Unlocking the Secrets to Successful Homeschooling: The 3 R's Research, Relevance & Reflection
- Neralea Dell
- Jul 6
- 12 min read
Updated: Oct 10
What is the three Rs? Research, Relevance and Reflection:
Research – How your child learns (learning styles and developmental rhythms)
Relevance – What your child is curious about and what you, as a parent, believe is important
Reflection – Your teaching style and homeschool philosophy
Curriculum isn’t just a stack of books or a checklist of subjects—it’s a living relationship. It’s the meeting point between your child’s unique way of learning, your values as a parent, and the educational philosophy that guides your home. When those three elements are in harmony, learning becomes more than instruction—it becomes connection. The curriculum becomes a bridge, not a box.
Think of it like a garden. Your child is the soil—rich with potential. You, the parent, are the gardener—choosing what to plant and how to tend it. And your philosophy is the climate—shaping what thrives. A curriculum that honors all three will grow something beautiful.”
Let's discuss how you can enhance your understanding of successful homeschooling by applying the 3 R's: Research, Relevance, and Reflection. This approach will also boost your confidence in selecting the right curriculum for your child.
🔍 Part 1: Research – Understanding How Your Child Learns
This entails watching your child to determine how they process information. You aim to identify the method of delivering learning that the child processes most effectively. Understanding learning styles will assist you in comprehending this.
Common Learning Styles
🎨 Visual (Spatial)
Learns best through images, diagrams, charts, and color-coded materials
Enjoys drawing, mapping, and visual storytelling
Great fit for nature journaling, illustrated books, and hands-on art-based learning
🎧 Auditory (Aural)
Prefers listening to explanations, music, and spoken stories
Learns well through read-alouds, discussions, and rhythmic memory aids
Ideal for poetry recitation, oral narration, and audiobooks
👐 Kinesthetic (Tactile)
Learns by doing—movement, touch, and physical exploration
Responds well to experiments, crafts, building, and outdoor activities
Perfect for maker-style projects, nature walks, and STEM challenges
📋 Logical (Mathematical)
Enjoys patterns, sequences, and problem-solving
Learns through categorizing, reasoning, and structured tasks
Thrives with timelines, coding, puzzles, and structured curricula
🗣️ Verbal (Linguistic)
Loves words—reading, writing, storytelling, and discussion
Learns through journaling, debates, and rich language experiences
Ideal for living books, copywork, and narration-based approaches
🤝 Social (Interpersonal)
Learns best in groups or through collaboration
Enjoys teaching others, group projects, and shared learning experiences
Great for co-ops, role-play, and discussion-based learning
🧘 Solitary (Intrapersonal)
Prefers working alone, reflecting, and self-paced learning
Learns through introspection, journaling, and quiet observation
Suited to independent reading, nature study, and personal projects
Developmental Rhymes within the Learning Classroom
1. Attention Span: Respecting Natural Focus Windows
Young children (3–6) typically have brief and variable attention spans, usually ranging from 5 to 15 minutes of concentrated engagement. Once they lose focus, it's best to conclude the lesson, take a break, or revisit it on another day.
When planning lessons, keep them short and packed with good stuff. Make sure to include living books, nature walks, and hands-on activities that spark curiosity without being overwhelming.
Design lessons that reinforce the same concept or topic by incorporating various activities throughout the day, such as a morning read-aloud, midday outdoor play, and a quiet afternoon craft. This approach aids in refreshing attention.
2. Sensory Needs: Learning Through the Body
Children are sensory seekers—they acquire knowledge through touch, movement, sound, and visual exploration.
When lessons are multi-sensory, they can be delivered to all children, knowing that they can process the information through one of the senses, using nature-based activities, maker-style projects, and tactile materials.
Be aware that both overstimulation and understimulation can affect behaviour and learning. Think about how the curriculum can be modified to fit sensory thresholds. Some children cannot tolerate full colour glossy pages, while others prefer a white background with colour-coded information. Screen time can also influence behaviour.
3. Emotional Readiness: Building Safety and Connection
Emotional development is essential—children must feel secure, recognized, and connected before they can fully engage.
Narrative and relationship in learning: stories cultivate empathy, and rhythm enhances predictability.
Pay attention to your child's emotional signals. Is your child feeling overwhelmed, withdrawn, or eager? These emotions can help determine the pace and selection of the curriculum.
When letting children read books and novels, ensure they are emotionally prepared for the themes presented. A child's ability to read a book doesn't guarantee they will grasp the underlying concepts. For instance, "The Wind in the Willows" is often considered suitable for young children, but its themes are more appropriate for those aged 12-14. Review each text before letting your child read it, so you, as a parent, can determine when your child will be emotionally prepared.
Why should you be Journalling?
By maintaining a straightforward learning journal—not for grading, but for noticing —you'll begin to identify patterns in how your child best processes information, their sensory needs, attention span, and emotional readiness.
Remember to jotting down:
What activities sparked joy or deep focus?
What led to frustration or disengagement?
Any spontaneous questions or connections the child made?
You aim to "capture the spark" and develop a curriculum centered on it.
Example: “Today, during our nature walk, she stopped to sketch a cicada shell and asked if it was a robot. That’s a clue—she’s blending science and imagination.”
Example: A child who thrives with nature walks and sketching vs. one who prefers structured storytelling
Prompt: “What’s one moment this week when your child was deeply absorbed in learning?” This is a clue for you.
🌱 Part 2: Relevance – Aligning Curriculum with Interests and Values
🧭 What Is “Relevance”?
“Relevance is the meaningful connection between curriculum and life. It’s when a lesson doesn’t just land on the page—it lands in your child’s imagination, your family’s rhythm, and your shared sense of purpose.”
Identifying Your Child's Interests and Educational Goals
This piece of your research puzzle is identifying what your child truly enjoys and connecting it with your educational outcomes. Kids learn best when engaged and excited about what they study.
Start by discussing their passions. Do they have an obsession with animals, space, or art? Leverage these interests to weave lessons on subjects like science, history, or math. Understanding your child’s interests and values as a parent creates a powerful foundation for meaningful learning. Children naturally express curiosity through play, conversation, and exploration—so observing what excites them (like building, storytelling, or nature) helps you tailor learning experiences that feel joyful and relevant.
For instance, if your child loves dinosaurs, you might design lessons that dive into paleontology, the history of the Earth, and related math skills, such as calculating the weight or height of different species.
🔍 Child-Led Interests
Invite parents to observe what naturally draws their child in:
Dinosaurs → spark science, timelines, and storytelling
Bushcraft → opens doors to ecology, survival skills, and Indigenous knowledge
Machines → leads to engineering, physics, and invention
Insects → perfect for nature study, classification, and wonder
Australian history → connects to place, identity, and cultural literacy
“When we follow their fascinations, we’re not abandoning structure—we’re anchoring it in delight.”
🏡 Parent Priorities
As a parent, you play a crucial role in shaping your child's educational setting. What do you find equally important when considering what your child should learn? What abilities do you have that you can teach your child?
Core academic skills like literacy and numeracy.
Emotional intelligence—empathy, resilience, and self-awareness.
Moral values—kindness, honesty, and responsibility.
Practical life skills—problem-solving, communication, and independence.
Spiritual or cultural foundations, if aligned with your family’s beliefs.
After compiling a list of your child's interests and your objectives for their learning, align these with key educational goals. Determine which subjects correspond to both lists and how to integrate them into lesson plans. This strategy ensures they remain engaged while providing a well-rounded education.
The sweet spot lies in blending your child’s passions with your educational priorities. For example, if your child loves animals and you value responsibility, caring for a pet could become a lesson in biology, empathy, and routine.
“What kind of person are we hoping to raise—and how can our curriculum reflect that?”
🛠️ Strategies for Blending Both
Provide straightforward, practical methods to align interests and values:
Living books: Select stories that resonate with your child’s interests and your family’s beliefs.
Seasonal themes: Use nature’s cycles to inspire topics—such as studying bushfire ecology in summer and migration in autumn.
Local history: Explore landmarks, read biographies, and study maps of your area.
Delight + Discipline: Combine their passions with necessary skills. For instance, if they love building cubbies, use it to teach measurement, teamwork, and basic engineering.
“What’s one topic your child would teach you if they could?” “That’s your clue. That’s where relevance lives. Build from there.”
Part 3: Reflection – Your Teaching Style and Homeschool Philosophy
“Reflection is where we stop chasing someone else’s perfect plan and start listening to our own convictions. It’s the quiet work of knowing your role, your strengths, and your long-term vision.”
Let's revisit our garden. We have chosen plants based on your climate, soil conditions, and the desired harvest outcomes we are aiming for.
Once you understand your child's learning style and what they are curious to learn, it's time to explore various homeschooling philosophies. Each philosophy has unique methods and can significantly influence your homeschooling journey. You don't need to commit to a single educational philosophy, as many homeschooling families combine elements from different philosophies. Keep in mind that it's important to discover what suits your family best, as what works for one family might not be suitable for yours. Each style reflects different philosophies, teaching methods, and levels of structure. These are not boxes to fit into, but as lenses to borrow from.
Exploring Homeschooling Philosophies
Charlotte Mason Education: This gentle, literature-rich philosophy nurtures the whole child—mind, heart, and character. It centres on using living books (well-written, engaging texts) instead of dry textbooks, encouraging children to form personal connections with ideas. Hallmarks include short lessons, nature study, habit training, narration (retelling), and an emphasis on beauty through art and music. Mason believed children are born persons with innate curiosity and capacity for wonder, and education should cultivate that rather than control it. Her approach is deeply holistic, fostering delight, attentiveness, and a lifelong love of learning.
Classical Education: This time-honoured approach is rooted in the traditions of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasising the development of wisdom and virtue through a structured study of the liberal arts. It typically follows a three-stage model called the Trivium—grammar (learning facts and language), logic (developing reasoning), and rhetoric (expressing ideas persuasively). Learners explore enduring texts, historical events, philosophy, and languages like Latin, all with the aim of cultivating critical thinking, moral character, and eloquent communication. In homeschooling, it’s often paired with rich literature, memorisation, and Socratic dialogue, creating a foundation for lifelong learning.
Montessori: A child-centered approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, emphasising independence, hands-on learning, and respect for a child’s natural development. In this method, carefully prepared environments allow children to choose activities that align with their interests and developmental stage, fostering concentration, self-discipline, and a love of discovery. Learning is sensory-rich and often self-directed, with teachers acting as guides rather than instructors. Practical life skills, manipulatives, and uninterrupted work periods are hallmarks, nurturing confidence and holistic growth across academic, emotional, and physical domains.
Traditional Education: Typically refers to a structured, teacher-led model centred around standardised curricula, textbooks, and formal classroom settings. It often emphasises direct instruction, rote memorisation, graded assessments, and clear hierarchies between teacher and student. Subjects are compartmentalised—math, science, literature—with set goals and timelines. This approach prioritises academic achievement, discipline, and preparation for higher education or employment. While widely practiced in public and private schools, some view traditional education as less flexible or personalised compared to alternative methods like Montessori or Charlotte Mason.
Unschooling: This method is an alternative educational philosophy that prioritises child-led learning, allowing curiosity and real-life experiences to guide the educational journey. Rather than following a fixed curriculum or formal instruction, children explore subjects based on interest, often through play, exploration, conversation, and projects that arise organically. Parents act as facilitators rather than teachers, supporting inquiry rather than directing it. Unschooling views education as a natural process, trusting that children will learn what they need when they’re ready, making it a flexible and deeply personalised approach to lifelong learning.
Waldorf Education: Also known as Steiner education, is a holistic philosophy founded by Rudolf Steiner that nurtures the intellectual, artistic, and practical development of the child through imagination and creativity. It emphasises rhythm, storytelling, and hands-on experiences, especially in the early years, with a strong focus on nature, the arts, and spiritual growth. When taught in schools, teachers often stay with the same class for multiple years to build deep relationships, and learning unfolds in developmental stages aligned with Steiner’s view of the human being as a unity of body, soul, and spirit. Rather than early academics, Waldorf prioritises play-based learning, aesthetic environments, and cultivating wonder—making it especially resonant for families drawn to expressive arts and naturalistic storytelling.
Unit Studies: A flexible homeschooling method that centres all learning around a single theme or topic—like oceans, ancient Egypt, or even Bambi. Instead of teaching subjects separately, families integrate reading, writing, science, history, and art into one cohesive exploration. This approach encourages deep engagement and cross-disciplinary thinking, making it ideal for children who thrive on immersive, hands-on learning. Unit studies can be tailored to different ages and interests, allowing siblings to learn together while pursuing creative projects, nature study, or literature-based activities that bring the topic to life.
Worldschooling & Roadschooling: These are travel-based homeschooling approaches that turn the world into a classroom. Worldschooling involves international travel and cultural immersion—children learn through experiences like visiting historic sites, exploring nature, and engaging with diverse communities. Roadschooling, on the other hand, typically takes place within a country (often in an RV or camper), blending structured curriculum with hands-on learning from national parks, museums, and local landmarks. Both foster adaptability, curiosity, and real-world understanding, making education a dynamic, family-centered adventure.
Technology-Based or Virtual Schooling: This is a modern homeschooling approach that uses digital tools, online platforms, and virtual classrooms to deliver education. It offers flexibility and personalisation, allowing students to learn at their own pace through interactive apps, video lessons, simulations, and even AI-powered tutors. Parents can track progress, access diverse resources, and tailor content to different learning styles—all from home or on the go. This method prepares children for a tech-driven world while supporting academic consistency and engagement through dynamic, multimedia-rich experiences.
Biblical or Faith-Based: An approach that integrates spiritual beliefs—most commonly Christian—into every aspect of a child’s education. It emphasises a Biblical worldview, where subjects like history, science, and literature are taught through the lens of scripture and moral values. Families often use curricula that include Bible study, character development, and faith-affirming content, aiming to nurture both academic growth and spiritual maturity. This method allows parents to align learning with their convictions, fostering a strong sense of purpose, family unity, and discipleship in daily life.
Eclectic: This is a highly personalised approach that blends elements from multiple educational philosophies—like Classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, or Unit Studies—to suit a child’s unique needs, interests, and learning style. Instead of following one fixed method, families pick and choose resources, activities, and strategies that work best for them, creating a flexible and adaptive learning environment. This style often evolves over time as parents discover what resonates most with their children, making it ideal for those who value freedom, creativity, and a tailored educational experience. This often becomes the most popular method that homeschoolers choose as their approach evolves through trial and error.
You don’t have to pick a label. You can be Charlotte Mason in the morning, Montessori in the afternoon, and bush-school on weekends.
Relection Questions
What kind of learning environment do I want to create? Cozy and book-filled? Outdoors and muddy? Structured or spontaneous?
What do I believe about childhood, education, and growth? Is childhood sacred? Is learning best through play, story, or challenge?
How do I want our days to feel? Peaceful? Purposeful? Joyful? Flexible?
Journaling will assist you in quietly reflecting on these aspects, and you might even consider creating a visual mood board.
🌿 Example: Living Books + Nature Study
“I chose living books and nature study because I wanted our homeschool to feel like a place of wonder and connection. I wanted my children to see the world as beautiful and know they were part of it.”
This grounds philosophy in real choices and emotional resonance.
“What legacy do I want our homeschool to leave?”
“When your children look back, what do you hope they remember? The worksheets—or the stories you read under the gum tree? The pressure—or the peace? That’s your compass.”
By grasping the 3 R's—Research, Relevance, and Reflection—you can effectively incorporate them into your homeschooling. This method will also boost your confidence in making improved decisions for your homeschool, resulting in enhanced learning outcomes for your child. So, keep in mind to:
Research: observing your child’s learning in real time—watching for sparks, patterns, and preferences
Relevance: choosing content that speaks to their curiosity and your family’s values
Reflection: grounding your choices in your own teaching style and long-term vision
These aren’t rigid steps—they’re rhythms. You’ll revisit them again and again as your child grows, and as your homeschool evolves.
Reflect on your values as an educator and select a philosophy that aligns with your family’s lifestyle. Finding a fit will create a supportive and joyful learning atmosphere. Keep in mind that a single approach often doesn't suit all homeschooling families, so combining an eclectic method tailored to the needs of the family or child can yield the best results.
Embrace the Journey
Starting your homeschooling journey by focusing on the 3 R's of research—understanding learning styles, exploring homeschooling philosophies, and identifying interests and your objectives—sets a strong foundation for an enriching academic experience. As your child's educator, it's now essential for you to begin your own research on these three components.
Homeschooling offers flexibility, enabling you to create an environment tailored to both your family's and your child's needs. Through thoughtful research and preparation, you can unlock the keys to successful homeschooling. You will nurture lifelong learners who are both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their education. Please remember to trust your instincts as a parent they are generally right. You know your child better than anyone, that includes health professionals, teachers, family and friends . If something feels off, you can pivot and change. If something lights them up, lean in and follow their interests. Flexibility isn’t a detour—it’s part of the journey.
Recommended Books to Learn More About Homeschooling
As you embark on this adventure, remember that patience and adaptability are vital. Not every day will go as planned, and achieving a perfect fit requires time. Celebrate your child's progress, be ready to adjust your methods as necessary, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of learning together. Happy homeschooling!
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