S1E7P1 - From Charlotte Mason to Classical: Krystel Watts on an Ever-Evolving Homeschool with Flexibility and Trust

🎙️ This week we chat with Krystel Watts from Engaging Minds NZ! I had so much fun catching up with my lovely mate from across the Tasman 🌊, hearing more about how her homeschool journey has evolved—and continues to evolve—as she and her husband Chris homeschool 7 of their 8 awesome kids 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. In this chat, we dive into: 📚 How Krystel's homeschool journey has grown as she educates her 8 children 🌱 The early influence of Charlotte Mason and Montessori, and transitioning to a classical approach in later years 🧠 The importance of truly understanding each child and being flexible with curriculum choices 🛌 Recognizing when rest and developmental growth are needed before moving forward with formal learning 🚫 Letting go of the "school mindset" despite never sending her kids to traditional school 💡 How her experience with her eldest has brought confidence and calm with her younger children 🌈 Trusting that an eclectic learning style is more than enough for a well-rounded education You can connect with Krystel and Chris through Engaging Minds NZ on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or their website 🌐. They're an incredible resource for matching the right curriculum or learning tools to your family's needs—and yes, they ship to Australia! 🇦🇺📦 Krystel is also a fabulous support for the summits we run at Fearless Homeschool ❤️ She'll be presenting and hosting a few sessions in our upcoming Teen and DIY Summits! 🎤 Don't miss her powerful workshops inside the Fearless Membership: ✨ 'Surviving and Thriving: Home Educating with a Large Family' ✨ 'Structured Literacy: Understanding the Importance of Building a Solid Foundation of Learning' 👇 Tune in, be inspired, and know you're not alone on this journey! #HomeschoolingLife #FearlessHomeschool #EngagingMindsNZ #CharlotteMason #MontessoriInspired #ClassicalHomeschooling #EclecticHomeschooling #HomeEducationJourney #HomeschoolWithHeart #BigFamilyLife #TeenHomeschool #DIYLearning #StructuredLiteracy #HomeschoolSupport #HomeschoolAustralia #NZHomeschoolers #HomeschoolConfidence #AlternativeEducation #UnschoolTheMind 🏡📖✨ Here's where you can connect with Krystel: Website: https://tinyurl.com/engagingminds-website Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/engagingminds-facebook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/engagingmindsnz/?hl=en Mentioned in this episode: Summit Promotion! Tickets are now on Sale for the Australian and New Zealand Homeschooling Summit 2026