Homeschooling Day in the Life: Kristin, Former Classroom Educator and Homeschooling Mom to Two Children

A homeschool day in the life looks different almost every day, right? Over on our Instagram page, we love to give you a peek into lots of homeschool days regardless of how they change day to day.

Today, we’re going to give you a peek into the homeschool day in the life of Kristin, former classroom educator and homeschooling mom to two children.

We can all learn and be inspired by one another, regardless of our homeschool approach. It’s not about looking good for social media, it’s about the connection going on inside our homeschool walls and sharing with others what works for us.

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We might all homeschool a little differently, but we can always look for ideas from each other that inspire, encourage and equip us in our own homeschool days. So each week we create blog posts for you to access later of each of those “days in the life”. We hope you keep coming back for more inspiration. Keep going, mama! These days at home are so worth it!

Meet Kristin

Kristin @forrestoakschoolhouse is a former classroom educator with over 15 years experience in early childhood education. She always thought she would spend her life in the classroom, but she soon realized that the most important work she could do was right at home, homeschooling her own children.

She currently teaches her 2nd grader and 10th grader. As a homeschooling family they embrace adventure—traveling for her husband’s work, hiking and off-roading together in the great outdoors with their two English Chocolate Labs, Clayton and Athens.

When she is not teaching or exploring, she loves reading, diving into local history, digging for old bottles and artifacts in her backyard, and tending to her houseplants.

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Homeschooling

• Learning happens everywhere—not just at a desk. Some of our best lessons have happened in the kitchen, on the trail, or during deep conversations in the car.
• Less is more—I didn’t need to recreate public school at home. A gentle, intentional approach allows for deeper learning and connection.
• Every child learns differently—and that’s a gift, not a problem to fix. Embracing their unique learning styles makes all the difference.
• Homeschooling is just as much about growth for me—I’m learning right alongside my kids, rediscovering history, literature, and the joy of lifelong learning.
• Some days are hard, and that’s okay—hard days don’t mean I’m failing; they mean we’re human. Grace, flexibility, and prayer carry us through.

If you’re just starting your homeschool journey, know this: you don’t have to have it all figured out. Lean into the process, trust your instincts, and remember—home is the best place to learn. ❤️

Time in Creation

A core belief in our homeschool is that some of the best lessons can’t be taught at a desk. They’re learned barefoot in the creek, covered in dirt, or on the backroads with the windows down.

Adventure and time in nature aren’t just extras in our homeschool—they’re essential. Out here, my kids learn problem-solving, resilience, and wonder.

This is why we choose the trails, the open skies, and the unbeaten paths.

Homeschooling High School

Homeschooling high school felt intimidating at first, but now? I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Watching my teen dive deep into his interests, take ownership of his learning, and engage in meaningful conversations reminds me why we chose this path.

It’s not about recreating school at home—it’s about mentoring, guiding, and walking alongside them as they step into adulthood. High school at home means flexible schedules, real-world learning, and the freedom to cultivate curiosity.

If you’re on the fence about homeschooling through high school, take a deep breath—you can do this, and it’s worth every moment.

5 Books That Shaped Our Homeschool

Each of these books challenged and refined my approach to education—showing me that learning is more than just textbooks and tests. They taught me that:

• Last Child in the Woods – Nature is a powerful teacher.
• For the Children’s Sake – Relationships matter more than rigid schedules.
• A Charlotte Mason Companion – Education is a lifestyle, not just a curriculum.
• Teach Your Own – Children are natural learners. Trust the process.
• Adventuring Together – Learning happens everywhere, especially on the road.

These books have shaped our days—full of living ideas, deep conversations, and time spent exploring.

Thank you so much to Kristin for sharing your family’s day with us!