Homeschooling.

Homeschooling has been a transformative journey for us since we made the decision to take the plunge for the 2023/2024 school year. Reflecting on the past year, it’s clear there have been ups and downs, challenges alongside countless rewards—all of which have solidified our belief in this path.

One of the most precious outcomes has been the gift of time: over 1200 hours spent intimately with our girls, diving into subjects like math, spelling, writing, reading, and the wonders of nature-based sciences. From art projects to observing goat births, every moment has been a learning opportunity. We’ve explored the intricacies of nature’s seasons, mastered analog clocks and measuring tools, and tackled everything from fractions to 6-digit math problems.

Geography lessons have taken us across Canada, learning about provinces, territories, and time zones. Equally important, we’ve introduced practical life skills like money management—teaching our children the value of both spending wisely and saving diligently.

Above all, our homeschooling journey embodies a deeper philosophy: we aim to provide our children with a childhood like our own—days filled with tree climbing, sun-soaked adventures, and the freedom to nurture their curiosity while respecting boundaries.

These 1200 hours have not just been about academics; they’ve been about forging connections. It’s in these hours that we’ve witnessed our children’s unique personalities blossom, their interests ignite, and their confidence grow. We’ve had the privilege of being there for every “aha” moment, every struggle overcome, and every question explored.

Every day, as we engage in homeschooling for 45-60 minutes, we’re not just imparting knowledge; we’re building memories. Memories of laughter over a difficult math problem solved, of wonder during a science experiment, and of quiet pride in mastering a new skill.

In a world that often rushes us through milestones, these hours have allowed us to slow down and savor the fleeting moments of childhood. They’ve reminded us of the incredible privilege it is to be our children’s first and most influential teachers.

Yes, homeschooling has its challenges. Yes, it requires dedication and creativity. But when we look back on these 1200 hours, we know without a doubt—they’ve been the most valuable investment of our lives.

Asking our girls; If you could say one thing about homeschooling, what would it be?

Big H, age 7; “I love what I’m learning, I love that there is more family time, but I also love spending more time with Mother Nature, more than I did when I was in school. I like working at my own pace and not feeling rushed.”

Little H, age 6, “I love spending more time in nature than when I was at school, I like that it’s a small amount of time to do our schoolwork, and I like having a lot of free play time.”