments and different tasks like that. I believe God didn't give us children for them to learn how to take care of their siblings. Some children may resent their parents for having to be placed in adult roles like taking care of their young siblings, helping their siblings with their homework. A lot of older children like 11 or 12 and up don't want to be sitting at home doing school with Mom or Dad or helping small young siblings. I know that school can be daunting to a lot of parents because of today's ideologies in Public schools, but I do think at a certain point in a child's life they need to be away from home just part of the day. This to miss us parents and appreciate us more (it's even more than I just mentioned). Being together 24/7 can place a strain between the parent and the child. Yes, there are Co-ops you could allow your children to join, but is that really truly homeschooling. I feel parents make excuses to homeschool their children just so they could be with their children all the time watch them grow up, or travel because they feel like they will miss out on certain milestones of their children's life. That was just me at the beginning of our homeschooling journey. At the same time, are you the parent "really" homeschooling your child or you are just having "fun" all day long and your child is able to do whatever they want to do because you allow them to do whatever? Let's be realistic again. If you see days and days and days, in and out your child is not wanting to do school work or you keep saying, okay tomorrow we'll try again, how many tomorrows are you going to keep saying until enough is enough? Did you ever stop and think that maybe a child does not want to be taught by you (there may not anything wrong with you) and may need another person to teach them like a teacher at a "school"? Do you think your child is really interested in you telling them to come on let's go and build this piece of art that maybe he or she may not be interested in? Or... Maybe you say, oh let's come do this math thing, let's use measurement cups, and let's do this or that? Oh... What about the Charlotte Mason, or Classical Conversations, or Unit Studies with younger siblings. Boring... Yes, when they're little like kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd or maybe 3rd grade. As children mature and get older they want to be able to be without Mom and Dad all day long. They want to be able to be with their friends, be with other people, and maybe that's just it. There's nothing wrong with that either. It just may be their personality. If your child says they do want to be at home with you, it may be because they don't want to be in the structured school where they have to do work, or be forced to do any type of assignments like stand in front of their peers reciting a speech or an essay. But... If I'm being really honest, we need to put that aside and let them know that in life there will be challenging things you will have to face that are hard. There'll be rules you have to follow. There'll be tasks that you have to do in order to succeed in life. Your child is not going to be able to do what they want to do all the time. There'll be conflict amongst peers. Yes, some children will want to compete with your children. Yes, your children may not like it. Yes, your children will pick up negative behavior. They can pick up negative behavior from us at home. Hmmm... Let that sink in for a moment. Like I said before, that is a part of life and growth. Some children will wish they went to school just to experience that type of life because when they have conversations with their peers about school, theirs will be much much more different. Getting up getting ready for school that type of discipline. You can't teach a child on your own unless they had to get up and go to a school. Making school lunches. Being proud of their A+ on their assignments. Being excited to turn in a project to his class teacher. You as a parent would never be able to give that type of memory to your child. Nothing close. That's what school outside the home brings to children. It's the memories. Yes, they are bullies in school, but if they don't go to school (again outside the home) they may never face a bully and that's one skill we can't teach them. You can say I can teach that or I can tell him how to navigate bullies. If they never went to school to face a bully they won't understand what you are talking about. School brings special memories that us parents can't give our children. They can name their teachers, the moments, and fun times they have with friends at school recess. This homeschooling parents just can't give their children. All schools aren't bad. Yes, I do understand all of today's world agendas the government tries to put on all young children. One good plus is Public schools do help children with IEPs and other disabilities. If you don't like public schools then there's also Charter, or Private, or Christian schools we can place our children in too. That's why in September my husband and I found an excellent Christian school to put our children in. This way our children can get their own sense of identity and not our sense of their identity. That's what we as their parents can never teach or give them. Just sit and think about that.

[@danielcrowe1335]

You can’t compete 6-8 hours a day, 5 days a week with all the indoctrination, negative influences and peer pressure that they will get in schools. Also your children will be learning by other children their age of the same intelligence all day long.You should avoid any bullying for your child at all times. Children will learn their identity best in a family setting where they are safe and loved, in a fun, loving, learning environment. Read a variety of books as a family and learn along side with your child. Being with them one on one learning, you will see their strengths, areas of where they need more help and where their interests are and see them shine. You will and should have an incredible bond with your children and the siblings will build life long relationships with each other. Seeing your children learn together and from one another is something to be proud of. As your children grow and learn they also will develop how to self educate and be able to work independently. Children are naturally life long learners and in the right environment they will thrive.

[@naya7259]

Amazing as always ❤️

[@venetiabg2995]

I like both home school and in person but I do think some parents think because they send them to school they don't have to teach them at home which isn't reality . I love lead projects at home .

[@melissaleppard5412]

Loves this podcast and it has got me so interested in homeschooling my kids. Interested to know if there are challenges when home schooling kids of different ages and if it is hard to cater to all of the kids needs?

[@alibyebaby2064]

Joseffa is awesome! We bought some books she recommended to you a while ago :)

[@kristabowling1979]

LOVE LOVE LOVE ❤️

[@joypitzer7846]

Love these women... follow the child! You can not go wrong 👌

[@dailymomliving]

Love Jenna! ☺️

[@emberdt7998]

If I weren't a single parent I would definitely have tried unschooling/homeschooling. The only way it could ever happen now is when my kid is much older and more independent

[@spensercasino]

I would add, for anyone worried about the costs of homeschooling, the Charter School option can help with that. I enrolled my first grader in our local Charter school this year (we homeschooled prior) and it's worked out pretty well! In California, you get around $2,000 per year (every state is different) for extracurricular funding. So, you can use that for tutors, swimming classes, nature courses, etc. The Charter school also has the option to have your child attend enrichment classes on campus, so I think it is a great option if anyone is worried about costs! Also, you get the guidance of a certified teacher, I was worried we would be tied down to one curriculum, but that has not been our experience. Our teacher has been super open and flexible when something isn't working and I've been able to choose which curriculum I think will work for my child, or none at all! I am happy with the flexibility and freedom.

[@flybabyskybaby]

Three Beautiful, smart and strong women 😍

[@theellenfisherpodcast]

thank you for your kindness and support!

[@deejea5413]

A good question I think ;is how do you get away from feeling like " my 5th grader should know this or that" I think alot of homeschoolers feel like they dont want to " mess up" their child .Great convo!

[@nowheretamara]

Wow wow 😍😍

[@a.e.s.108]

In Europe in many countries homeschooling is forbidden or very difficult to get permission to do, on the other hand, public schools in many European countries are of high standard and with a choice of subjects for students. However, I always wanted to homeschool my kids. What I was missing in this podcast were the downsides in a larger perspective like: curriculum free homeschooling can be used wrongly (like in case of religious fanatics), not every parent is so open-minded and knowledgeable like you and your friends...

[@stephaniegunesch]

I know not everything if for everyone but I was so distracted by the immodesty of your top that I didn’t make it to the interview! I’m sure this will bring all the haters- but may be good to know.

[@hiashleykelly]

I could listen to you all day Ellen!! I am so grateful for your voice & sharing your life!

[@highvibenanci2755]

Hi Ellen, I love this topic, but I live in Portugal and here we have compulsory education so...

[@BH-lz7ho]

Great podcast💕 Where do you purchase the blank books for the children to create their own story books?

[@josefaciccarelli7357]

Amazon or lakeshore learning 😄

[@backtoearthtones]

Can you do a talk on vegan nutrition for kids, supplements…

[@honestmomvlog]

It is really hard homeschooling and trying to be interest lead on a budget… I would love to hear more creative ideas for families that can’t afford special classes online or subscription boxes… the library only helps so much ya know?

[@RadhaReni]

Ellen, what would you guys advice to people who want to homeschool but it's not legal în the country they are in? Moving could be an option, but maybe it's not an option. There are some people who enroll their children at an umbrella school, but not having many families homeschooling is really hard to have friends on the same page, foresee the future, etc....

[@reinag.1018]

Did anyone catch the sites they mentioned for free resources? I want to download something to try out for fun just to see how my child and I work through it.

[@taylorlaverdiere2463]

Check the description! :) good possibility it’s there! It has so much they talked about.

[@susandean8584]

Thanks for another beautiful podcast. If you are not familiar with KZbinr “Lucy at Life Without School” I think you would find her interesting.

[@martaso643]

I would love to homeschool, but I only have one child and he is already super clingy to me, he only wants me all the time. If I were to decide homeschooling, do you think the issue would become even more prevalent? Love the podcast, Ellen! Thank you!

[@angelicagrills7123]

I understand. We homeschool and our youngest is super clingy to me. However, as he has gotten older it is becoming less. Also we are involved in other things. We are in a homeschooling co-op that meets and takes trips. I have left boys with dad as I went to a mom's homeschooling co-op planning session. We are involved in church and he does leave my side to go to Sunday School during bible study. I asked him his first day if he wanted me to go with him. He just said no that he could go by himself. I think all those little experiences and activities over time helped lessen his clinginess. I hope that helps a bit.

[@martaso643]

@@angelicagrills7123 That is amazing! :) Thank you for sharing.

[@managing_the_motherload]

Toilet school 😂 love this. ❤️

[@jaimetaylor5385]

I like the idea behind homeschooling but where we live if they don't go to school they can't play sports. And my son loves sports.

[@kaitlyndenney7779]

I promise this is just a question and not a judgement: Do all of you work from home?

[@georgiastarfire]

In today's world it's time we open millions of homeschooling plus share co op homeschooling.

[@leatolno222]

Hopefully Europe will aloud homeschooling by the time I'll have children. For now it's just couple of European countries which allow that.

[@laceyb81]

Would kove to see a shorter video of the highlights I just dont have time to skip through a 90 minute video Thank you 😊

[@shine9080]

The homeschooling explained from you seems to be an excellent privileged place to be for some children. It’s all adaptable to their personalities and your home schedule, habits but most of all the people lifestyle is not exactly like yours. I find it a bit surreal as it’s still a big privilege even for the mum who can ‘choose’ to be there with them all the time. It’s like all the wealthy children who study at their own home having a personal tutor and if you can do it, great! I’d like just to ask: don’t you think it could influence the way how your children might see the ‘real and brutal’ world around them? I mean, from the screen they seem to live in this fantastic crystal ball a bit like a fairytale. Many children do not have this privilege and just have to go with the flow so they might not adapt maybe in the future to ‘flexible’ and different structures out of their comfort zone for the way the grow up? Do not you think it can destabilise them? It’s not an attack, please do not get me wrong... it’s just curiosity from a common person who always went to public school and doing it for my children as single parent, so not really many choice around. And I’d like to add more about public schools which obliviously is different around the world. Probably in USA in the High School there is a lack of teaching about some topics but in Europe you can actually choose at that stage what you want to learn and be specialised in. Of course you need to follow an educational plan but if you enjoy to study, the university will help to increase more, specifically within what passionate you. There are great public schools out there, many children do not have other choices, like mine, so interesting but still... very privileged place to be.

[@mayerzzzdude]

I’m glad you raised this because I had similar thoughts. I had a single working mom and I was put in public school and luckily tested into better public schools but my siblings did not. In my experience I was bullied and often projected upon my by peers in unstable homes but I kind of see it as similar to wild nature she described her children experiencing (just not the wild of exploring nature with open curiosity and instead the wild of the state of humanity that most children will eventually exist in as adults) The reality is that most people in this world are suffering and experiencing that in school exposed me and hurt me in many ways but I can’t tell you whether it was beneficial or not. My partner was put in private Christian school, home schooled, and then put in public school and wishes that he was put in public school right away instead of being sheltered away from the realities of the general public because when he entered into the real world and eventually chose to leave his families evangelical faith, he had a lot of social things to learn as an adult that he would’ve learned interacting with the broader group of society at a younger age in school. Based on my experience, I’m more interested in school alternatives like homeschool because I don’t want my kid to have to take on broken systems and other people issues so young but I doubt he will be down with that based on his experience. There’s no right answer. It’s unique to every family but I think the focus should be on making sure we try to raise the standard of public education and allow as many alternative options as possible for families with different needs. Sorry for the rant :)

[@ibelieveinjesuschrist8911]

private schools are now 1 teacher to over 25 kids... smh

[@IndigoRoses7]

Homeschooling vegan children so they're unaware of warped their lives really are. Nothing wrong with homeschooling, in certain situations. But children need to be socialized appropriately if they're not attending school. There's so many different kinds of schools out there, it goes beyond knowledge. I've known alot of people that went through homeschooling and when they hit adulthood, it was a culture shock them on many different levels..they all had extreme social anxiety and were socially awkward in general. Most children will say at some point, that they don't like school. But on a grand scale, going to school prepares children for the real world and social interaction, meeting friends, and being exposed to different cultures and ways of life.

[@danielcrowe1335]

Public schools do not prepare children for the real world.

[@bensondeadfromtheneckup5057]

Can you breathe through your nose? It doesn’t sound like it.

[@VsKeys]

I hate to be the Debbie Downer...but this almost makes me not want to homeschool. I heard nothing but zero academics and things that all parents should do anyways with their kids on the side of school. 🤷🏻‍♀️Sorry.

[@dawnpoole6081]

So you didn't hear one of the ladies say how much her children love workbooks? Or one of them speaking of the curriculum they use? Or how one woman's kids learned about finances? Or about the online math courses they were speaking of? Or about how one encourages her children to do harder math? Or about all the different sciences they have learned about, or music? Or, basically anything they were speaking about? You either must not have actually listened, or you tried really hard to hear only what you wanted to. 🤷