Hillary’s Homeschool Day in the Life (with a 7, 4 and 1-year-old)

by on January 13, 2012
in organization · 13 Comments

This post should be called “Joel’s Homeschool Day in the Life” because three months ago my husband and I traded responsibilities: I accepted a full-time position working from our home and he exuberantly took on the role of full time caregiver and overseer of our family’s home learning.

It has been a major transition for all of us, but the rhythm of the day has mainly stayed the same and we’re happy with our new lifestyle.

While my day-to-day role has changed I remain involved in our big picture homeschooling strategy and planning, research resources and supplement specific learning themes whenever possible.

Here’s what our family’s average day looks like right now.
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How Our Christmas Bucket List is Helping Us Homeschool through the Holidays

by on December 7, 2011
in organization · 15 Comments

Written by contributor Hillary Boucher of infinitely learning

Christmas. It’s wonderful and overwhelming all at the same time. In our attempts to create happy holiday memories and traditions for our families it’s easy to get overwhelmed, stressed, and quite possibly push your homeschooling to the back burner.

While it’s perfectly okay to let go of homeschooling during a busy season (something we’ve typically done in the past), one of our family’s goals this year is to keep a steady pace with our home learning.

The challenge for us is the stop and go learning that happens around busy times–like the holidays.
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Hillary’s Biggest Homeschooling Mistake: Not Asking for Help Sooner

by on October 19, 2011
in a mom's education · 11 Comments

Written by contributor Hillary Boucher of infinitely learning

Remember those jokes about the parent who would never pull over and ask for directions? That’s me. I would sooner drive to New Jersey on my way to Vermont than pull over and admit I need help.

Parenting and homeschooling is like any journey, once in a while you need a little help, whether it’s directions, words of encouragement or the insight that comes from experience.

A do-it-yourself mentality can complement home learning, but in the past I’ve waited too long to ask for much needed help–whether it’s advice, support or information. I’ve learned that reaching out is imperative for building healthy support systems for our family.
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When It’s Too Hot to Learn

by on July 29, 2011
in family time · 17 Comments

It’s too hot. The kids are cranky and we need to chill out. But I can’t help myself–no matter what we’re doing I see what we’re “learning”.

If you’re anything like me it’s thrilling to participate in everyday, organic learning. Watching my kids grow and learn inspires me.

But the hottest of days is a great reminder that rest and relaxation is an important part of being a whole learner.

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Interest-Driven Curricula and an Open Mind (2011 Curriculum Fair)

by on May 18, 2011
in curriculum · 19 Comments

Written by contributor Hillary Boucher of Infinitely Learning

Children’s ages: 6, 3, and 10 months
Educational Philosophy Influences: Unschooling, Enki, Eclectic

Our children are quite young and so far interest-driven learning has been all we’ve needed. Philosophically, we are what is described as “unschooling.”

I am not particularly attached to unschooling as a rule-set as much as I am dedicated to individualized, case-by-case, interest-driven learning.

If there is anything I’ve learned in life and parenting it’s to keep an open mind and heart. You never know what might be around corner, how life will unfold or how someone’s needs may change.

I’m open to using any tool that helps facilitate growth and learning and I acknowledge that at some point it could include a specific curriculum.
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Working at Home & Homeschooling: 7 Life Lessons from a WAHM

by on March 9, 2011
in home maintenance & management · 37 Comments

Written by contributor Hillary Boucher of infinitely learning

When my husband and I set out to homeschool our three children while running two home-based businesses we had no idea what we were getting into. We knew we would love the flexibility, the sense of control and the bonus family time, but we didn’t realize just how well organized we would need to be or the added stress it would bring into our home.

My husband designs and installs stonework and we run the business end from our home. I run a local birth services business that includes photography, doula services and birth tub rentals. I also do web consulting work for small businesses and non-profit organizations.

Three years later and we’ve finally learned how to make it work.

Here are seven things I wish I’d known when we started.

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