From Frustration to Focus: Rethinking Our Homeschool Approach

As many of you know, we've just begun our homeschooling journey, and for now, I'm teaching just one child—my

7-year-old son, who’s in first grade. We started off with excitement and high hopes, and for the first few weeks, things ran fairly smoothly. But soon, distractions began creeping in—constantly.

My son started having a hard time staying focused, and the more distracted he became, the more frustrated I felt. Learning stopped being fun for him. I could see the frustration on his face, and at times, even confusion.

From the very beginning, I wanted learning to be enjoyable for him. I made sure to include plenty of breaks, knowing that little boys are naturally energetic and need to move. But despite my efforts, the frustration on both sides grew.

I’d read a lesson to him and try to explain it in simpler terms, watching him nod along like he understood. Yet when I asked a question—literally seconds later—he would just stare at me blankly. It broke me. I felt like I was failing him. He’d even come to me later and apologize for being “disrespectful,” and all I could do was hug him and wonder what I was doing wrong.

I imagine many of you have felt this way at some point, too.

As the next school year approached, a cold sweat came over me at the thought of teaching two children. I knew I couldn’t continue with the same traditional, workbook-heavy approach. Something had to change.

So I started researching. I dug into how other families homeschool multiple children, especially across different grade levels—and that’s when I discovered the Unit Study Method.

Curious, I decided to give it a try. I introduced a hands-on activity inspired by unit studies into one of our current lessons. The results were amazing. My son was engaged, excited, and actually remembered what we discussed—hours later!

This fall, I’m planning to fully incorporate the unit study method into our homeschool. I’m hopeful. Encouraged. And honestly, a little relieved.

Have you tried unit studies before? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.