Thinking About Home Educating? Here’s Why You Can Do It!
Are you considering home-educating your children but feel unsure because you’re not a teacher, don’t consider yourself academic, or think you lack the “right” skills? Let me reassure you: you can do this. I’m here to help you gain confidence, find resources, and break through barriers so your children can have the best education possible.
Do You Need to Be a Teacher?
The short answer: No! In the UK, you’re not legally required to be a teacher, hold a degree, or have specific qualifications to home-educate your child. What matters most is creating an environment where learning thrives.
Here’s What We’ll Cover:
- A bit about our journey and what’s worked for us.
- The key skills you’ll need as a home educator.
- Resources to make your home education journey a success.
- Creating the right environment.
Our Journey
We started home-educating early in our children’s lives, which made the transition smooth, but this doesn’t have to be the case, what is more important is when the time is right for your family. I’ve always wondered: why, after children learn critical life skills like walking, talking, counting, reading, and socialising, do we suddenly decide that sitting in a classroom with 30 other kids is the best way to learn?
Our eldest spent two terms in school, but it wasn’t the right fit for him. Meanwhile, our daughter chose home education from the beginning. After our son left school, we took a gap year to travel, which turned out to be an incredible learning experience for all of us.
When we returned home, we embraced the wealth of amazing clubs, classes, and social groups in our local area. Now, we alternate between travelling and settling at home—both of which play a significant role in enriching our children’s education.
The Key Lessons Our Children Have Taught Us
Children are naturally curious and possess an incredible love for learning. Our role is to nurture and protect that innate drive. Kids instinctively challenge themselves, solve problems, and explore their interests—they truly are their own best teachers.
Of course, we guide, demonstrate, and offer ideas when needed, but children thrive when given the freedom to experiment and learn in ways that resonate with them. They learn far more when figuring out solutions on their own than when we simply provide the answers. This approach also prepares them for real-life problem-solving.
My background in outdoor education taught me that building confidence, trying new things, and exploring in personalised ways works for all ages. Sadly, traditional schooling often shifts the focus to learning for exams rather than fostering genuine understanding.
Learning doesn’t stop for adults, either. I’ve rediscovered so much alongside my kids—it’s been a beautiful journey. If you feel there are gaps in your knowledge, embrace the chance to learn with your children. You might be surprised by how much they can teach you, too!
What Skills Do You Need?
You don’t need to be a teacher, but a few key qualities will make a big difference:
- Patience: Allow your child to learn in a stress-free environment, giving them the time to problem-solve and explore their interests deeply.
- Time: Dedicate time for clubs, classes, social events, and answer endless questions. Don’t worry—this doesn’t have to fall entirely on you. Grandparents, drop-off sessions, or other home-educating families can help.
- Flexibility: Be ready to adapt as your child’s needs, interests, and learning styles evolve.
- Community: Find a tribe of like-minded families. Home education can feel isolating if you’re doing something different, but connecting with others makes it easier and more enjoyable.
Our Favourite Resources
Here are some of the resources we love:
Of course, you need the basics like access to unlimited paper, pencils, arts and crafts supplies, baking stuff, some kind of tablet or laptop etc, but there are also other things, such as:
- Local groups: Forest school, gymnastics, dance, Scouts, drama, and sports clubs. These activities help kids make friends, build confidence, and explore their interests.
- Home-education groups: Look for parent-led or funded activities in your area. We’ve joined STEM sessions, art classes, music, skateboarding, Lego robot wars, and more.
- Apps and tools: Apps like Reading Eggs, Doodle Maths, Twinkl, and White Rose Maths are fantastic for supporting learning. Many are free, while others are affordable investments.
Creating the Right Environment
The learning environment should fit your family’s unique dynamic. For us, being outdoors brings the most joy, so much of our learning happens outside. Simple conversations about what we see, why things work, or how they came to be spark endless curiosity.
You can also plan themed learning days. For example, if you’re studying animals, a trip to Longleat or a local zoo can bring lessons to life. Visits to the beach, woods, or cities also offer incredible learning opportunities. Variety keeps things engaging and memorable.
At home, we enjoy having a designated workspace, but this can be as simple as a table with a box of resources or as elaborate as your space and budget allow.
So, Do You Have to Be a Teacher?
No, but you do need to consider what learning styles and environments suit your children best. Be patient, flexible, and willing to grow alongside them. While the journey may have its challenges, it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.
For more tips and inspiration, check out these other blogs!
