{"id":1384,"date":"2023-08-11T21:56:58","date_gmt":"2023-08-11T21:56:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/?p=1384"},"modified":"2023-08-11T21:57:42","modified_gmt":"2023-08-11T21:57:42","slug":"growing-gardens-and-minds-how-relaxed-homeschooling-transformed-my-daughters-education-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neurodiverge.net\/growing-gardens-and-minds-how-relaxed-homeschooling-transformed-my-daughters-education-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Growing Gardens and Minds: How Relaxed Homeschooling Transformed My Daughter’s Education"},"content":{"rendered":"

We’ve experienced the struggles of traditional homeschooling firsthand, with its large classrooms, lack of outdoor time, and daily explosive breakdowns. As educators ourselves, we faced additional challenges with a child who has ADHD<\/a> and a strong-willed personality. But then we discovered the power of relaxed homeschooling. By incorporating activities like starting a garden, watching educational videos, and exploring composting and pollution, we transformed our daughter’s education. The benefits have been astounding – extended learning, improved skills, and more enjoyable days. Join us as we share our journey and inspire others to grow gardens and minds through relaxed homeschooling.<\/p>\n

The Homeschooling Struggles We Faced<\/h2>\n

We faced numerous challenges during our homeschooling journey, including a large classroom environment, a lack of outdoor time, daily explosive breakdowns, and the difficulties of dealing with ADHD and a strong-willed child. It was overwhelming to have multiple children in one room, making it hard to give each child the attention they needed. Additionally, with limited outdoor time, we struggled to provide our children with the physical activity and fresh air they craved. The daily explosive breakdowns added another layer of stress, as we constantly had to manage meltdowns and find ways to calm our child. Dealing with ADHD and a strong-willed child also presented unique challenges, requiring us to find effective strategies for learning and behavior management. Despite these challenges, we remained committed to serving our children’s educational needs and finding solutions that would help them thrive.<\/p>\n

Overcoming the Challenges of a Rigid Schedule<\/h2>\n

After researching unschooling, considering abandoning curriculum planning became a viable option for us. We were tired of the battles over worksheets vs. outdoor time and the stress and lack of learning that came with a rigid schedule. We wanted to find a more flexible and enjoyable way to educate our daughter.<\/p>\n

Through relaxed homeschooling, we discovered the benefits of incorporating real-life experiences into her education. We started a garden, which not only taught her about science and nature but also provided a hands-on learning opportunity. We explored composting and pollution, learning about soil and decomposers in the process. Additionally, we developed a business to pick up trash, which not only helped the environment but also taught her about entrepreneurship and responsibility.<\/p>\n

By embracing relaxed homeschooling, our daughter’s motivation<\/a> and inspiration soared. She became an active participant in choosing worksheets and took ownership of her education. It was a transformative experience that extended beyond initial videos, fostering a love for science, reading, technology, and math.<\/p>\n

For those seeking to serve others, relaxed homeschooling can provide a unique and fulfilling educational journey. It allows for collaboration, creativity, and a deeper connection to the world around us.<\/p>\n

The Journey to Discovering Relaxed Homeschooling<\/h2>\n

Through exploring different methods of education, such as incorporating real-life experiences and hands-on learning opportunities, our homeschooling journey led us to discover the benefits of a more relaxed approach. We started by creating a garden in our backyard, which became a hub for learning. We watched educational videos about plants, composting, and pollution, and delved into the world of soil and decomposers. Our daughter even developed a business to pick up trash and help keep our community clean. The benefits of this relaxed homeschooling approach were evident. Our daughter’s learning extended beyond the initial videos, and she gained valuable skills in science, reading, technology, and math. Our days became more flexible and enjoyable, with a collaborative approach to choosing worksheets. This journey has had a positive impact on our motivation and inspiration to serve others.<\/p>\n

Unleashing the Power of the Garden in Education<\/h2>\n

By incorporating a garden into our homeschooling journey, our learning experience has become more dynamic and engaging. The power of the garden has transformed our education in ways we never could have imagined. Not only are we learning about plants and nature, but we are also discovering valuable life skills and developing a deeper understanding of serving others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\n<\/th>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Enhanced Science Knowledge<\/td>\nImproved Problem-Solving Skills<\/td>\nIncreased Collaboration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hands-On Learning Opportunities<\/td>\nCultivation of Responsibility<\/td>\nConnection to Nature<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Understanding the Importance of Sustainability<\/td>\nDeveloping a Sense of Empathy<\/td>\nCreating a Giving Mindset<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Learning about the Food System<\/td>\nBuilding Healthy Eating Habits<\/td>\nEngaging in Community Service<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cultivating a Love for the Outdoors<\/td>\nBoosting Creativity and Imagination<\/a><\/td>\nFostering a Sense of Wonder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Through our garden, we are not only growing plants, but we are also growing minds. We have discovered the joy of working together as a family and serving others through our garden produce. It has truly transformed our homeschooling experience and enriched our lives in countless ways.<\/p>\n

The Surprising Benefits of Relaxed Homeschooling<\/h2>\n

Incorporating a more flexible approach to our homeschooling has brought unexpected benefits to our learning journey. We have discovered that relaxed homeschooling has the power to transform education for our daughter and for us as a family. Here are some surprising benefits we have experienced:<\/p>\n