Rethinking Independent Learning + the Best Homeschool Curriculum to Make It Work

On the fence about including independent learning in your homeschool plans? Here’s what you should know about this educational approach, plus the best homeschool curriculum to help you implement it into your learning lineup.

*This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links. Also, I received free access to IXL for review purposes, but was not required to write a positive review. See my disclosure for more information.*

It is worth acknowledging here that terms like independent learning and self-led learning can mean different things, even in homeschool circles. To clarify, I use these terms interchangeably to refer to learning that happens without much teacher instruction. This can take many forms, such as a parent using curricula to assign reading and written work to cover a subject, a student researching a topic due to personal interest, and everything in between. 

Even so, I haven’t always understood the value of independent learning. In fact, I once saw it as a way to homeschool without being overly involved in a child’s education. I also had other objections that kept me from saying yes to this approach. I was wrong about them all.  

What I Got Wrong About Independent Learning 

As it turns out, independent learning can be a process that helps students build confidence, develop autonomy, and assume some ownership in their educational development. Referring to this idea as being independently responsible, Dennis Dinoia from Mr. D Math put it this way in his book, Teach: Creating Independently Responsible Learners:

“As they are learning to be independently responsible, they discover that they know themselves, which gives them confidence. This confidence gives them poise which builds character and allows them to go out into the world and live the life of their dreams.” – Dennis Dinoia

Thus, independent learning empowers students to know themselves better and helps them become lifelong learners. It helps them along their formal educational journey and life after school. That’s a win in any educational environment, whether a homeschool or classroom.

Although I eventually realized the importance of empowering my kids to learn independently, it took time for me to rethink my assumptions and see things differently. Here are the three primary roadblocks I faced with independent learning and how I was wrong about them. 

1. Independent Learning and Abdicating Responsibility 

I previously alluded to this point, but I used to think parents who encouraged independent learning wanted to be less involved in their kids’ education.

I mention it again because it genuinely made me feel guilty for considering any kind of independent learning. Maybe you can relate.

What I understand now is that independent learning positions homeschooling parents to be partners in learning instead of the conduit for all learning. Julie Bogart explains this partnership as a collaboration between parent and child.

“Think of yourself as a coach and ally, rather than a teacher… If you establish a warm, supportive relationship, you can provide valuable insight to help them grow.” Julie Bogart, The Brave Learner

In other words, independent learning doesn’t automatically remove parental presence or responsibility. It does, however, pave the way for a homeschooling parent to shift to the mentor role. And, mentoring naturally involves guidance and a holistic range of support. Because of this, there’s nothing about independent learning that requires a homeschool parent to step back or surrender their influence.  

2. Lack of Structure and Self-led Learning

I once thought self-led learning was an offshoot of unschooling. Hear me out: legitimate education can happen under the unschooling umbrella, but it’s not a guiding educational philosophy for me as a home educator. Because of that mistaken connection to unschooling, I assumed independent learning was also off the table for us.

Here’s what I know now: independent learning is similar to the interest-led educational philosophy associated with unschooling, but it doesn’t mean self-led learning lacks structure or parental guidance by default. Instead, it can take whatever shape is needed to help students achieve their goals. 

So, there was no need to be concerned that my kids would be unprepared to follow directions at work or college or that they’ll be blindsided by structured processes like testing and college applications. Now that I’ve got one kid entering sophomore year in college, I understand how the right tools can equip them for all of this regardless of how much independent learning I incorporate into their homeschool experience. 

Worth noting, IXL is a fantastic way to provide these tools. I share more about why it’s the best homeschool curriculum for independent learning below. 

3. A Grab Bag of Knowledge

A final objection I once held about independent learning was that I thought it would make it difficult to provide a well-rounded education. Because I connected it to little parental involvement and a lack of structure, I assumed there could be no intentionality embedded into this homeschooling approach. 

Though it’s true that some independent learning can involve learning random skills and aimlessly studying a hodgepodge of topics, it can be implemented with as much intentionality as desired. 

Practically speaking, that’s why it’s important to view independent learning as a partnership. As a partner, I can identify blindspots, provide a plan to cover them, and work with my kiddo to ensure essential skills aren’t neglected. 

 IXL: The Best Homeschool Curriculum for Independent Learning

Now that I’ve shared my former objections to independent learning, I want to mention that overcoming these concerns came easily once I found the right tools. One of those tools is IXL and it’s been a gamechanger for independent learning in our homeschool.

Before I share how IXL has been helpful to me and my kiddo, it helps to have some background on the curriculum itself.

Overview of IXL’s Online Homeschool Program

IXL is an online learning platform offering a complete K-12 curriculum that covers the following subjects through their IXL Family Membership: Core Subjects plan: 

The Core Subjects plan can be used to cover all of these areas at any grade level, to cover specific topics within these subjects, or to keep skills sharp during breaks. 

In terms of independent learning, this is the best homeschool curriculum because it centers around personalized learning. Lesson recommendations are customized according to IXL’s diagnostic process along with ongoing progress and trouble spots identified from completed lessons. 

Also, IXL helps independent learners whether they’re looking to develop a specific skill, dig deeper into a topic, or add some fun to the mix. The membership covers 17,000+ interactive skills across all subjects, more than a thousand video tutorials, and lots of educational games.

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that IXL has been a trusted educational resource to support independent learning for classroom students and homeschoolers alike. Millions of students use IXL, yet each of them receive a personalized experience with real-time feedback and step-by-step explanations.

Why IXL Is The Best HOmeschool Curriculum for Independent Learners

Now that you know more about IXL in general, here’s what has stood out to me since making it the focal point of our homeschool.

IXL Skill Plans

Since one of my previous concerns about independent learning centered around a lack of intentionality, I was relieved to discover IXL’s skill plans. Parents can choose from IXL’s day-by-day plans for each grade level, work through plans that correspond with well-known textbooks, and state standards for each grade level.

This is my favorite thing about IXL and an important one from an independent learning perspective. Once every couple of weeks, I review the skill plans for my state, check them against my other curricula, and select the topics and skills I want my kiddo to tackle through IXL in the coming weeks. 

After that, my recommendations show up in the MyIXL dashboard for my kiddo to work on. This is a key function since it allows me to guide the time on IXL to complement our other homeschool plans.

Independent Learning with Flexibility

There’s no one way to use IXL. It can be used to supplement homeschool lessons, to prevent learning gaps, as a complete homeschool curriculum, or to keep kids learning in summer and other breaks. This flexibility makes IXL the best homeschool curriculum for independent learners because it empowers them to achieve their learning goals, whatever they may be.

Speaking of flexibility, the IXL platform itself is flexible. It can be accessed on desktop or mobile devices, at home or anywhere with internet access. My kiddo likes working through IXL lessons on our computers, but it’s good to know we don’t have to miss anything if we’re traveling or working somewhere else for a change of scenery. 

Instant Analytics and Detailed Diagnostics

Another reason IXL is the best homeschool curriculum for independent learning, the analytics section of the website gives me everything needed to set my kid up for success and provide accountability. This includes usage details like dates and time spent on IXL, along with the specific skills tackled on each date. Additionally, diagnostic levels, a personalized action plan, scores, and trouble spots are easily accessible there.

Better yet, this information is summarized in the weekly email update. Without logging into the website, I can assess my kiddo’s progress, know when to step in, and how to help with specific skills. This is valuable from an independent learning perspective because it ensures I’m never left out as my middle schooler takes ownership of her learning.  

Get Started with Independent Learning Through IXL

Ready to learn more about IXL and how it can help you include independent learning in your homeschool lineup? You can head to their website to sign up for the IXL Family Membership: Core Subjects (Yearly Plan) and get your independent learner started today. By joining now, you can save 25% on the membership, which is a huge help now that it’s back to school season.

In closing, remember that independent learning and homeschooling can be a great combination. And, they’re an even better combination with tools like IXL to guide students and parents along the way.

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