Structured Curriculum vs. Play-Based Learning: Where's the Balance?

One of the biggest debates in homeschooling {right up there with screens vs. no screens, and schedules/routines vs. a flexible flow} is whether it’s better to follow a structured curriculum or take a more flexible, play-based approach, especially when it comes to learners 7 and younger. Many parents I talk to wrestle with the idea of striking a balance between formal learning {aka workbooks and time-tabled activities} and child-led discovery {aka following your child's lead}.

So, what’s the best approach? The short answer: It depends on your child AND you. 

The long answer? It's complicated. Let's find the sweet spot.

This post explores the benefits of both - through research and real, lived experience - you'll discover how you can create a homeschool experience that hits the "sweet spot" and works perfectly for YOUR family!

The Case for Structured Curriculum

A structured curriculum can be comforting for many parents, especially those who are new to homeschooling. Having a clear roadmap can ease the anxiety of ‘Am I doing enough?’ and provide a sense of progress. It's also "neat and tidy" and easy to check off those boxes to keep you accountable and make sure you're not "failing your child" or "falling behind." {spoiler: there is NO failing or falling in this gig you signed up for. Also, when I first started teaching, this was the method I depended on. It gave me comfort, a sense of accountability and reassurance. HOWEVER, my kids? They started to check out. More on that later.}

Benefits of a Structured Curriculum:

✔️ Provides a clear framework and sequence of learning objectives
✔️ Ensures coverage of key literacy and math skills
✔️ Helps parents feel confident that they are “on track” academically
✔️ Offers pre-planned lessons, reducing daily guesswork {lessening Mama's already heavy mental load}
✔️ Can be useful for children who thrive on routine and predictability

A structured curriculum can be especially helpful in subjects like reading, writing and math, where concepts build upon each other in a progressive and systematic way. According to a lot of discussion in Facebook Groups and Reddit, programs like Singapore Math, All About Reading, or The Good and the Beautiful offer a step-by-step approach that some children (and parents) find reassuring. 

However, a structured curriculum isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Too much rigidity can lead to boredom, and reluctance {THEM}, and apathy and stress {YOU}. Young children thrive with active, hands-on experiences, and you the educator have the right and NEED to feel enthusiasm and passion toward teaching. 

The Case for Play-Based Learning

If the thought of forcing your child to sit at a desk for hours makes you cringe, you’ll be relieved to know that research strongly supports play-based learning in early childhood education.

Why Play-Based Learning Works:

🧩 Encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking
📚 Develops language and literacy skills naturally through storytelling and conversation
🎨 Promotes fine motor skills through hands-on activities like drawing, building, and crafting
🏃‍♂️ Supports physical development and coordination through movement and exploration
🧠 Builds executive function skills like self-regulation, decision-making, and resilience

Studies from the Harvard Center on the Developing Child (2021) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (2022) confirm that children under age seven learn best through play, not worksheets. Play strengthens cognitive and social-emotional development, making learning more meaningful and enjoyable.

Finding the Sweet Spot: A Balanced Approach

The good news? You don’t have to choose one approach. Many successful homeschooling families blend structured lessons with play-based exploration.

Artful Teaching. Joyful Learning.® All-in-One Curriculum offers a Reggio-Inspired approach, and blends both worlds together, inviting parents and children into the "sweet spot" {fun, engaging yet rigorous} style of learning. Get yourself on the waitlist for this modern, secular curriculum, full of family fun and wonder.

How to Balance Structure with Play

🔹 Morning Structure, Afternoon Play: But first, Coffee. 

Let's face it. We're usually freshest in the morning. I liken it to PRIME TIME" for learning. Some families enjoy getting outside in the early part of the day, because their hot climate prevents them from getting outside. In teaching hundreds of children {including my own}, I've anecdotally observed that kids do best when rested, watered and fed and teacher/mom's had her f̶o̶u̶r̶t̶h̶ coffee! 

I love to start the day with a read-aloud, morning message and then dive into an "invitation to learn." An "invitation to learn" ties interests, art and play with academics These are usually based on what children are most curiously interested in. We weave academics in the authentic and meaningful way. For example, if your children are showing interest in BALLS, you might:

Generate a list of questions about balls with your child: Do all balls bounce? Do all balls roll? What makes a ball a ball? How is a ball different from a cube? {Language Arts ✔️} 

Write family story about a favorite sport with a ball or write a list of rules for that sport together. {Writing ✔️}

Compare and contrast a variety of different sized balls - measure, weigh, talk about circumference vs. diameter; compare height of bounces {Math ✔️}

Race the balls down handmade incline planes {Science ✔️}

Use marbles to create abstract paintings {Art ✔️}

Learn about the history and discovery of rubber {History ✔️}

🔹 Learning Through Play

Play is built into everyday learning. Whether you set up an intentional "invitation to play" - a simple set-up to provoke questions and children's thinking, or allow for more self-directed free play, learning is always taking place. Play is a child's work, and is the brain's "favorite way of learning." ATJL is packed full of invitations to play, create and learn, and gives concrete ideas and simple step-by-step set ups for learning with your child according to dozens and dozens of interests.

In the balls example, you could place a variety of different balls on a tray and leave some blocks and lego to provoke thinking and imagination about mazes or marble runs. See what your child creates on their own. They might surprise you and take the learning into an entirely different direction!

🔹 Flexible Fridays: One of the beautiful things about homeschooling is the flexibility it affords. Give yourself a break and some grace with one "open" day for spontaneous adventures. Catching up on errands together, involving the kids in a meal-prep day, or field trips, library visits or co-ops, you have the flexibility and power to create a schedule that works for YOU. Remember, homeschooling is not a 6-day school cycle, following a strict timetable or bells signalling the end of a class. The best learning often takes place in real-life experiences! 

What’s Best for Your Child?

Every child is unique. Some thrive with structure and clear expectations, while others flourish in a more relaxed, exploratory environment. Observing your child’s learning style, adapting as you go, and following what feels good to you AND your child will lead to the most rewarding homeschool experience.

At the end of the day, homeschooling isn’t about choosing the ‘right’ method—it’s about finding what works best for your child and creating an environment where learning feels joyful, natural, and meaningful.

So whether you lean toward structured lessons or embrace a more wonder-infused, child-led slow emergent style, remember that your child is learning all the time.  They are simply WIRED that way. When we create conditions to provoke deeper learning  and curiosity - THAT is where the magic happens! 

And let’s be honest—when was the last time your child begged, "More worksheets PLEASE???"