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Homeschooling in South Africa 101: Navigating life as a farmer’s wife, homeschooling mom, small business owner, author, manager, and conservationist

Homeschooling in South Africa

Welcome to our homeschooling journey!

Hello and welcome to the homeschooling section of my blog!

I am thrilled to begin this journey with you as we delve into the exciting (sometimes chaotic) realm of homeschooling together. Residing in Zululand, South Africa, I am a homeschooling mother to three awesome, confident (and wild) children, currently between grades 1 and 4.

How and why we decided to homeschool….

I’m sure we can all agree that we all want the best possible education and opportunities for our children, so when it came to choose the best path for my children, homeschooling felt like the perfect match. Now, don’t get me wrong, in the beginning I was scared, nervous and I felt extremely overwhelmed by the responsibility that was now in my hands, but through a lot of prayer and research, I soon realised that we had made the right decision for our family. As the years have gone by, I feel more confident in my teaching abilities and have found an overflowing peace in homeschooling. Yes, we have our ups and downs but I have zero regrets in choosing this path. The longer we homeschool, the more reasons I find along the way to solidify that the decision was the right one.

I want my children to learn more than what a traditional school environment can provide. I want to start our day in God’s Word, learning right from wrong, learning beyond the standard reading, writing, maths and such. I want to teach my children how to sew and bake, garden and crochet. I want my son to be able to change a lightbulb, create things with his hands, and use his ‘little boy’ energy in a useful way. I want them to learn botanical names of plants, insects and trees. I want to teach them about wildlife, nature, and conservation…and so much more!

Homeschooling gives me the freedom to custom create a curriculum for each child’s strengths and interests. If we want to learn all about the different bird nests in the world, we can spend the time doing just that. We can learn more freely without the pressures and stresses of tests, exams, and schedules. Another reason to homeschool for us personally, was having the control of our time and how we spend it. Homeschooling allows us to enjoy breakfast as a family every morning, and our afternoons are ours to enjoy together. No homework, no extra lessons for this or that, just pure home-time, time for play, farm walks, fishing, reading, gardening and cooking together. This is vital time where we can instill morals, manners and guidance in our small children who absorb everything they see and hear. Instilling a confidence in who they are and what they are capable of. They are little for such a short time and we want to enjoy this time with our children. That’s why we had them – to raise them, love them, and teach them.

My biggest piece of advice for families looking into homeschooling is this: Homeschooling is a family adventure. The responsibility doesn’t fall solely on the mother. Although she may be the primary teacher, fathers play a pivotal role in the homeschooling journey as well. Not only by providing a supportive role to his wife, but in actively relieving her from the children on occasion. Both parents need to be on the same page and have the same goals. They need to be able to depend on each other and encourage each other along the way.

Through this blog, I will share our homeschooling escapades, insights, and tips accumulated from years of hands-on experience. My main focus will be on offering valuable guidance to fellow homeschooling parents navigating the unique challenges, myths and joys of home education. Whether you are just starting your homeschooling journey or seeking fresh ideas and resources, you are in the right place!

Anticipate a wealth of resources, practical advice, and book suggestions. From imaginative lesson plans and educational activities to homeschooling tricks and glimpses into our daily routine, I will share it all here on the blog. You will also find reviews of our preferred educational materials, curriculum suggestions, and insights into our homeschooling adventures in the scenic landscapes of South Africa.

I firmly believe that homeschooling goes beyond academics; it is about instilling a love for learning, nurturing curiosity, and embracing the journey together as a family. I invite you to engage in the discussion by sharing your experiences, insights, and questions in the comments section. Let’s create a supportive community where we can learn from one another, encourage each other, and rejoice in the wonders of homeschooling together!

Cheers to embracing the beauty and liberty of homeschooling and empowering our children to flourish as lifelong learners!

Warmest regards,

Kayleigh
Homeschooling in South Africa

Where it all started: with Sophia starting Grade 1 in 2020

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