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Things I’d Do Differently If I Were Homeschooling Today
Homeschooling taught me so much — not just about how my kids learn, but about how I would approach it if I could start over with everything I know now. Hindsight really is 20/20, and looking back, there are a few things I’d change in a heartbeat. If you’re just starting your homeschool journey or thinking about switching things up, I hope this list gives you a head start on lessons it took me years to learn.
1. Choose Curriculum That Mirrors the District
One of the biggest things I’d do differently is pick curriculum that closely mirrors what my local school district was teaching, grade by grade. There’s a real benefit to keeping pace with district scope and sequence — it makes transitions smoother, keeps kids on a familiar track for their age group, and takes the guesswork out of “are we covering the right things at the right time?” If there’s ever a chance you might return to traditional school, this one small choice can save you a world of stress later.
2. Get More Involved in Community Activities
Homeschooling can accidentally become very insular if you’re not intentional about it. I’d make community involvement a non-negotiable part of our weekly rhythm — co-ops, volunteer opportunities, sports leagues, church groups, local classes, anything that gets my kids interacting with other families and building real relationships outside our own four walls. Community isn’t just a “nice to have” in homeschooling; it’s essential.
3. Take Yearly State Tests — Even If You Don’t Have To
If there’s any chance my kids might go back to public or private school, I’d make sure to do yearly state testing along the way, even in years it wasn’t required. It keeps an official record of progress, helps identify gaps early, and makes a future transition into a classroom setting so much less jarring — for both the kids and the school.
4. More Time on Computers (Yes, Really)
I used to be much more cautious about screen time, but I’ve come to believe that intentional computer time is a homeschooling advantage, not a drawback. Typing skills, research skills, basic coding, navigating digital tools responsibly — these are things kids need for both college and the working world. I’d build in dedicated, purposeful computer time rather than treating it as something to minimize.
5. Read More Books — All Kinds
More books, more often, across every genre and reading level. Not just assigned reading, but books my kids choose — graphic novels, fiction, biographies, poetry, whatever gets them excited to turn the page. A love of reading is one of the biggest long-term gifts of homeschooling, and I’d protect that time even more fiercely than I did.
6. Spend More Time on College Campuses
This one might surprise you, but I’d take my kids to college campuses more — not to enroll them early, but to use the incredible resources sitting right there. Campus libraries, museums, guest lectures, science centers, planetariums — most are open to the public or accessible with a simple visitor pass, and they expose kids to a bigger world than our living room ever could.
7. More Libraries, More Bookstores
Along the same lines — libraries and bookstores would become regular stops in our week, not occasional treats. Story times, reading challenges, browsing shelves with no agenda, discovering a book by accident — these are some of the best “unschooling” moments you can have, and they’re free (or close to it).
8. Build in More Movement Throughout the Day
Kids weren’t made to sit still for six hours, and homeschooling gives you the freedom to actually honor that. I’d build in more movement — stretch breaks, outdoor time, dance, active games — spread throughout the day instead of saving it all for “PE time.” Moving bodies help focused minds.
9. Prioritize Exercise and Walking
Beyond general movement, I’d make dedicated exercise and daily walks part of our actual schedule — not just something we do if we have extra time. Walks are also secretly great for learning: nature study, conversation, processing what we just read, or just clearing our heads before tackling the next subject.
10. Spend More Time With People
Finally — more people. More playdates, more mentors, more multi-generational relationships, more time around other families doing life differently than us. Homeschooling gives you so much flexibility with time; I’d spend more of it in the company of others, because kids learn just as much from relationships as they do from any curriculum.
Homeschooling isn’t about getting it perfect — it’s about learning as you go and being willing to adjust. If I could go back, these are the changes I’d make first. What would you add to this list?
