In a world where conventional schooling dominates the educational landscape, home education is starting to enter the public consciousness as an achievable alternative. This week brings an insightful interview with Sheri Renno, the founder of the YouTube channel and blog, Our Life Homeschooling.

The Genesis of a Homeschooling Journey

Sheri, a former public school teacher in the USA, began her homeschooling journey when her firstborn was reaching school age. The decision was greatly influenced by the desire to align the family schedule with her husband's irregular work hours, allowing for a more cohesive family life. She soon discovered that homeschooling enabled her children to flourish in subjects they excelled at and to focus on areas needing more attention, something the conventional schooling system didn't always cater for.

Education Free from Traditional Constraints

Homeschooling offers the freedom to infuse education with personal values and worldviews, a luxury often not afforded in institutional school settings bound by state or private school philosophies. Sheri emphasises the importance of passing down core values, in her case, the family's Christian faith, which became central to their homeschooling ethos.

A Family Affair: Big Family Homeschooling

Sheri and her husband have ten children, between the ages of 21 months and 20 years old. She candidly shares how the first decade was foundational, filled with challenges and learning curves. Despite occasional doubts, particularly in the midst of significant life changes like pregnancy, Sheri found solace in the knowledge that homeschooling tailored to her children’s needs exceeded conventional education by allowing personalised growth and learning.

Cultivating a Home for Learning

Sheri shares countless practical tips for home educating children of different ages, including how to cater to babies and preschoolers, whilst working with older children. Her experience underscores the efficacy of fostering independent learning from an early age and using tools like structured routines and playful engagement to balance the demands of education with household dynamics. Homeschooling, she says, can be integrated into daily life, occurring in various spaces throughout the home rather than being confined to a single room.

The Power of Nature and Play

Sheri draws inspiration from British educator, Charlotte Mason, advocating for the enrichment provided by natural surroundings and unstructured play. The home setting is not just a backdrop but a rich, interactive environment that enhances learning far beyond the walls of a traditional classroom.

Building Lifelong Learners

Cultivating a love for learning starts with leading by example. Sheri discusses the influence of parents being curious and engaging individuals, as children often emulate the qualities and habits of those around them. Encouraging exploration and intellectual curiosity within home education can spark a lifelong passion for knowledge.

A Shift Toward Intentional Living

The interview adds an important dimension to the discourse on home education, highlighting the significance of maintaining 'your why' as a guiding principle. Sheri’s journey reiterates that while homeschooling may seem daunting, intentionality fuels persistence, making it a rewarding educational journey.

Sheri's insights are not theoretical; they are built on years of practical application and passion for nurturing her children's education at home. For those contemplating the feasibility of home education or seeking reassurance and encouragement in their homeschooling journey, this dialogue with Sheri Renno offers wisdom and inspiration.

Join us at Seatton Education, where we continue exploring how home education can be a viable and enriching alternative to conventional schooling. Whether you're listening to our podcast or watching on YouTube, we invite you to subscribe, like, and comment to help as many families as possible learn about home education.