LIGHT IN THE NEST
FAITH · FAMILY · HOME · CREATIVITY
"Train up a child in the way
he should go;
even when he is old
he will not
depart from it."
- Proverbs 22:6
Homeschooling
From what we know and the definitions below, it's clear that kids start learning even before they step into a classroom—and they keep learning all the time, even outside of school!
LEARN
/lərn/
verb
to gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in (something) by study, experience, or being taught
As babies and then toddlers, our children first learn through experience and then through observation—often in ways that can be pretty frustrating for us! Babies cry when they're hungry, uncomfortable, or just craving closeness. Over time, they learn that when they cry, we respond and help them feel better. Toddlers, on the other hand, are little scientists. They discover that when they throw something, it falls—sometimes breaking, sometimes making a mess. They watch how we react. They learn that falling hurts. And, of course, they love to test boundaries with their endless curiosity!
EX·PE·RI·ENCE
/ˌikˈspirēəns/
noun
​ practical contact with and observation of facts or events
OB·SERVE
/əbˈzərv/
verb
to inspect, to watch, to notice
Their learning through experience and observation doesn’t stop when they start school—it just expands! Now, they’re also taught by teachers who share new information, whether through lessons, assignments, or reading. At home, learning continues in different ways. They pick up daily routines, like getting dressed, holding a spoon, or tying their shoes. They also learn about behavior and social skills. Learning isn’t something that only happens in a classroom—it’s happening all the time, everywhere!
TEACH
/tēCH/
verb
​ show or explain to (someone) how to do something
As our children grow, they start developing study skills on top of what they’ve already learned. They become more independent, able to sit down and focus on a subject or skill they’re interested in, and work toward their goals—whether that’s understanding a new topic, mastering a skill, getting good grades, or even preparing for college.
STUD·Y
/ˈstədē/
noun
the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on an academic subject,
especially by means of books
Everything they experience, observe, are taught, and study all come together to shape who they are—the way they think, the way they see the world, and how they interact with others. Education isn’t just about school or academics. It comes from everywhere—home, church, and the world around them.
KNOWL·EDGE
/ˈnälÉ™j/
noun
facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education
Learning through experience and observation never stops—it continues for a lifetime. Homeschooling isn’t just about academics; it’s also about everyday life skills. Kids learn how to clean up after themselves, follow routines, and take on responsibilities like chores.
The truth is, children learn from everything—what they see, what they hear, what they do. That’s why, on my website, homeschooling isn’t just about schoolwork. It’s about ALL the things we can learn—because life itself is the greatest classroom.