The Home Ed Daily

25/10/2024

This is the child.

The one we say is too loud, too quiet, too distracted, too active, too shy, too stubborn, too immature, too disruptive, too slow...or just, too difficult.

You know the child. He’s the one who doesn’t fit neatly in the classroom box. The one we label a problem. The one we try to change.

But I can assure you this child doesn’t want to be a problem. See, it’s not that he doesn’t understand what is expected of him. He really does. It’s that he finds the path that leads to meeting those expectations suffocating.

We’ve set a single standard for what every child should learn, where and how they should learn it, when they should have it learned by, and how they need to go about proving that they have. This standard is non-negotiable and unrelenting for more than a decade. How a child performs against it becomes central to their life narrative, laying a permanent lens over how they see themselves among family, friends and their community. It becomes a key part of how other people describe them, and significantly affects their self-confidence and mental health as it weaves its way into the fabric of their lives.

This is the child who day after day, week after week, and year after year has to find a way to make things work in an environment that is completely at odds with the way his brain was wired before he was even born.

This child is not a problem. This child, just like the millions of others like him, does not need to change.

What we expect of him, however, does.

29/08/2024

Excellent writing, as always, by Naomi Fisher. Exams are very strange.

Do we really want our teenagers to spend their adolescence on a conveyor belt of high stakes exams?

28/08/2024

📚❌🏫 Not back to school: how home education is changing the way we learn 📚❌🏫

As September approaches, the familiar buzz of "back to school" season begins to resonate. Shops are filled with school supplies, uniforms, and lunchboxes while families prepare for the routine of frantic mornings and packed schedules. However, for many, this September marks a departure from tradition. Instead of the usual rush to return to the classroom, more families embrace the opportunity to continue learning at home. This is a great article written by Naomi Fisher: https://www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk/article/2023/08/28/not-back-school

🧡 The rise of home-ed

The number of families choosing home education has steadily increased in recent years. This trend becomes particularly noticeable in September when a fresh wave of families decides not to return to school. Whether due to dissatisfaction with the conventional school system, a desire for a more tailored educational approach, or concerns about health and wellbeing, the reasons are as diverse as the families themselves. This growing community of home educators offers a wealth of support, resources, and inspiration for those considering this path.

🧡 Why home education?

🟢 Personalised learning: Home education allows you to tailor the curriculum to your child's interests, strengths, pace and learning style. This flexibility can foster a love of learning and encourage deeper exploration of subjects that spark curiosity, facilitating a more engaging and effective learning experience.

🟢 Flexible scheduling: Without the rigid timetable of a traditional school, home education offers the flexibility to adapt learning to your family's lifestyle. Home ed allows families to set their own schedules, enabling learning to happen at any time of the day. This could mean taking a break when needed, exploring subjects in depth, or travelling during off-peak times for educational trips. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for accommodating family travel, extracurricular activities, or children with special educational needs.

🟢 Enhanced well-being: For some children, the pressures of the school environment can be overwhelming. Home education provides a safe and supportive space for children to learn, often leading to increased confidence and reduced anxiety. It helps shield children from bullying, peer pressure, and other negative influences frequently encountered in traditional school settings. Parents can support their child's mental and emotional well-being, ensuring a holistic approach to education that nurtures intellectual and personal growth.

🟢 Closer family bonds: Sharing in the learning journey can strengthen family relationships. It allows parents to engage deeply in their children's education and for siblings to learn together, fostering a collaborative spirit. Spending more time together offers opportunities for parents and children to bond over shared learning experiences.

While home education offers many benefits, there are potential challenges as well. Here are a few:

🟢 Time and commitment: Home education requires a significant time commitment from parents, who often act as both teachers and facilitators. This can be demanding, especially for families where both parents work or for single-parent households. For the parent at home, it can be challenging to find ‘me time’ and feelings of stress from your child’s education being all on you are sometimes inevitable.

🟢 Social interaction: Even though the home education community is growing, some families may struggle to provide regular social interactions. One common concern is the need for regular socialising. However, this can be mitigated by joining clubs, groups, home education networks, and other social activities.

🟢 Financial considerations: Home education can require extra financial and time investment from parents. This can sometimes lead to additional costs for materials, resources, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, one parent may need to reduce working hours or stay home, impacting household income. Families might need to seek out or create opportunities for specialised subjects or things like science labs and sports equipment.

🟢 Potential gaps in knowledge: Without a structured curriculum, there may be gaps in the child's education. Some worry about maintaining educational standards without the structure and ongoing assessment methods used in schools. Remember, there is no legal requirement to follow a curriculum; you can tailor the education and learning style to fit your child's individual needs, interests and passions. There are many 'styles' or learning methods that can change regularly over time, adapting to your family.

🧡 Most families find that they can effectively address these challenges with careful planning and community support.

🧡 Starting your home ed journey

🟢 Research and planning: Research the legal requirements for home education with your LA (local authority). In the UK, parents must ensure their child receives a ‘suitable education’, but there is considerable freedom in how this is delivered.

🟢 Set goals and structure: While home education offers flexibility, having some structure can be helpful. Set goals and create a rough schedule to guide your days. Remember, these plans can change and evolve as you find what works best for your family. Alternatively, you may want to unschool and be completely child-led—read about self-directed learning here: https://www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk/article/2022/11/14/how-do-children-learn-when-they-dont-go-school

🟢 Join the community: Home education can sometimes feel isolating, but there's a large and vibrant community of home educators out there. Every September, a significant influx of new families like you join the home ed movement. Many ‘not back to school’ picnics are held around the country. Join local groups, attend meet-ups, and participate in online chats—Facebook has links to lots of them. These connections can provide invaluable support and resources.

🟢 Explore resources: There are countless resources - https://www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk/section/resources - from online courses and educational apps to local museums and libraries. Tailor your materials to your child's interests and needs; don't be afraid to think outside the box.

🟢 Embrace flexibility: One of the most significant advantages of home education is its flexibility. If something isn't working, change it. If a particular topic fascinates your child, delve deeper. The home education journey is as unique as each child, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach.

🧡 Looking ahead

Not returning to school in September is a significant decision, but it can open up a world of possibilities. Home education isn't just about academics; it's about nurturing a lifelong love of learning, building strong family connections, and fostering a well-rounded, confident individual.

As you embark on this journey, remember that having questions and doubts is normal. Every family finds its own rhythm, and taking things one step at a time is okay. Reach out to others, seek advice, and, above all, enjoy the adventure. Your home education journey will be unique, fulfilling, and an exciting new chapter for your family.

You are not alone in this journey. Countless families join the home education community each September, bringing fresh perspectives and energy. Connect with others, share your experiences, and support one another.

For more information, resources, and guidance, visit https://www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk/ We're here to help you every step of the way, offering resources, online links, inspiration, and a wealth of knowledge to make your home education experience a success.

🧡Here's to a beautiful year of learning, growth, and exploration.

20/08/2024

Quotes often make me cringe, but this one is beautiful.

Visit www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk

14/08/2024

🌞 What Do You Do Over the Summer Holidays? 🌞

Hello lovely home-ed families. As the summer school holidays are in full swing, I'm curious—what do you all get up to? Do you prefer staying home, enjoying the peace of familiar surroundings while the world is buzzing with tourists and school kids? Or do you carry on as usual, diving into your adventures despite the busyness?

Here in Devon (where the locals call tourists ‘Grockles’), it tends to get super busy with queues and traffic jams everywhere. We most often find ourselves staying closer to home, soaking in the quieter moments and visiting local gems that are off the beaten path.

Maybe you take advantage of the quieter times at popular spots or embrace the hustle and bustle, finding new opportunities in the chaos. Whether you're exploring new places or chilling out at home, I'd love to hear how you navigate this lively season. Share your thoughts and plans in the comments. Let's inspire each other with creative ways to make the most of summer.

Stay sunny!

Sasha
https://www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk/

06/08/2024

Wise words.

A lot of people seem to worry about the academic progress of homeschoolers.

I don’t. I’m not worried about maths, or reading, or writing, or science, or anything else on the list of academic subjects we’re supposed to obsess over. That’s not to say I don’t value those things. Just that I don’t worry about them. Everything on that list can be learned by anyone, at any time, to any depth, and a classroom is not a prerequisite for any of it.

But you know what DOES worry me?

My child being told to push through severe mental stress like separation anxiety or bullying in the name of ‘resilience’.

My child having their sense of self and value tied to a red letter scribbled on the front of a standardised test. Over, and over, and over again.

My child hearing they’ve fallen behind because they couldn’t grasp what they were told in the way they were told it. That maybe they’re just not good enough and never will be.

My child feeling isolated or excluded because their mind or body works differently from what is expected of them. That failure is something to be feared and avoided at all costs.

My child being judged or labelled because they can’t consistently meet an agonisingly narrow definition of success.

Or, even worse, my child internalising that judgement or label until it’s embedded deep within their consciousness.

With all of this on the table, why on earth would I ever worry about maths? That’s about the last thing any of us should be sweating over.

We get WAY too worked up about academic progress.

It’s time we shut off that voice and let our hearts take the lead instead.

05/06/2024

Stealth learning, also known as hidden education, is all about slipping educational content into enjoyable activities. It's like teaching undercover! By cleverly integrating learning goals into non-traditional tools, like games, we can make learning feel like play. Kids think they're just having fun, but guess what? They're learning at the same time.

But why go undercover with learning? Well, when students are learning without even realising it, that's when the magic happens. Research shows that kids, especially younger ones, learn best when they're playing games. These games mix real-life situations with traditional learning stuff, like spelling, counting, and even making decisions and taking risks.

Games are the heroes here. They teach all sorts of stuff: spelling, counting, history – you name it. And it's not just about facts; games also help with life skills like problem-solving, teamwork, patience, following rules, and even waiting your turn. They're like a one-stop-shop for learning, fitting into almost every subject and catering to different learning styles.

Plus, here's the cool part: when you're emotionally invested in something, your brain kicks into high gear. That's why hands-on learning—actually doing stuff—is so effective. By turning learning into a game, we're not just teaching; we're creating memories and sparking that awesome feeling of discovery.

Here are a few of our family favourites:

City of Zombies

Carcassonne

Dungeon Mayhem

Exploding Kittens

Mantis

Rat-A-Tat-Cat

What are your favourite board or card games? We'd love to hear your suggestions.

Visit www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk for more articles and home education information.

28/05/2024

If test results are all we measure, then the lives of young people will be inevitably narrow. Another fantastic article by Dr Naomi Fisher.

If test results are all we measure, then the lives of young people will be inevitably narrow.

21/05/2024

History Heroes Review

Looking for games that are not only entertaining but also educational and eco-friendly? Look no further than History Heroes! I'm thrilled to share my review of two of their amazing products. As a parent and home educator committed to making learning fun, I can't help but sing the praises of this fantastic brand.

History Heroes are all about blending fun, education, and sustainability into one delightful package. Based in England, they craft award-winning games and jigsaws that are perfect for all ages. Their top-quality games are not only beautifully illustrated but also packed to the brim with fascinating historical tidbits. Whether you're a history buff or just dipping your toes into the past, there's something for everyone. The products aim to provide entertainment and learning, sometimes along with a little healthy competition to help all the facts and history become retained memories. Their games and puzzles are made right here in the UK using sustainable card, with packaging that's 100% recyclable.

Read the full review, see the product photos, and take advantage of our exclusive discount offer at www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk

24/04/2024

This wonderful quote is by Magda Ge**er, a world-renowned child therapist and infant specialist who was a leader in the field of early childhood education. It beautifully encapsulates the home-ed philosophy.

17/04/2024

My son and I give our honest thoughts as a home-ed family (I might even sneak in some 'learning' for him as we do it, shhh!). We decided to use a rating out of 5 stars and ask, "Is it handy for home-ed?".The full review with photos is here: https://www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk/article/2024/04/19/mud-bloom-review-handy-home-ed

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Mud & Bloom Review - Handy For Home-Ed?

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Product summary:
Mud & Bloom are monthly children's gardening and nature craft subscription boxes - aimed at connecting kids with nature. They are aimed at 3 to 8-year-olds and are delivered through your letter box at the beginning of each month. Each box includes everything you need for at least five seasonal gardening and nature craft activities.

Their seeds are certified organic and biodynamic wherever possible. They also provide organic peat-free compost pellets in each box so you can start planting immediately. The activities have been created with influences from Forest School, Steiner, and Montessori education.

1, 3, and 6-month subscriptions start from £16.50 monthly (free UK postage is included). A sibling option with enough resources for two children from £19.50 a month is available. They also have some nature-inspired party bags in their shop, which look lovely (way nicer than all the plastic tat you so often get in party bags!).

Receive 10% off your first box using the code FIRSTBOX10 at checkout at https://www.mudandbloom.com/

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Sasha’s thoughts:

Our March box contained many goodies to spark curiosity and ignite young imaginations. From seeds ready to sow to eco-friendly crafting materials, each item is carefully selected to inspire a love for gardening and nature exploration. The hands-on activities are designed to deepen your child’s connection with nature and celebrate the beauty of the world around us, learning valuable lessons about plants, wildlife, and sustainability. One of the things I liked most about it is its commitment to hands-on learning. Every activity included in the box is designed to be interactive and engaging, encouraging children to roll up their sleeves and dive into the wonders of our natural world. With easy-to-follow instructions and engaging crafts, children are encouraged to get their hands dirty, plant seeds, watch them grow, and marvel at the wonders of nature unfolding before their eyes.

Designed for children aged 3 to 8, these boxes are like little treasure chests filled with everything needed for various seasonal gardening and nature craft activities. My son, age 12, was too old for them to hold his interest for long, so the recommended age range seems just right. Children with a keen interest in gardening and nature and craft activities will love it, and it would complement a nature study (like the beautiful ENWC ‘Exploring Nature with Children’ curriculum) very nicely. Each box includes nature news, spotting activities, and crafts that teach children about animals, plants, insects, birds, and the changing seasons. It's like having a mini outdoor classroom delivered right to your letterbox. The contents are thoughtfully curated and accompanied by clear, easy-to-follow instructions, making them accessible and enjoyable for children and parents alike.

I really like this box's eco credentials; even the little plastic bag containing the powdered clay was biodegradable. As a parent, I appreciate this emphasis on sustainability. The materials provided in the box (and the box itself) are eco-friendly, helping to instil in our children a sense of stewardship for our environment from an early age.

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O. made wildflower seed bombs, pressed spring flower cards, and got blown away by pinwheel wind spinners!

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Handy for home ed?

Absolutely, especially for enriching your children's connection with nature or when paired with a nature-focused curriculum. However, the price might be a barrier for some, and it's best suited for younger children, which can narrow its appeal slightly.

⭐️ Our ‘handy for home-ed’ rating of Mud & Bloom is 3/5 ⭐️

Sasha’s summary:

Everything is well thought out and ties in with the seasons beautifully. I feel that the price of £16.50 is a little high for a monthly subscription, and the included crafts and seeds could be put together for less. That aside, many of us home educators are pressed for spare time. Mud & Bloom have put together a lovely nature-inspired box to save you from coming up with the ideas and resources yourself - and things through the letterbox always feel like a present, don’t they?!

In a world dominated by screens and digital distractions, the Mud & Bloom monthly nature box is a breath of fresh air; with its engaging activities, creative projects, and focus on hands-on learning, it's the ideal companion for families looking to foster a deeper connection with nature. If you're a home-educating parent and nature enthusiast and looking for activities that seamlessly blend fun and education for your little ones, Mud & Bloom hits the mark perfectly.

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Disclosure:
Mud & Bloom gifted me this product so that I could review it. I only recommend products and services that I trust and believe in. All opinions are my own and given honestly. The included links in this review do not pay me any commission.
Do read my full disclosure on advertising: https://www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk/content/disclaimer

03/04/2024

The UK education system could learn a lot from countries like Finland where children learn through play, and 'formal' schooling doesn't begin until the age of 7 (unlike the UK, where they can start school at barely 4, even though the actual CSA (compulsory school age) is 5). The English CSA system was introduced in 1870 to get women back into work quicker (rather than based on any educational benefit to children!). Mass schooling here began as a way to turn the spirited children of a rebellious agricultural society into compliant factory workers, leading to formal classrooms, strict rules, uniforms, and increased inequality.

This great video (link below) highlights the significant difference between schools in the UK and Finland. Using the teacher's first name, no uniform, free lunches and equipment for all children, going to the loo without asking... And the kids all look so engaged, relaxed and happy to be there 🥰
School in Finland from 'The State We're In'

25/03/2024

The Home Ed Daily website has many handy links to online resources and educational sites. If you have any suggestions for the lists, please feel free to let me know in the comments.

https://www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk/section/resources

22/03/2024

We are trying to make reviews of things ideal for home educators. My son and I give our honest thoughts as a home-ed family (I might even sneak in some 'learning' for him as we do it, shhh!). We decided to use a rating out of 5 stars and ask, "Is it handy for home-ed?".

Disclosure:
Parrot Street gifted me this product so that I could review it. I only recommend products and services that I trust and believe in. All opinions are my own and given honestly. The included links in this review do not pay me any commission.
Do read my full disclosure on advertising: https://www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk/content/disclaimer

This is our first try at a YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/OiCWc_gc5lw

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Parrot Street Book Club Review - Handy For Home-Ed?

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Product summary:

Parrot Street Book Club helps you discover new children’s books with monthly subscriptions. They carefully curate age-appropriate books you won’t easily find yourself from a wide range of authors and genres. They offer three reading levels; Parakeets (5 to 8 years), Cockatoos (8 to 12 years) and Macaws (12 to 14 years). Each monthly title comes with book club-style questions and activity ideas.

1, 3, 6, and 12-month rolling subscriptions start from £14 a month (postage is included). Longer subs. lower the price, so a 12-month subscription works out at £12 a month

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Sasha’s thoughts:

At first glance, this seems like an expensive way to purchase books. What Parrot Street is offering, though, is more than a book.

My problem? I don’t have the time to research new books for my son to read (we’ve exhausted our bookshelves, his older brothers’ books, and our charity shop finds). Amazon’s ‘recommendations’ are very limited. If your child loves to read, it’s easy to run out of ideas for engaging titles to give them. Parrot Street solves this problem by finding new books for you every month, often introducing authors you would not have heard of. With so much being online and digital in our modern times, receiving a package through the letterbox and holding an actual ‘book-book’ (no scrolling to turn the pages!) is always a joy.

The included resources initially look sparse, but when you read them, they are well thought out, helping your child connect deeply with the featured book. In addition to a bookmark and ‘about the author’ card, there were stickers, an activity page and a ‘give your review’ postcard. One side of the activity card included a QR code leading to an onigiri recipe. We liked this because my son recently discovered sushi! A list of ‘things to think about’ presented some engaging questions in a book club style; these help extend beyond just reading the book - a few prompted some very philosophical conversations in our house. And we now are totally into Yokai (supernatural creatures and phenomena from Japanese folklore). We discovered this website if you’re interested in them too: https://yokai.com/

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O’s thoughts:

I enjoy the idea of getting a new book in the post every month, one that I might not have heard of otherwise. The book I just finished was a great read. After browsing the website, the books for the previous months look equally cool, and like titles I’d want to read. I liked the activities, especially the Yokai word search, the recipe link, and the stickers.

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Handy for home ed?

Yes, if you can budget it in. If we could afford it, we would 100% subscribe all year.

A book arriving personally addressed to your child feels exciting to them rather than a chore or the dreaded ‘learning’; hopefully, it encourages a love of reading. If your child is already an avid reader, then this is perfect for them. If they are not - maybe this could tempt them into it! As a busy home ed parent, it saves me searching for appropriate books and introduces us to new authors and genres. The book and the provided activities gave us ideas for further learning opportunities. A few for us were Yokai, Japanese culture, art, sushi making, literacy with review writing, and some philosophical thinking.

⭐️ Our ‘handy for home-ed’ rating of Parrot Street is 4/5 ⭐️

Sasha’s summary:

I was impressed by the Parrot Street book club; so much is aimed at those under 10; I was pleased to find young teens catered for with the ‘Macaw’ 12 to 14 reading age. Fewer activities are included with the Macaws option, but you can choose between two books each month to compensate. The price of this subscription may put it out of home ed budget for many, but if you can afford it, I definitely recommend it. If you have a relative looking for an idea of a gift to give you, this could be an ideal suggestion.

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Parrot Street have kindly created a discount code for our home ed community. You can get 15% off your first subscription term. Please note the discount code only applies to subscription packages, and renewals will be charged at full price. You can cancel at any time before being charged.

Here is the link; it should apply the discount automatically. If not, simply enter HOMEED15 at checkout: https://www.parrotstreet.com/discount/HOMEED15?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fmonthly-childrens-book-subscriptions

27/02/2024

👋🏼 This is an invitation to help me with ‘The Home Ed Daily’. I would love your stories and articles - on any aspects of home ed. It is a site for and written by home educators. I’m looking for engaging articles on H.E. topics. For example - success stories, different styles of home ed (child-led, worldschooling, etc.), navigating the exams process, SEND issues, maybe an article written from your child’s perspective, your review on a subscription box or paid resource targeted at our community, insightful tips or teaching ideas, the challenges faced by home educating, action groups and legislation issues - and everything in between! Often, on the home ed groups I admin, members give excellent advice to people's questions; it would be wonderful to have this advice on the site to inspire other home edders.

❓ To answer some questions you may have.
I'm Sasha, founder and editor of 'The Home Ed Daily'. I'm a home-educating mum of three, and I run meet-ups and admin Home Education Devon and other local HE groups. I envisioned establishing an online platform (that wasn’t social media) where all home educators could share their stories and handy links could be in one place. I want The Home Ed Daily to offer useful info and online resources that support everyone in the home ed community. Any FB group links on the site can be found by anyone searching Facebook; I’ve not listed any hidden ones. And my role as founder and editor is unpaid. 🧡

📌Visit the website:
https://www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk
And explore the content. Remember, it is a new website - that’s why I need your help with stories, as we don't have many yet. However, there is helpful information for new home educators and many links to valuable online resources on the site already.

📌 Contribute:
Would you be ready to share? You will need to register and create a login on the site here: https://www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk/article-submission-guide
Once your email and account are verified, you can submit content as often as you like. Many of us want to stay ‘off the radar’, so you can use a pseudonym on your published content if preferred.

📌 Share:
Please help me make ‘The Home Ed Daily’ successful by liking and sharing it within your home education circles. It’s so hard to get seen with the Facebook algorithms. Spread the word to fellow home educators and groups on H.E. social media channels.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.home.ed.daily
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.home.ed.daily
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