Looking for inspiration for what to do outside of The Hub’s micro-academy sessions? There's a world of possibilities out there; click here for some ideas to get you started.
Would you like personalized assistance to help you get started with independent learning, or to troubleshoot or take things to the next level? Click here to learn about our consulting (and referrals) service.
If you're completely new to the idea of independent learning, you might want to start with this overview, to get a sense of the concept and how the pieces can fit together.
Next, you may be wondering: What can tweens and younger teens do outside of The Hub's programs? There are countless options, and the ideal combination will ultimately depend on each individual and family's goals, interests and preferences. Here is a compilation that can serve as a starting point. (Please note that these lists are designed just to give a taste of what's out there; they are not intended to be comprehensive, nor are they endorsements of the listed items.)
General Ideas Sampler (online):
General Ideas Sampler (self-directed, offline):
Washington, D.C.-Area Ideas Sampler (these programs have traditionally offered drop-off, in-person options; check their sites to determine what they’re currently offering in person versus online):
Putting It All Together—Scheduling the Days:
If you like structure and maintaining a predictable schedule, this site suggests how different elements (such as the ones listed above) can be incorporated into a daily schedule that balances active pursuits and screen time: https://schoolclosures.org/#6th-9th-grade
Putting It All Together—Keeping a Portfolio:
You can maintain a portfolio using simple spreadsheet, word-processing or hand-written documents, supplemented as needed with folders/binders containing physical documentation of a child’s educational journey (stories, artwork, etc.). There are also third-party portfolio services.
You can find additional ideas, and opportunities to discuss options with other parents who are also directing their children’s independent learning, on numerous listservs and Facebook groups, Pinterest and Instagram accounts, etc. There are also online and offline co-op or co-learning opportunities (some formal, some informal), where parents trade off responsibilities with other parents, and/or pool resources to put together customized group programs.
Please fill out the contact form and let us know what you need. We’ll get in touch to set up a brief introductory chat (with no obligation) to see if we can help. If not, we'll try and refer you to someone who can.
In addition to the support we offer to members of The Hub, we also offer consulting sessions or packages to anyone—whether an individual family or a group of families—who is curious about independent learning or is getting started down this road and would like to talk with someone who can help them cut through the clutter. (You may want to start by watching this overview, which may answer some of your initial questions.)
We can help individual parents understand what it takes to homeschool, and how to get started. We can help you come up with strategies to support homeschooling while also taking care of career or other responsibilities, in a sustainable and mutually satisfying way (it does require flexibility and/or creativity, but it can be done, even with younger children). We can answer questions that arise as you adjust to the new paradigm. And we can point you to individually tailored global and local resources that will set you up for success on your own terms.
We can also help groups of families who are looking to form a learning group of their own. Having started and managed multiple mixed-ages learning groups (including with outside facilitators and rented spaces) over many years, we can get involved as needed to facilitate key parent meetings and help you think through key details, develop solid plans (and contingency plans), and anticipate and navigate the inevitable challenges.
We can also connect you to other consultants in our extensive national network who can address more specialized questions, such as how to choose among curriculum packages; how to homeschool teenagers and prepare for college or other next steps; how to maintain good inter-personal dynamics while homeschooling; and more.
Please fill out the contact form and let us know what you need. We’ll get in touch to set up a brief introductory chat (with no obligation) to see if we can help. If not, we'll try and refer you to someone who can.