Homeschooling gives parents the unique opportunity to tailor education to each child’s individual needs, interests, and strengths. But with that freedom comes the responsibility of figuring out how your child learns best, a task that can feel overwhelming at times. In a recent conversation, three experienced homeschooling moms—Christina, June, and Maggie—share their insights on understanding different learning styles, creating flexible learning environments, and making the most of homeschooling’s individualized approach. Here’s what they have to say about discovering how your child learns best.

This is just part of a longer conversation between these homeschooling moms. You can read all the interview articles on our blog, or view the video interviews in our How I Homeschool course, available for free on My Compass Classroom.

Embrace Individual Learning Styles

Each Child is Unique

As Christina points out, one of the greatest challenges in homeschooling is figuring out each child’s unique learning style. “I have a lot of children who are all very different from each other,” she says. “What works for one may not work for another.” June adds that homeschooling allows parents to avoid placing labels on children who learn differently. In a home setting, we can appreciate a child’s uniqueness without the pressure of fitting into a standardized mold.

Recognizing this individuality is crucial to creating a positive learning environment. Maggie shares that children who may have struggled in a traditional classroom often thrive at home. “Kids who struggle in a classroom don’t necessarily have a learning disability,” she explains. “They just need a different environment.” Homeschooling provides a chance to customize learning experiences to fit each child’s strengths and needs.

Observing Learning Preferences

Understanding how your child learns best requires observation and patience. June mentions a child in her family who loves to sing and has difficulty staying quiet. In a school setting, this trait might be seen as disruptive, but at home, Christina encourages her daughter to use singing as a learning tool. “She sings math, she sings while reading,” Christina says. By embracing this unique style, she turns what could be a challenge into a strength.

For parents of active children, Maggie and June recommend incorporating movement into learning. For example, June’s active son focuses better after a morning bike ride. Maggie also encourages letting kids stand, move, and engage with learning materials physically if that’s what helps them learn best.

Creating a Flexible Learning Environment

Structure Learning Around Your Child’s Needs

One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is the freedom to structure learning around each child’s needs. Maggie notes that homeschool allows for flexibility in timing and pacing. “You may find that your child learns better at a different time of day or needs to get some energy out before focusing,” she explains. By letting go of rigid schedules, homeschool parents can work with their child’s natural rhythms, leading to more effective learning.

June adds that this flexibility helps with subjects that require one-on-one focus, like math and reading. “I have children who need to stand and move while learning,” she shares, highlighting how adaptable homeschooling can be. Incorporating physical activity or breaking lessons into shorter segments allows children to engage fully without feeling confined.

Using Learning Style as a Tool, Not a Limitation

While understanding learning styles is beneficial, it’s essential to view them as tools for better engagement rather than limitations. Christina incorporates kinesthetic learning techniques for subjects like math, having her daughter use body movements to understand angles or fractions. By turning learning styles into active teaching strategies, homeschool parents can make lessons more engaging and enjoyable.

June points out that this flexibility extends to older children as well. For example, visual aids and hands-on manipulatives can help reinforce complex concepts in subjects like geometry. “It doesn’t have to be all or nothing,” June explains. Homeschooling allows for a blend of approaches that cater to the needs of each individual child.

Assessing Strengths and Areas for Growth

Encouraging Strengths Without Labels

In a homeschool environment, parents have the freedom to encourage strengths without attaching labels that may affect a child’s self-esteem. Christina mentions a child who loves to build things. At home, she has the freedom to allow her son to explore this interest more deeply, even if it means deviating from the day’s planned lessons. Maggie explains that strengths like creativity, building, or storytelling can become integral parts of the homeschooling experience.

June also emphasizes the importance of keeping things positive, especially when children face challenges in certain subjects. “If a child struggles, you can encourage them and reassure them that they’re right on track,” she says. Homeschooling lets parents support their children without the stigma that sometimes comes with traditional grading systems or classroom labels.

Recognizing Readiness and Tailoring Expectations

Children develop at different paces, and homeschooling allows parents to recognize readiness without the pressure of grade-level expectations. June shares that one of her sons, who initially struggled with reading, needed extra time to feel comfortable with the subject. “He’s not behind,” she says. “He just learns differently.” Christina adds that homeschooling offers the option to teach subjects at varying levels depending on the child’s readiness, which reduces stress for both parent and child.

This flexibility is particularly helpful when it comes to subjects like reading and math. Maggie suggests focusing on those foundational subjects at the right level for each child, while integrating other subjects in a way that engages multiple ages. By letting go of rigid grade expectations, homeschool parents can cultivate a growth-focused mindset.

Finding Outside Support When Needed

Knowing When to Seek Extra Help

Although homeschooling provides opportunities for tailored learning, there may come a time when a child’s struggles indicate a need for outside support. Maggie shares that she consulted a specialist when one of her children faced ongoing challenges. “It’s okay to bring in extra support,” she says, noting that parents can seek testing or guidance without abandoning the homeschool model. Outside assessments can provide clarity on whether a child needs specific interventions or simply additional time to master certain skills.

June adds that knowing when to ask for help is a part of being an advocate for your child. “You’re there to support them through the hard things,” she explains. If a child shows signs of a genuine learning difficulty, parents can take action while continuing to celebrate their child’s strengths and growth.

Building a Team Approach to Learning

In many cases, outside support can blend seamlessly with homeschooling. Christina emphasizes that homeschooling doesn’t mean parents have to “go it alone.” Specialists, tutors, and even online courses can supplement a homeschool curriculum, providing expertise or guidance in areas where a child may need more support. The flexibility of homeschooling allows parents to create a team approach that works for their family.

The Joy of Celebrating Your Child’s Individual Journey

Sharing Triumphs and Learning Together

One of the most rewarding aspects of homeschooling is the opportunity to share in your child’s triumphs and growth. June recalls a year when she worked intensively with her daughter on math, celebrating every milestone. “We were high-fiving and hugging when she finished her final assessment,” she says. Moments like these highlight the joy that comes from walking alongside your child on their learning journey.

Maggie adds that homeschooling lets parents be advocates, mentors, and cheerleaders, especially when learning is challenging. “You’re there to encourage and support,” she says, emphasizing that homeschooling is as much about the relationship as it is about academics.

A Unique Opportunity for Connection

For homeschool parents, learning goes beyond academics; it’s also about fostering deep, personal connections with each child. Christina reflects on the beauty of understanding each child’s unique qualities and creating an environment where those qualities are celebrated. “To know and love your child, to celebrate their uniqueness—it’s a gift,” she says.

By paying attention to learning styles, readiness, and individual strengths, homeschooling parents can create a nurturing, growth-oriented environment that brings out the best in each child. Homeschooling isn’t just about education; it’s about building a foundation of support, love, and understanding that lasts a lifetime.

Embrace the Journey of Discovery

Discovering how your child learns best is a journey that requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt. By embracing your child’s unique learning style, creating a flexible environment, and supporting their individual strengths, you can make homeschooling a rewarding experience for both you and your child.

Remember, homeschooling doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. Whether through online resources, community groups, or outside assessments, there are many ways to tailor education to fit your family’s needs. So take the time to observe, experiment, and celebrate the journey of learning together. Each child’s path is unique, and as homeschooling parents, we have the privilege of walking alongside them, supporting their growth, and witnessing their triumphs.

Enjoy the entire conversation between these homeschooling moms in our How I Homeschool course, available for free on My Compass Classroom.

Need some help and encouragement to take these steps in your own homeschool? Christina, one of the moms from the interview above, would love to come alongside you for help and encouragement. Book a one-on-one appointment with her or one of our other veteran moms—no long-term commitment is needed. Learn more about our coaching services.