Transform Your Homeschool Days with Delight Directed Learning | Julie Kreke

The pressure is off! If your homeschool days have become overrun with stress and pressure to do all things perfectly, this episode is for you. My friend, Julie, has been homeschooling her large family for over a decade, and she loves helping moms free themselves from the pressures of homeschooling by embracing delight directed learning. Not only does this approach free moms to thrive in homeschooling, it liberates our children too. I hope our conversation about the beauty of delight directed learning inspires you as you steward your child’s education.
In this episode, we cover:
How delight directed learning differs from other educational approaches
Recognizing and stewarding each individual child’s gifts
Where boundaries come into play with delight directed learning
Stepping back to examine our expectations about our child’s education
An example of a day in the life of a delight directed homeschool
Rejecting rigid schedules to cultivate lifelong learners
Examining the cause of burnout and overcoming it
The power of keeping lessons short
Taking the pressure off by recognizing that each child learns at his own pace
Creating an atmosphere in your home that celebrates learning
How taking a hands-off approach can inspire your child to continue self-learning
Navigating clutter in your schedule and household
How do you know if it’s time for a change or time to quit?
Thank you to our sponsors!
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ABOUT JULIE
Julie is wife to Jason and mama to ten awesome kids. They live in a small home on a sixteen acre homestead in beautiful Missouri where they homeschool their children using a delight directed method of learning.
As a second generation homeschooler, Julie knows firsthand the benefits of this lifestyle, and is passionate about helping others feel confident in homeschooling their kids. She offers encouragement and resources through her website, The Delightful Homeschool, and her family KZbin channel.
RESOURCES
How to Simplify Your Homeschool eBook by Julie Kreke: thedelightfulh...
CONNECT
Julie Kreke
Website: thedelightfulho...
Instagram: / juliekreke
KZbin: / thekrekefamily
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone
Blog: www.farmhouseo...
KZbin: / farmhouseonboone
Instagram: / farmhouseonboone
TikTok: / farmhouseonboone
Facebook: / farmhouseonboone
Pinterest: / _created
Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community: / 748012922264552
GET MORE FROM THIS EPISODE
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[@emilloisdodson-nattier9876]

What an inspiration you both are to young families. You make me wish I had a do over at age 74. Both of you give me hope for the future. God bless you. I know He smiles to see what you are doing.

[@deborahdillon5298]

LORD bless you mommies! I'm a second generation homeschooling mom of 24 years(13 + years to go) and I am still learning!! So important to adjust our mind/heart to each child's learning needs. Change is ok, change is good! The day we stop learning is when we "graduate" to heaven!😁

[@jocelyncampagna916]

Any advice for a first time homeschooler my daughter will be starting prek and we can't do public or private I'm very nervous

[@deborahdillon5298]

@@jocelyncampagna916 wow, great decision! You can do this. You are the mom, you have been teaching your child from birth! Don't worry, take it step by step. Start slow and easy until you are comfortable with how you can schedule(don't think 3 or 5 hours a day)what works for you and your child. Preschool is fun! Laugh, do hands on stuff, learn as you get some schooling in - one or one and a half hours a day. Christian Liberty press has a great preschool book, simple and covers early learning. Get some good science(subject books I call them) from the library - ask what they are interested in(rocks, baby animals, insects, sea creatures, air, water, etc.)! So much out there and in your home. -- build habitats with recycled material, paint, kinetic sand, etc. CBD had a lot of curriculum at good prices. You can make your own alphabet flashcards as well. Be excited about learning a d your child will too!♥️

[@jenAKnND]

I don’t know if I ever cried during a podcast but some of what Julie said brought me to tears. I think because it resonated so much with me and my current stage of life. For a long time now I have not had a good attitude and have not created this love for learning and I just realized how it affects my kids. This was a great wake up call! So good that I’m going to listen again. I am a first year homeschool mom (the year just ended as we were doing Classical Conversations) and have that pressure on myself on top of not knowing exactly what I’m doing. It’s a lot and most days I struggle with teaching them. I’m beyond thankful for this podcast. God knew my heart needed this. 🥹 You both are so amazing and because you share, you encourage so many of us wanting to do better and be better for our kids. ❤

[@minnamae25]

🙋‍♀️ I've learned A LOT from that family. Julie is amazing and I love her outlook, and her whole family is just amazing.

[@lucindalandauer1691]

Yay! I loved this conversation! Please keep celebrating big families! It’s a great way to fight back against our society bent on breaking us all down.

[@FarmhouseRedeemed]

I LOVE this episode! My 2 favorite KZbin families! I feel like I’m part of the discussion - both of your personalities are just so genuine and welcoming. ❤️ Have a wonderful weekend ladies!

[@emilydawson2667]

My husband was NOT permitted in high school on the “academic stream” for the “smart kids” to take a trades math course he really wanted to take, as he knew it would be practical knowledge for life! Now he’s a self-taught carpenter and would have very much benefited from the high school course. It’s a shame the system (in my part of Canada, anyway) shames the trades, as something the “not academic-potentially university bound” kids should take. There are VERY intelligent people in the trades. The university grads are the ones who will call the tradespeople for help when they need it 😉

[@gunnikr]

That definitely isn’t fair. But keep in mind we all need each other. You will need a doctor if in an accident etc. all jobs have their value

[@MaryMorris-t3q]

I totally see what you’re saying though. It’s wrong to call them “non academic”

[@kdwerner]

So encouraging to me as a mom who is on year 4 of homeschooling!

[@elle1253]

I love this so much! This is exactly how we are teaching our 4 kids! I went to public school and my husband was homeschooled and we have used our experiences together to guide our kids in their learning interests and nurture their passions!❤️ we love homeschooling!!!

[@amandakylemyers2457]

This was SO encouraging!!! I’m a first generation homeschooler/devout Christian in my family. My kids are still pretty little but I’m trying to learn as much as I can to help them grow and learn. Thank you so much for all you do. You have been helping me so much in my ever-so important job as a homemaker and mommy. 💛

[@She_sews_in_her_pyjamas]

2 of my favourite KZbin creators in one video.

[@OurLifeHomeschooling]

Two of my favorite blog/KZbinrs in one place! I was excited to listen when I saw this come up in my podcast notifications. I didn't realize you two are friends! We also have ten kids and so, so much of what you said is the same with us! From teaching reading, to the older kids being independent with their school, to not having as many toys as we did when they were little, to teaching them by their interest. As I was listening to Lisa ask a question, I was thinking about how it has worked for us in our family and then Julie would say what I was thinking, ha! Great interview, really enjoyed this! Thanks!

[@rebeccawilson7953]

I’m getting ready to homeschool my oldest who is a rising 3rd grader for the 1st time. I have loved this discussion, thank you.

[@ArrowHillCottage]

This was INCREDIBLE!!! I absolutely needed to hear these words today. Thank you both so much!

[@emilymcclain591]

I love Julie’s channel! I have been watching both of you since the beginning and have only been encouraged, inspired and excited! I am a second generation homeschooler with a second grader and one in kindergarten. Everything you say Julie is right on. Good job ladies!

[@VikingUffDa]

Priorities - spiritual view, worldview, American history, patriotism, literature, business math, technology, time budgeting, money budgeting. Little did I know my daughter who loved art would be a math genius and go into architecture and engineering. I taught my children how to reason. We discussed current events. They learned hard work. They are independent. They were in sports which they have used. They were in Civil Air Patrol. My son got his degree in Aviation. Flexible structure is good because it teaches self discipline. We traveled a lot and visited historic sites and other sites as we did so they learned history in person.

[@normaalfonsdottir4586]

Absolutely loved this video! So encouraging and motivating ❤

[@SavedbyHisMercy]

Thank you so much ladies for sharing all of your wisdom. You are both such incredible, inspiring women. And I definitely agree with Julie about certain t.v shows where teens, or kids are disrespectful--they certainly don't need any help, lol.

[@bethanystamschror8658]

Boy, oh boy did I need this episode! This is exactly how I feel my son would learn best.

[@whitney5581]

Thank you!!! I really enjoyed this conversation! ❤️❤️

[@candylyman6429]

I so can relate! Mom of 11 and home schooled for 30 years and on a farm for 30 years also. Such a learning process.

[@siany123]

I tried so hard to teach my 5 year old to read and it made us both miserable. As soon as I stopped and gave him ownership of his learning, he decided at 7 to teach himself. I still don't fully know how he did it!! But now at 9 years old he devours books before bed every night and loves reading. I really didn't need to worry, kids are so capable. There is nothing else like self motivated learning.

[@jasonandjulie]

That’s awesome! 😄

[@TRuth.T]

Thanks, for sharing. Happy Mothers Day, you gorgeous Missouri Mommas :)

[@wolf_bridge5114]

So encouraged by both of you. It made me happy to hear that you are good friends. Your channels are two of the few channels I regularly watch. God bless you!!! From a mom of 7

[@nadinecollectivehomeschool7519]

I loved this so much!!! The encouragement from you both is a huge blessing! 💛🌞

[@devonlengacher3403]

May God bless both of you.

[@ashleyt6237]

You both are tremendous resources and this conversation is so good! Thank you!!

[@jessicakallen]

Another excellent conversation with some great like minded women. Thanks so much Lisa 😚

[@lorieflanders]

This was such an incredible discussion. Thank you.

[@rachaelmilne5574]

This was so timely and so very freeing and encouraging to me thank you!

[@taylorferrell8308]

Ladies thank you so much for this. This mama needed to hear it :)

[@jennita1234]

When the kids are 4,5,6 it's terrifying. But now my 7 can read and that was life changing 😊

[@luckypenny4263]

I follow you both enjoying what you both bring to you tube ❤❤

[@CG-mj8tk]

Did Julie come up with this name delight directed learning? I’m really enjoying this podcast. And lo and behold I’ve been turning towards this method of learning for sometime now I agree with so much of this.

[@caitlinwightman1694]

What was the name of the online music course Julie referenced?

[@HEATHERFREE2486]

Love love loved this ❤️

[@jaseycourville4432]

We’re such a mess. I homeschooled, then sent my daughter for the second half of kindergarten, homeschooled first grade, then sent her back for second grade. I have always felt SO insecure. I can’t feel good about either one. How do I get the confidence if it doesn’t come naturally…

[@lucindalandauer1691]

Hi, I am a veteran homeschooling mom of 23 years and now have a two year old unexpectedly. I just wanted to encourage you to listen to these ladies again and again. You CAN do it. The societal expectations are real, but they also really DON’T matter very much at all. You have been innately equipped to teach your own child(ren) I hope you find some moms near you too that can speak into your life. Good news! You are homeschooling at one of the easiest times in history! There are so many resources and support! You stand on the shoulders of giants. Just keep going. It works. I hope these words help. Blessings!

[@CG-mj8tk]

Finding a homeschool group and Homeschooling mom friends can be a complete game changer. If u surround yourself with likeminded moms…well…you’ll see what a difference it makes.

[@CG-mj8tk]

And the fact that u keep pulling your child out of public school is very telling that ur not comfortable with sending him or her away ☺️

[@kristianaivanova1806]

​@@CG-mj8tk I agree and wanted to jump in and say what an impact the homeschool community around me has had! I was so overwhelmed at the beginning and just kept praying that God bring other Christian women my way who are walking the road and gave walked it longer than I, and He faithfully did! These women have been an incredible support and encouragement on my journey. So I took, encourage the mama of this comment, pray, find community that will lift you up and keep going!❤

[@jennita1234]

What if their gift is video games? What if their gift is film, television, etc. I find so many unschoolers have all this freedom with other media (music, books, visual art) but a hard line on screens. Thoughts?

[@amandabolain5]

This 🙌🙌🙌

[@merrileemcdonald448]

Did anyone catch the online music course mentioned towards the end? I listened again and again but i can't hear the words clearly.

[@naomicakes2236]

Voteburg Music Academy, from Now That We’re a Family :)

[@lorirhea7096]

How do you “graduate” your kiddos? There is so much emphasis on that darn piece of paper😊

[@thehometownhomestead]

Depends on the state, but where I’m at, parents can issue a diploma and a transcript.

[@lucindalandauer1691]

We didn’t even print a diploma. It’s been totally unnecessary.

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

It really depends on the state you live in.

[@CG-mj8tk]

@@lucindalandauer1691 how about a transcript? Is that needed for life after graduation? Ty 😊

[@Our_Hive_of_Five]

I have no idea if my daughter will be a veterinarian as she says she will, but going to school to become one requires college level calculus. That's far beyond the level i went with math but i would be doing a disservice to assume they really won't go there. How do you address it?

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

We have dual enrollment in our state. So, it's quite easy.

[@CG-mj8tk]

@@Simplefarmhouselife by dual enrollment do u mean enrolling child in public school classes? I’m in Missouri as well, and my child as well is very interested in vet school.

[@crystalheatwole9396]

Duel enrollment that we have here (Texas) is with colleges. As a high schooler the child can take math (or other subjects) at a college. Be aware that not all college classes are created equal. Pay attention to the university you child wants to attend and make sure the duel credit course you select will fulfill their future university’s requirements. It’s very doable and you can often get grant money even as a high schooler.

[@Our_Hive_of_Five]

I have returned to listen to this twice now, and appreciate the wisdom and encouragement. I am so thankful to be able to homeschool and am still learning. Thank you for the responses!

[@shannonmcrae1364]

I hear a lot of homeschoolers say “unless this child is going to be an engineer, they don’t need to learn calculus”. But I wonder, if your child DOES want to be an engineer, will they have access to calculus? Will they know they want to be an engineer if they are taught math by someone who doesn’t like math? Or taught math by a computer ?

[@thehometownhomestead]

A homeschooled child who needs calculus will get calculus. That said, they can also take it in college. Many public grads have to take remedial math classes as college freshman, Those kids can also go on to be engineers, just the same as homeschooled children. In my state, I can send my child to the public school to take any classes that I’d like, but it’s small, and likely still doesn’t have calculus. (Didn’t when I was there as a student.)

[@justamags]

Calculus is definitely something they'll get a lot of in college for various degrees. You don't have to have it done in high school (I was a public school kid and never took AP calculus while in high school. I took chemistry, psych, and english for college credit instead). Some high schools don't even offer it. But I have seen a lot of programs of advanced level math for home school kids online as well.

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

Our state has amazing homeschool options which include dual enrollment so homeschool students can enroll in college classes during high school. There is no limit to the education they can receive including graduating high school with college credits and going on to college for whatever degree they choose...including engineering

[@CG-mj8tk]

@@Simplefarmhouselife ty! U just answered a question I previously asked u 😊

[@CG-mj8tk]

Shannon are u an actual homeschooling mom? Or just trolling?