Convenient, yes. The right tool? Maybe not.

Hey Reader,

During a recent podcast episode, I shared that the pandemic did homeschooling a favor.​

It introduced more families to the possibility of learning at home, and it helped bring one of today’s clearest homeschool trends into the mainstream:

The move toward online learning.

Online programs can make homeschooling possible for families who are juggling work, multiple children, different learning needs, or simply a season when Mom cannot personally teach every lesson.

That can be a wonderful thing.

Often the discussion around online learning leans toward: Is online learning good or bad?

The better question is: What job am I expecting this program to do?

Some online programs are designed to provide a complete curriculum.

Others are meant to offer extra practice, review a particular skill, or supplement what a child is learning somewhere else.

A resource can be excellent and still be wrong for the job you are asking it to do.

This was one of the first trends we discussed during a recent homeschool roundtable, especially as more working parents turn to online programs and outside support.

We also talked about the benefits, the possible pitfalls, and why the same resource may be a wonderful fit for one family and completely wrong for another.

Watch the full conversation here:

​[WATCH THE HOMESCHOOL TRENDS VIDEO]​

Then hit reply and tell me, does your family use online learning as a primary curriculum, a supplement, or a little of both?

There is no wrong answer. The goal is not to use every tool the “right” way.

The goal is to know why you are using it.

P.S. This week, notice one online resource your child uses. What job is it currently doing in your homeschool, and is that the job you intended it to do?

Reader, you are the most important part of my job. You are not interrupting my day when asking a question, replying to an email, or reaching out for support. I am honored to offer your help as you homeschool.