How to Embrace Your Child's Style of Learning & Give Them Homeschool Freedom

Ms. Lovett made her decision — she wanted her children to have freedom in their learning journey. She began by experimenting with different curricula and decided on My Father's World. Her son loved the curriculum. Later, she had to shift gears because the program didn't match her daughter's learning style. Ms. Lovett explained that her son was an auditory learner and her daughter was a kinesthetic learner.

Now, she continues her advocacy for homeschooling through her various works with nonprofit groups. She firmly believes in voting for homeschool rights and voting for legislators who support homeschooling.

Ms. Lovett chose homeschooling because she didn't want her children to feel trapped, but encouraged to learn. She spoke about her passion for writing and explained that parents can use tools to help their children love writing. She recommends Usborne "how-to" books, the Institute for Excellence in Writing, and Fun-Schooling books.

Ms. Lovett also highly recommends giving each child a learning station where they can soar and learn with excitement because the station belongs to them. A learning station gives the child independence and a place to call their own. These spaces allow them to feel self-motivated and creative. Even adults can use a learning space to cultivate motivation and productivity.

Ms. Lovett used a weekly schedule for her family, and she also encouraged her children to create their own schedules. That way, they could learn at their own pace and become visually involved in the process of creating their schedule. She explained that letting the child learn at their own pace relieves the parent of some pressure and doesn't cause chaos if the schedule isn't met. If they want to take a trip to Grandma's house, they can because they'll have time to learn again the next day.

How can you definitively understand your child's learning style? Jessica Lovett has several recommendations:

• Watch and listen to your child.
  NxtEra's Spin

  Observe them as they play or work on schoolwork. Discuss different topics as you sit around the dinner table. Encourage thoughtful discussion to see how they learn and observe them as they live day-to-day around the house.
• Ask yourself, "What do they like?"
  NxtEra's Spin

  Watch for the areas in which they excel. Maybe they're great at basketball or science projects. Perhaps they like watching movies and love to draw. Whatever it is, study them to see their interests.
• Read Susan Wise Bauer's book, Rethinking School: How to Take Charge of Your Child's Education.
  NxtEra's Spin

  Read this book and discuss it with your family. This creates excellent opportunities to open up fun discussions with your spouse or kids.
• Let them move at their own pace.
  NxtEra's Spin

  Don't rush them. Instead, let them learn at their comfort level. We encourage families to use repetition and level of mastery as progress points instead of rushing through schoolwork.
• Don't focus on grade level.
  NxtEra's Spin

  Motivate your kids on their progress, not their grades. Support them and cheer them on when they succeed in different subjects and activities.
• Deschool (when you switch from public schooling to homeschooling).
  NxtEra's Spin

  Take time to slow down and let your mind unwind from the school system. This applies to you and your kids. Don't put school system pressure on your family. Avoid grading and a rigid schedule.

  📝 Note from Ms. Lovett Ms. Lovett highly suggests deschooling when you take your child out of public school. Do not conform them to a public school structure at home. Don't become rigid. Instead, relax as a family and learn to live together for at least a week after the transition. Just learn to spend time together and start slowly on the learning process. Go for ice cream, to the park, or to the library. Enjoy fun activities, but also try to encourage little moments of learning. Perhaps read together or listen to a podcast or YouTube video. Get outside and study nature. Work out as a family or create a healthy meal together. Learn to like each other and then begin to homeschool and search for their learning style.

How can you give your child a well-rounded learning experience? Ms. Lovett has more recommendations:

• Cater to their learning style.
  NxtEra's Spin

  To work on this, see our Learning Styles resource and blog post. Pay attention to your child. See if they learn well by using their hands. Perhaps they learn well through quiet time and reading books. Once you discover their learning style — for example — teach them math through hands-on learning (for a kinesthetic learner). Teach them history through reading books (for a reading/writing learner).
• Don't be staunch and force them to become rigid students.
  NxtEra's Spin

  If your day doesn't follow your plan, it's okay. Get your kids outside for some fresh air. Go visit Grandma and Grandpa. The memories you create now during their childhood are more important than following a strict schedule.
• Encourage multigenerational contact.
  NxtEra's Spin

  Go to the local farmer's market with your kids. Take them to a museum or involve them in a local library group. Have them volunteer at your church. Involve them in social activities, which will increase multigenerational contact.
• Go to plays, speeches, or live events as a family.
  NxtEra's Spin

  Educate their minds outside your home. Involve them in fun social experiences where they can learn. Through these events, they can also experience art. We host live, educational events, so watch for them on our community page.
• Become involved in a healthy church or spiritual group.
  NxtEra's Spin

  Faith is vital. Therefore, involve your family in a healthy church or spiritual group. This way, your children can experience spiritual growth and connect with others. It can also open doors for them in reference to volunteer opportunities, friendships, or jobs.
• Let your child learn under other teachers.
  NxtEra's Spin

  Use our NxtEra tutors to help you. Let your child learn from other people to teach them other learning habits and strategies. This also helps them develop well socially, and they will learn how to communicate better. For instance, if you want to delegate and find a Spanish teacher, let your child learn from a good Spanish tutor.
• Use homeschool groups, your local librarian, or your church.
  NxtEra's Spin

  Network! Involve your family in homeschool groups, such as co-ops, art classes, or field trip groups. Use localized Facebook groups to help you in this area. Also, if you need help, find your local library and ask a librarian for assistance. Librarians can often help you network. Finally, use your church. Connect with other parents in adult groups or encourage your kids to attend a youth group, so they can build friendships and meet new people.

In summary, these recommendations will create a solid, learned homeschooler. Because of their communication with people of all walks of life and multigenerational contact, they will experience a lack of social fear. Don't force your child to stick to a rigid schedule. Let them learn at their own pace and let it unfold naturally. Homeschoolers who use these tips will build good relationships, find mentorship opportunities, and grow into prepared adults.

Ms. Lovett explained that homeschooling high schoolers isn't really that scary. You don't have to know everything because other people can help you. She recommends parents:

• ✓Log coursework in a Google Doc (even starting in junior high).
• ✓Have a transcript.
• ✓Sign up for help at homeschoolwithjoy.com.
• ✓Make graduation fun!

Ms. Lovett enjoys the tailor-made capabilities of homeschooling. If you want this educational experience for your child, pay attention. Watch what they like and listen to their interests. Be open to their learning style and allow time for a schedule, but not rigid learning.

Take a deep breath. We believe in you! You can do this, and you can explore the beauty of learning right now with your homeschooler!

Explore these resources from Jessica Lovett to continue your homeschooling journey:

• 🏡 Homeschool With Joy — Embracing Simplicity, Faith, and Joy in Homeschooling →
• 📅 Finding Freedom in Your Homeschool Schedule →
• 💬 Book a Homeschool Coaching Session →
• ♟️ Brazos Valley Chess Association — Coaching and Tournaments →