Homeschooling young children is an invitation to create a world of wonder, curiosity, and discovery. It’s less about rigid schedules and more about fostering an environment where children can grow in love for books, nature, and creativity. In this conversation, homeschool moms June, Christina, and Maggie discuss what homeschooling looks like with young children and offer practical insights into nurturing a love of learning from the very start.

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.

A Foundation Built on Books: The Power of Reading Aloud

Reading as the Heart of Early Learning

For these mothers, reading is the foundation of homeschooling young children. Christina recalls her early homeschooling years, saying, “It looked like a lot of reading.” Books were a constant presence, woven into every part of the day. After reading together, her daughters would draw pictures, write a few words, or retell parts of the story. This approach not only helped them process what they’d read but also encouraged them to engage creatively with the material.

Maggie shares a similar experience, describing her cozy living room with bookshelves overflowing and a comfy couch as the center of their homeschool. “We read for hours every day,” she says, emphasizing that books were not just educational tools but beloved companions. In her home, reading wasn’t something to sit still for; her children would play quietly on the floor or act out scenes with toys as she read aloud, allowing them to absorb stories in their own way.

Engaging Children with Stories

One memorable moment that illustrates the magic of read-aloud time came when Maggie was reading Little House on the Prairie. Her daughter, who was only two at the time, was busy playing but jumped up in outrage at a scene involving Nellie Oleson. “She was so angry,” Maggie laughs. “She said, ‘That Nellie Oleson is ween and miked!’” This reaction showed Maggie that her daughter was fully engaged with the story, despite seeming distracted. It’s a reminder that children absorb more than we might expect when they’re in a relaxed, nurturing environment.

June adds that reading aloud is powerful even for the youngest children. She recalls a friend who read the Bible aloud to her very young children, trusting that they would glean something meaningful just by hearing it. This approach fosters a love of stories, language, and learning, helping children feel that books are both familiar and exciting parts of their lives.

Letting Nature Be the Teacher: Exploring the Outdoors

Nature as a Classroom

Alongside reading, time spent in nature plays a significant role in homeschooling young children. Christina describes how she and her children would go on frequent hikes, spending hours outdoors. “We’d go on hikes, get in the creek, and learn about flowers,” she says. She admits she didn’t know much about nature herself initially, but with field guides in hand, she and her children discovered the natural world together.

For one of her daughters, this exposure to nature sparked a deep interest. Christina shares that this daughter became the go-to family expert on identifying birds and animal tracks, a passion that began with those early outdoor explorations. Nature became a teacher in itself, offering endless opportunities for curiosity and learning.

A Natural Approach to Science

June observes that children’s fascination with nature often leads to an intuitive understanding of science. Watching animals, observing plants, and exploring different habitats are experiences that lay a natural foundation for later scientific learning. By simply spending time outside, children learn about ecosystems, weather patterns, and the beauty of the natural world without needing formal science lessons at such a young age. Nature study is a hands-on, wonder-filled approach to science that invites children to ask questions and seek answers.

The Role of Imaginative Play and Creativity

The Value of Pretend Play

In a homeschool environment, learning extends beyond books and nature. Christina’s home is equipped with a “costume box,” filled with clothes from friends or thrift stores, where her children can dress up and act out stories. “They would pretend whatever they wanted,” she explains, sometimes reenacting a story they’d read, and other times creating entirely new adventures. Pretend play allows children to process what they’ve learned, exercise their imagination, and develop social and problem-solving skills—all essential parts of their growth.

Maggie also encourages imaginative play, especially while reading aloud. She notes that children don’t have to sit still to listen and absorb stories. “Let your children play while you’re reading,” she advises, sharing how her children would quietly build or create as they listened. This flexibility makes reading time enjoyable and relaxed, accommodating each child’s learning style.

Music, Poetry, and Singing

Music and poetry also hold a special place in the early homeschooling years. June reflects on how she wanted her children to have a love for singing, poetry, and beautiful language. “I wanted them to love good books, serve the Lord, and love poetry,” she says, noting that these pursuits bring richness and joy to life. Her approach involved weaving poetry and music into daily routines, making them natural parts of her children’s lives.

Maggie recalls reading poetry from a treasured anthology given to her by her husband’s grandmother. This book became a cherished part of their homeschool routine, one that her children continue to love. The language of poetry, repeated over time, shaped her children’s speech and writing, instilling an appreciation for the beauty of words.

Cultivating Curiosity and Independence

Learning by Example

One of the most powerful aspects of homeschooling young children is modeling a love of learning. June speaks to this idea by explaining how she simply started reading poetry to her children without expecting them to fully understand. “They grew to love it,” she says, pointing out that children often develop interests because they see their parents engaging with something meaningful.

Maggie shares a practical tip she discovered: instead of calling her children to come and read, she would simply start reading aloud from a favorite book like Corduroy, and they would come running. This gentle approach underscores that learning doesn’t have to be forced. When children see that something is interesting or enjoyable to their parents, they’re naturally drawn to it.

Building Independence Through Routine

While young children require guidance, Maggie and Christina emphasize that homeschooling also allows them to grow in independence. By encouraging exploration, play, and time in nature, homeschooling gives children the freedom to discover and pursue their interests. As they grow, this foundation fosters a love of learning that can lead to greater independence in their studies.

This approach isn’t about pushing children to work alone but rather about creating an environment where they feel free to explore. Whether it’s looking up at the stars, observing insects, or diving into a pile of books, these experiences encourage self-directed learning and a natural curiosity.

Balancing Structure with Flexibility

A Gentle, Flexible Schedule

Homeschooling young children doesn’t require a rigid schedule. For these mothers, the days are structured around routines that provide rhythm without feeling restrictive. Maggie, for instance, reads aloud daily and makes time for outdoor play and music, but she doesn’t enforce a strict timetable. This flexibility allows her to adjust based on her children’s energy levels, interests, and the flow of the day.

Christina agrees, pointing out that homeschooling young children is less about filling a daily checklist and more about providing enriching experiences. By focusing on a few core activities—reading, nature exploration, and creative play—homeschool days can be fulfilling without feeling overwhelming.

Setting the Stage for Lifelong Learning

June emphasizes that the early years of homeschooling are about laying the groundwork for a lifetime of learning. Instead of worrying about covering every subject in depth, she and the other moms focus on cultivating a love for books, curiosity about nature, and an appreciation for beauty in music and poetry. These early experiences set the stage for later academics, preparing children not only for schoolwork but for a life of wonder, curiosity, and connection to the world around them.

Creating a Home Where Learning Flourishes

Homeschooling young children is a journey filled with books, nature, music, and play. It’s about creating an environment where learning is a natural, joyful part of everyday life. As these mothers demonstrate, you don’t need a rigid curriculum or a traditional classroom setup to give young children a rich and meaningful education. Instead, you can nurture their love for learning by reading together, exploring the outdoors, and encouraging imaginative play.

In this season of homeschooling, the goal isn’t to rush through academics but to foster a foundation of curiosity, independence, and love for the beauty of the world. It’s a time to savor slow days, embrace flexibility, and delight in the small moments of discovery. For families who choose this path, homeschooling young children becomes more than education—it becomes a way of life that shapes hearts, minds, and imaginations for years to come.

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.