Each week, we spotlight a unique family from A One-Room Schoolhouse, sharing their homeschooling journey, favorite traditions, and experiences with our hybrid model. Whether you’re curious about homeschooling or already part of our community, “Friday Family” offers inspiring stories, practical tips, and a peek into the lives of families who value education, flexibility, and quality family time. Join us every Friday to meet a new family and discover how AORSH can enrich your child’s learning experience!
Embracing Hybrid Homeschooling with A One-Room Schoolhouse
At A One-Room Schoolhouse (AORSH), we pride ourselves on offering a unique hybrid model that blends the best of homeschooling and traditional schooling. This approach provides flexibility and a supportive community, making it an excellent fit for many families. One such family is the Tamanini Family, who recently moved back to Pennsylvania after spending six years in Central Florida and Jacksonville, FL. With their love for family time, the beach, local festivals, and cooking together, the Tamaninis have found a new home and community with AORSH North Campus. Let’s delve into their journey and experiences with our program.
Meet the Tamanini Family
Chris and Rachel Tamanini, along with their children Lilliana (Lilly, age 12), Paul (age 9), and Henry (age 1), have a rich tapestry of family traditions and interests. Rachel, Lilly, and Paul share a passion for playing the violin, often practicing and performing in a local small group. Chris and Paul enjoy bonding over basketball, while little Henry delights in watching his older siblings’ activities. The family cherishes their traditions, such as dressing up in Star Wars costumes for Halloween, baking Christmas cookies, and hosting a cousin quartet at Christmas Eve dinner. They also love participating in cupcake challenges, attending fall festivals, and taking summer trips to Deep Creek.
Their love for family time extends to unique traditions like horseback riding, visiting Phipps Conservatory (where Chris and Rachel were married), and engaging in baking and cooking, especially during the holidays. The Tamaninis prioritize spending time together over participating in numerous extracurricular activities, believing that the early years should be enjoyed without undue pressure around grades and testing.
Educational Choices and the Hybrid Model
The Tamanini family’s homeschooling journey began in Florida, where they appreciated the flexibility it offered. They valued the slower pace, increased family time, and the ability to tailor their children’s education to their unique needs and interests. As they considered their educational options, the hybrid model at AORSH stood out as an ideal fit. The model allowed them to continue homeschooling while also providing their children with regular social interactions and group learning experiences that they felt were essential for well-rounded development.
For years, the family had used “The Good and the Beautiful” curriculum, which integrates geography, culture, poetry, and art with core subjects like language arts and math. They were thrilled to find that AORSH not only supported this curriculum but also emphasized collaborative learning and time spent in nature. This combination was perfect for Paul, their nine-year-old son, who would benefit from the social aspects of the schoolhouse environment while continuing his education in a familiar and effective way.
AORSH Experiences: Blending Learning and Play
The Tamaninis have found that AORSH’s hybrid model offers the best of both worlds. Paul has thrived in an environment that combines structured in-person learning with a relaxed home-based schedule. This balance has allowed him to develop academically, socially, and emotionally.
Academically, Paul made significant strides, improving his ability to complete tasks efficiently and independently. His memorization of math facts and enhancement of writing skills were notable achievements. The hybrid model also provided the structure needed to ensure he stayed on track with his curriculum while allowing for free play time with peers—a critical aspect of childhood development.
Socially, Paul became more outgoing and confident, thanks to the kind and caring regular friend group he found at the schoolhouse. This supportive environment also led to emotional benefits, including reduced boredom, increased energy for schoolwork, and greater motivation to complete lessons and projects. The various festival days and field trips offered by AORSH were highlights for Paul, providing enriching experiences that went beyond what the family might have planned on their own.
One of Paul’s favorite experiences at AORSH included hands-on science and history projects, exploring nature, and engaging in imaginative play like fort-building during recess. The variety of activities and the opportunity to read great books with his peers added to his enjoyment and learning.
Personal Insights and Advice for Other Families
Rachel shares valuable insights for other families considering a hybrid model like AORSH. She emphasizes the importance of determining whether your child would benefit more from hybrid days focused on core academic subjects or those centered on special interest areas like foreign language, STEM projects, and nature studies. For families with working parents, a combination of both types of hybrid days may be most beneficial.
Rachel also highlights the need for families to stay on track with lessons, an aspect that brings accountability but also requires careful planning. This accountability can be a positive aspect, ensuring consistent progress, but it’s important for families to consider this when planning their homeschool year, vacations, or other breaks.
For families new to an area, Rachel notes that a well-organized hybrid program like AORSH can be a great way to quickly integrate into the community. Moving from Florida to Pennsylvania, the Tamaninis appreciated how AORSH helped Paul make new friends and how it allowed the family to connect with other like-minded families. The program provided a sense of belonging and community, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable.
Looking Ahead with AORSH
As the Tamanini family continues their journey with AORSH, they look forward to another year of growth and learning. They appreciate the unique blend of structured education and flexible homeschooling that AORSH provides, and they are excited about the opportunities it offers for their children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The Tamanini family’s experience with AORSH North Campus is a testament to the benefits of a hybrid homeschooling model. It offers the flexibility and personalization of homeschooling while providing the social interaction and structured learning experiences of a traditional school setting. For families seeking a balanced approach to education that prioritizes family time, hands-on learning, and a supportive community, AORSH offers an exceptional option. We look forward to welcoming more families into our community and continuing to support each child’s unique educational journey.
Follow #FamilyFriday and #AOneRoomSchoolhouse on social!
Leave a Reply