I know that comparing homeschooling to public school is a big no-no in the homeschooling world—and I completely understand why. Trying to recreate the classroom at home is stressful on mom, the kids, and is an unnecessary burden to put on yourself. Think back to your own public school experience—if that's your story—and try to remember your favorite teacher. Why was she your favorite? Most likely it was because she did not try to fit within the norm of the educational model. She thought differently, taught differently, and treated her students differently, leaving an impression that lasts a lifetime. I remember walking into such a classroom after Christmas break to find that my teacher had switched our desks completely around. Rather than sitting in individual rows, we were blocked off into groups of four to work both independently and as a group—for an entire semester! It was the simple things that made all of the difference, but our creativity was sparked and to this day I remem...