Alpine Village School on The Homeschool How To Podcast

What if your child isn't reading yet—and you're not actually behind? In this episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, I talk with former public-school teacher Kiely Modiri about homeschooling, reading, academic benchmarks, curriculum pressure, free play, child development, parenting and the fear that we're not doing enough.

Kiely spent 10 years in public education, earned a master's in educational leadership and was working toward becoming a principal before becoming a mother changed the way she looked at education. She eventually created Alpine Village School and began working with parents to rethink what children actually need. One of the most surprising parts of our conversation? Her daughter didn't really begin reading until around 8½–9. Kiely says she wasn't worried because reading wasn't the priority in her daughter's life at that point.

We talk about:

Why homeschool parents can accidentally recreate public school at home
What to do when you're worried your child is “behind”
Why Kiely didn't make reading a priority at age 5, 6 or 7
What children are learning during free play
Why everyday life can be part of homeschooling
The difference between connection and correction
How our own childhood experiences can affect our parenting
Teaching children to advocate for themselves
Why homeschooling doesn't have to mean doing everything yourself
If you've ever thought “We didn't do enough homeschool today,” this conversation is worth hearing.