Julie Bogart’s Expert Tips: Smart Ways to Build Strong Homeschool Readers

My first question to Julie often revolves around structure. So many parents, especially new homeschoolers, grapple with this tension: How do we create a daily rhythm that provides a sense of security and progress without stifling a child’s natural curiosity and that vital need for freedom? With so many digital resources and learning paths now available, it feels like the options can be overwhelming, making it harder to commit to one ‘routine.’

Julie smiled, a warmth in her eyes that instantly puts you at ease. “That’s such a fundamental question, isn’t it? And it’s one of the biggest hurdles for families. My primary advice always comes back to the idea of ‘rhythms’ over ‘rigid schedules.’ Think of a dance, not a march. Life isn’t linear, and children’s learning certainly isn’t. The digital tools we have today, while amazing for access, can sometimes contribute to the feeling that we need to ‘do it all’ or adhere to some external benchmark.”

She leaned forward, emphasizing her point. “Instead of trying to slot every subject into a precise time block, consider what activities need to happen each day or week. What are your non-negotiables? For us, reading aloud was a daily anchor. It didn’t always happen at 9 AM; sometimes it was after lunch, sometimes before bed. But it happened. The same applies to core skills. You might have a block for math, but if a child is deeply engaged in a coding project or building an elaborate fort, that’s often more valuable than forcing them to switch gears for a textbook page. The beauty of homeschooling, especially now with so many adaptive learning platforms, is that you get to decide when and how those tools serve your child’s unique flow. The tech should follow the child’s energy, not dictate it.”

“One family I worked with had a child fascinated by space,” Julie continued, painting a vivid picture. “Their ‘math time’ often became calculating rocket trajectories or the distance to Mars using online simulators. Their ‘reading time’ was devouring sci-fi novels or articles about astrophysics. It wasn’t about abandoning the subjects; it was about integrating them into an overarching passion. The parent learned to see the flow of learning, not just the separate subjects. That requires trust in the child and trust in yourself.”

That beautifully leads into fostering curiosity. In an age where information is literally at our fingertips, and algorithms often curate what we see, how do we encourage true, deep curiosity and critical thinking? How do we move beyond passive consumption of content—whether it’s on a screen or in a textbook—to active engagement, questioning, and genuine inquiry?

Julie nodded thoughtfully. “This is where I get really passionate. Critical thinking isn’t taught in a vacuum; it’s forged in the fires of genuine curiosity. And curiosity, like a muscle, strengthens with use. The challenge with easily accessible information, and yes, even algorithmic curation, is that it can sometimes short-circuit the ‘hunt.’ Children get used to answers being handed to them, rather than discovered through exploration.”

“My advice? Slow down. Ask more questions than you answer. When a child asks, ‘Why is the sky blue?’ resist the urge to immediately Google it with them. Instead, respond with, ‘That’s a fantastic question! What do you think?’ Or, ‘How might we find out?’ It’s about modeling the investigative process,” she explained.

“One of my favorite methods is ‘looping,’ which ties into this,” she shared, offering a practical tip. “Instead of trying to ‘finish’ a subject or topic, keep it looping back. Read a book, discuss it, then maybe watch a documentary. A week later, revisit the same topic with a new question or a different resource. Perhaps you find an augmented reality app that lets them explore the Roman Colosseum after reading about gladiators. This isn’t about memorization; it’s about building layers of understanding, connecting dots, and constantly finding new angles to explore. It allows for serendipitous discovery, which is the soul of curiosity.”

“Critical thinking also thrives when children are given real problems to solve,” she added. “Not just worksheet problems. Maybe it’s figuring out how to budget for a family trip, or designing a new layout for their bedroom, or even troubleshooting why the home printer isn’t working. These aren’t explicitly ‘academic’ tasks, but they demand analysis, problem-solving, and often, collaboration—skills that are infinitely more valuable in any future, digital or otherwise.”

It sounds like flexibility and trust are key. But let’s be honest, homeschooling isn’t always idyllic. There are days when motivation dips, when multiple children have competing needs, or when parents just feel completely overwhelmed. What are some common challenges you’ve seen families face, and what are your most reliable strategies for navigating those inevitable rough patches, especially when digital distractions might be adding another layer of complexity?

Julie’s expression softened, acknowledging the reality. “Oh, the rough patches are absolutely part of the journey. Anyone who tells you otherwise isn’t being honest. One common challenge is the ‘comparison trap’ – seeing what other homeschoolers are doing on social media, or what traditional schools are achieving, and feeling like you’re not measuring up. This often leads to trying to implement too much, too soon, or abandoning what’s working for your family in pursuit of some ideal.”

“Another huge one is burnout—for both parent and child,” she continued. “We live in a world of constant stimulation. Digital tools are incredible, but they also mean we’re often ‘on’ all the time. The solution here is counter-intuitive: more rest, more play, and more ‘white space’ in your day. When motivation wanes, it’s rarely because a child is suddenly ‘lazy.’ It’s usually a signal for deeper needs: rest, a change of pace, or a different approach.”

Her advice was simple yet profound: “When you hit a wall, step away. Go for a walk. Play a board game. Bake cookies. The learning doesn’t stop just because you put down the textbook or close the laptop. Often, that break allows the brain to consolidate information and return with fresh perspective. For digital distractions, establish clear boundaries and model them. If you’re constantly checking your phone, your children will learn that’s the default. Designate screen-free zones and times. Make sure there’s plenty of time for tactile, hands-on, and outdoor play. Balance is crucial. It’s not about demonizing tech, but about integrating it mindfully.”

She shared a specific example: “I remember one mom who was tearing her hair out trying to force her son through a digital math curriculum he hated. I suggested she take a week off from it entirely. Instead, they built a massive LEGO city, using math concepts like area, perimeter, and fractions to plan their city blocks. When they returned to the digital program, he had a renewed energy because he’d reconnected with the purpose of math in a tangible way. The break wasn’t wasted; it was essential.”

That’s incredibly encouraging. My final question addresses something many parents whisper to themselves: the feeling of uncertainty, the self-doubt about their own teaching abilities, or whether they’re ‘qualified’ enough to guide their children’s learning journey. In a world where specialized knowledge feels increasingly important, how can parents cultivate confidence in their role, recognizing that they are perfectly positioned to be their child’s most impactful educators?

Julie’s response was heartfelt. “Ah, the imposter syndrome! It’s so prevalent, and it’s a lie we tell ourselves. Every parent, regardless of their own educational background, is inherently qualified to guide their child’s learning. Why? Because you know your child best. You see their quirks, their passions, their struggles, their unique learning style, in a way no one else can. That intimate knowledge is your greatest teaching asset.”

“Forget the idea that you need to be an expert in every subject. You don’t,” she stated firmly. “Your role isn’t to know everything, but to know how to find things out and to model the joy of learning. When you say, ‘I don’t know the answer to that, but let’s find out together!’ you’re teaching one of the most vital skills for the 21st century: lifelong learning and resourcefulness. This applies whether you’re cracking open a dusty encyclopedia or navigating a research rabbit hole on Wikipedia or even experimenting with an AI tutor to explain a complex concept.”

“Embrace the learning alongside them,” she urged. “You might find yourself learning about astrophysics or ancient civilizations right alongside your child, sparked by their curiosity. That shared journey, that mutual discovery, is far more powerful than any rote instruction. It builds connection, and it shows your child that learning is an ongoing, exciting adventure for everyone.”

She concluded, a thoughtful pause hanging in the air. “The biggest shift for parents is moving from a ‘school at home’ mentality to a ‘learning life’ mentality. It’s about creating an environment where curiosity is celebrated, questions are valued, and mistakes are seen as stepping stones. Trust the process, trust your child, and most importantly, trust yourself. You are enough. You are precisely the right person for this journey.”