avigating the homeschool journey can feel like a balancing act. On one side, we have the comforting structure of lesson plans and curriculum. On the other, the thrilling freedom and flexibility of child-led exploration. But who says we can’t have the best of both worlds? I’ve spent over a decade homeschooling my children, and I can attest to the challenges and rewards of blending these two approaches. It’s a journey of discovery, not just for our children, but for us as educators and parents. Did you know that 68% of homeschooling parents combine multiple educational approaches? Let’s explore how we can create a learning experience that embraces both structure and flexibility.

Structured learning provides a framework for consistent progress and skill development. It’s the backbone of many homeschool programs, offering a sense of security and measurable advancement.

In my experience, structured learning shines in subjects like math and language arts. For instance, when we discovered that our daughter has dyslexia, we implemented a systematic multi-sensory reading program. I watched her not only grasp challenging skills, but grow in her confidence as well. The clear progression and regular practice made all the difference.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that structure doesn’t mean rigidity. A well-designed, structured approach can still allow for adaptability. We need to view our curriculum as a guide rather than a taskmaster. This mindset shift has been liberating for my family, allowing us to pace our lessons according to each child’s needs, while still maintaining a clear direction.

Natural learning captures a child’s innate curiosity and intrinsic motivation. It’s about recognizing that learning doesn’t just happen at a desk—it’s happening all the time, everywhere.

I’ll never forget when my son became interested in growing potatoes in our backyard. What started as a casual curiosity turned into a comprehensive study of botany and environmental science. Together with his dad they learned about seed germination, propagated plants, created a vast vegetable garden, and also started hydroponic gardening. This organic exploration touched on biology, ecology, geography, and even data analysis—all driven by genuine interest.

The power of natural learning lies in its ability to create deep, lasting connections with the subject matter. When you follow a child’s interest, they’re more engaged, retain information better, and develop critical thinking skills as they navigate their chosen topics.

Natural learning also fosters important skills like self-direction, time management, and research abilities. As children pursue their interests, they learn how to find information, evaluate sources, and organize their thoughts—skills that are invaluable for life and learning.

Assess individual learning styles: Each child has unique strengths and preferences. Take time to understand how your child learns best and tailor your approach accordingly. For instance, my visual learner thrives with mind maps and diagrams, while my kinesthetic learner needs hands-on experiences to grasp new concepts.

Create a flexible routine: Establish a daily rhythm that includes both structured lessons and open-ended exploration time. This provides stability while allowing for spontaneous learning opportunities. In our home, mornings are typically reserved for focused study in core subjects, while afternoons are left open for projects and curiosity-led explorations.

Use unit studies: Integrate multiple subjects around a central theme or topic. This approach bridges structured and natural learning, allowing for both focused study and creative exploration.

Embrace strewing: Strategically place interesting books, materials, or activities around your home to spark curiosity and invite self-directed learning. By using strewing, I’ve discovered more of what engages my child and left room to follow rabbit trails around their interests.

Incorporate real-world applications: Connect abstract concepts to practical situations. Use cooking to teach fractions and chemistry, gardening to explore biology and ecology, or spending birthday money to introduce financial literacy. These real-life connections make learning meaningful, relevant, and fun!

Engage in meaningful conversations: Encourage questions and discussions about the world around you. These chats often lead to deeper explorations and critical thinking. I make it a point to ask open-ended questions that encourage my children to analyze, predict, and problem-solve.

Leverage technology wisely: In today’s digital world, technology can be a powerful tool for both structured and natural learning. Educational apps, online courses, and virtual field trips can supplement your curriculum and cater to individual interests.

Nurture passions: When your child shows intense interest in a topic, provide resources and opportunities to dive deeper. These passion projects often lead to the development of valuable research and self-teaching skills. My daughter’s interest in theater led her to use that passion across subjects as she created documentaries for history projects and acted out scenes for literary analysis.

Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Both structured and natural learning approaches will inevitably involve setbacks. Teaching our children to view these moments as opportunities for growth rather than defeats is crucial. When my daughter struggled with a particularly challenging math concept, we took a step back, tried different approaches, and celebrated her perseverance as much as her eventual understanding.

Build in margin: Allow space in your schedule for unexpected learning moments. Some of our most valuable educational experiences have come from unplanned explorations. This might mean being willing to set aside the day’s planned lesson to investigate a fascinating bug found in the backyard or dive into a news story that captures your child’s attention.

Track progress holistically: Keep records of both structured lessons and natural learning experiences. This comprehensive view will help you identify areas of growth and interest. I use our Once Upon a Homeschool planner not only to track our planned learning, but also to note interesting conversations, spontaneous projects, those ‘a-ha’ moments, and weekly wins.

Continuously reassess and adjust: Be willing to change course when something isn’t working. Regularly check in with your children about their learning experiences and be open to their feedback. I’ve switched math curriculums mid-year, adjusted our daily schedule as the seasons changed, and incorporated more project-based learning because that’s what my child needed.

Cultivate a growth mindset: Emphasize effort, persistence, and the learning process over achievements and grades. This approach builds resilience and a love for lifelong learning. Celebrate the questions your children ask as much as the answers they give, and model a curious, growth-minded approach in your own life.

Connect with other homeschoolers: Building a support network can provide fresh ideas, encouragement, and opportunities for collaborative learning. Finding a local homeschool group or an online community that “gets” you, your child, and your homeschool approach can transform your homeschool experience.

ichelle Brownell is a seasoned parent coach with nearly 20 years of experience in education, specializing in empowering parents of children with ADHD and other learning challenges to thrive in life and learning.

Michelle and her husband Jaron have been married for 29 years. They are the founders of Homeschool Essentials, offering online courses, the Once Upon a Homeschool planner, and the Best Year Ever coaching program. Their mission is to inspire parents to raise confident, emotionally healthy children, empower them to create personalized learning experiences, and ultimately see them build amazing relationships with their kids that last a lifetime.They live in Florida with their two teens and Havanese dog, and enjoy living the seasonal RV life.