Homeschooling After Public (or Private) School
How to Make the Transition Peaceful & Productive
Vintage Homeschool Moms — Episode 79 (Replay)
Host: Felice Gerwitz — author, publisher, and your weekly encourager for living a Christian life where every moment counts.
Big question: How do you bring a child home from a traditional classroom without losing your relationship—or your sanity?
Episode snapshot
Felice talks with guest Michelle Pohl, a mom who transitioned her fourth-grader (and kindergartener) from brick-and-mortar school to home. They get real about what’s actually hard (hint: it’s not fractions), why rebuilding connection comes before curriculum, and the small daily habits that help mom set a calm tone in the home. You’ll hear practical ideas for de-schooling, rhythms that work, how to handle “That’s not how my teacher did it,” and why it’s okay that mom is different—and should be.
Highlights & takeaways
Relationship first, lessons second. The biggest challenge wasn’t academics—it was re-connecting after years of go-go-go schedules. Expect the first year to focus on trust-building and new family rhythms.
Mom sets the tone. Simple anchors change the day: quiet time with the Lord, a shower and getting dressed (even if it’s fresh pajamas!), and a warm cup of tea to slow reactions and increase patience.
De-school with intention. If possible, transition over summer or after Christmas and allow buffer weeks for rest, field trips, and previewing curriculum. Let emotions settle before you launch.
Customize the learning space. Snacks on hand, comfy seating, earbuds with worship music for easily distracted kids, clipboards for mobility—home shouldn’t copy school desks.
Handle comparisons with calm. When kids say, “That’s not how my teacher did it,” try: “Every teacher is different. At home, I’ll teach you in ways that fit you—and if I don’t know, I’ll find out.”
Plan—then hold it loosely. Map the year so you can pivot without panic. Build in breaks even if you could “finish by noon”; little brains (and big ones) need margin.
Practical must-haves. Don’t laugh—an electric pencil sharpener can feel like the heavens opening. Keep water nearby, too.
Why homeschool is ministry. Raising children is good work and Kingdom work. Your daily diligence—fractions, read-alouds, character—matters.
Suggested routines that helped Michelle
Morning anchors: Devotions/prayer, basic get-ready routine, breakfast together, then start by 9:00.
Choice within structure: Let kids choose which subject to start—unless attention is slipping, then gently redirect.
Built-in breaks: Short, frequent pauses to laugh, move, and connect keep learning sweet.
Family conversation: Let lessons spill into dinner talk to normalize learning as a lifestyle.
If you’re preparing to bring kids home
Give yourselves time to de-school and de-stress.
Research curriculum—but remember: the “perfect” one is the one you’ll act...
