Home Ed Planning: Permission to Be Flexible

Kelly Rigg and Ashley explore what planning actually looks like in homeschooling households, acknowledging that rigid schedules often fall short of reality.

The conversation highlights five key insights: planning doesn't require perfection—sometimes just an A4 sheet with ideas suffices. When children pursue unexpected interests, those tangents frequently yield the most meaningful learning moments. New homeschooling families needn't have everything figured out from day one; approaches evolve constantly.

Planning extends beyond academics to encompass family rhythms and connection. Kelly notes, "If I don't do any planning...I lose my creativity, I lose my interest" and struggle engaging with children. Ashley emphasizes flexibility: "I still want to keep it flexible" even as children tackle more involved projects.

The hosts recommend borrowing from existing curricula rather than creating custom ones initially. Kelly suggests, "If that makes you want to cry into your hat, then just find something you align well with" and adapt it to fit your family's needs.

Whether homeschoolers design detailed plans or embrace intuitive approaches, both methods prove valid. The episode encourages listeners to craft systems reflecting their unique family values and learning preferences rather than pursuing Instagram-worthy ideals.

You can hear the full conversation over on The BIG Home Ed Conversations podcast — find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and follow along for more on Instagram and TikTok @bighomeedpodcast.

If you'd like some 1:1 support building a home ed rhythm that actually works for your family, find out more about working with me at kellyrigg.mykajabi.com.