Chantelle Grubbs, her husband Tony and her five beautiful kids have been using the Brave Writer lifestyle since 2014. In Spring 2016, Chantelle and her friend Christy Thomas launched a venture they call Play 4 Life Moms based on their experiences with the Brave Writer lifestyle.

Chantelle fell into homeschooling because she didn’t think public schools were offering enough to her first two boys. She felt the school expected every child to perform and act the same way, and that’s just not the case.

Chantelle was first introduced to the Charlotte Mason method of homeschooling, but she had difficulty implementing it. When she started, she didn’t know how to translate the ideas into actual lesson plans. It ended up looking a lot like school at home, and that didn’t work.

“It took a lot of tears and trying over and over again to come to a place where we were enjoying ourselves and also learning at the same time.”

Chantelle noticed that her kids were more engaged with learning when they were having fun with activities. This is because, when children are problem solving and using their bodies, they’re imprinting the lesson in a different way than just reading about it.

When Chantelle started a weekly Poetry Tea Time in her household, her two oldest children were reluctant to enjoy poetry. Of course, they still came for the snacks. Over time, they came to enjoy the poetry too.

Now everyone in the Grubbs household is excited for Poetry Tea Time, although not everyone likes tea and some of the older children aren’t able to be there for a whole hour – but that’s fine! Lemonade, snacks and poetry for 10 minutes is still a great family learning experience.

Chantelle’s biggest challenge has been figuring out what is best for each child, and accepting that they all need something different. No two people learn in exactly the way.

One of her children is actually finding the support and education she needs in a public school environment, and Chantelle couldn’t be happier.

“I think you have to do what’s best for each child. That’s the biggest obstacle. It’s not always the easiest thing – the easiest thing is to pick one thing and have everyone do it – but that doesn’t make it the best thing for each child.”

Play 4 Life Moms allows you to sign up for encouraging texts or emails that inspire you to build connections in your home through play.

The service started after Chantelle and Christy interacted during one of my Facebook Live videos. They both wanted a solution to remind themselves, as homeschooling mothers, to slow down and embrace play.

The text messages range from challenges to positive comments to inspiring quotes that help homeschooling parents live up to their best intentions.

“Those little reminders help bring you back to where you want to be. That’s what we’re trying to achieve for other moms.”

Some example texts:

• Drink a warm cup of tea today and savor the warm decorations in your house.
• “Play builds the kind of free-and-easy, try-it-out, do-it-yourself character that our future needs.” –James Hines, Jr.
• Try to sit down to eat during lunch this week. Enjoy your food. You’re important <3

Having these quotes and reminders on a daily basis help create a sustained imagination and allow mothers to tap into their own experiences and best intentions. You can sign up for Play 4 Life Moms text messages here.

Having your own story is what counts – not being somebody’s poster child for their story. Every home education experience is different. Chantelle’s incredible story and willingness to adapt will be an inspiration for any #BraveSchooler.

You can download show notes for the podcast here: http://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/

Resources:

• You can download Free Writing Lessons here: http://go.bravewriter.com/free-writing-lessons
• Sign up for Play 4 Life Moms messages & join the private community ($5/month)
• Follow Play 4 Life Moms: Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram