Noemí Cámara. Writer and language teacher. Home educating mother of two. Brighton, UK.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Of course! I’m Noemí, a mum of two, a girl who is 14 and a boy who is 11. I’m a freelance writer and a language teacher, I have a background in journalism, I have lived in Barcelona (my hometown), Amsterdam, Canada and the UK, and I home educate. I currently live in Brighton, UK.

You’ve been home educating for eight years now - how has your approach evolved over time, especially as your children have grown and their learning needs have changed?

When we started, I was very idealistic - I had this vision of the perfect rhythm, beautiful handmade materials, candles, a snack platter, everything flowing peacefully… My kids had been going to the local Steiner and the school’s ideas about nature and beauty really resonated with me. But I quickly learned that my children are very different learners, and what works one year - or even one week - might not the next. Over time, I’ve become much more flexible and intuitive. I listen more to where they are emotionally and developmentally and design around that. Home educating now feels more like a conversation than a curriculum.

What’s your educational style? How do you decide what to draw from for each child, and how do you adapt when something isn’t working?

It has developed over the years. I guess, looking back, I have mostly blended from Waldorf, Montessori, Finnish education, Reggio Emilia and Charlotte Mason methods. I see each of these approaches as tools in a toolbox. For example, my eldest thrives with structure and independence, so I lean into Montessori and elements of Finnish education for her. My youngest is more imaginative and sensory-driven, so Waldorf and Charlotte Mason resonate more for him. When something doesn’t work, I take a step back and reflect: Is it the material? The method? Or maybe it’s just not the right time. I’ve learned not to force things - we pivot a lot, and that’s okay.

You have lived in different countries and love travelling. How does this passion shape your home education curriculum, and how do you help your children connect with other cultures, especially through travel?

I come from a long line of adventurers, so a love of travel feels natural to me - and home education has given us the freedom to follow that path. For us, travel isn’t separate from learning; it’s part of it. Languages weave through our days - spoken at home, in stories, in the kitchen, even on walks. Culture isn’t a subject; it’s how we live. Whether it’s a weekend away or a longer trip, we look for connection: visiting markets, exploring museums, learning a few phrases, sharing conversations. I hope our children grow up feeling at home in many places, recognising the threads that link us. That sense of belonging - that openness - to the world, to others - is something I would love for my children to carry forward.

You once built a business around your home educating life but later chose to step away to focus on teaching and writing. What did that transition teach you about aligning your work with your values and your children’s needs?

That chapter brought clarity around boundaries and intention. While the business (an art gallery) served its purpose for a time, it began to pull focus away from the values it was meant to support. The pursuit of self-reliance came at the cost of creative flow and presence. Returning to writing and teaching languages (Spanish, English and Dutch) felt like a natural realignment - a way to reconnect with work that is both meaningful and nourishing. It was a reminder that changing direction isn’t failure; I think it’s an act of integrity, especially when the broader vision includes the well-being of both family and self.

As someone involved in the local home educating community, what changes or trends have you noticed in home educating over the past few years?

There’s definitely been a rise in interest, especially since the pandemic. More families are exploring alternatives to traditional schooling. I’ve seen more diversity in the community - culturally, ideologically, and in educational approaches. There’s also more collaboration, which I love: Co-ops, shared classes (my children are part of a couple), and cultural exchange groups. But I also notice some parents feeling overwhelmed by all the options. I try to reassure parents who are just getting started or are curious: You don’t have to do everything; you just have to do what works for your family. Home educating is not recreating a school at home. It can look very different for every family. And it’s definitely an ever-evolving experience.

How do you balance structured learning with the freedom to follow your children’s interests - and how do you handle moments when motivation dips, for them or for you?

We have a loose rhythm, not a strict schedule. Mornings might be more structured - languages, maths, music, astronomy, project work – or art with their dad; but the afternoons are for exploration, movement, or just downtime. When motivation dips, we pause. Sometimes it’s as simple as taking the learning outdoors, switching up the format, or just taking a break. For me, when I feel burnt out, I try to reconnect with my children in a different way. Much of the teaching/learning can only happen if the connection is there. When there’s a need for a pause, we take it. We can all focus on something creative which fills us up in different ways. I’ve learned to trust the seasons of learning. It’s not always linear, and that’s fine.

Home educating is often criticised for limiting children's social development. How do you respond to that concern, and what has your experience been like with supporting your children’s social lives?

I think it’s a valid concern - especially from those who haven't seen home educating up close. But in our experience, socialisation doesn’t only happen in classrooms. My children engage with people of all ages, not just peers, through co-ops, lesson groups, sports, at ballet school, music, and day-to-day life in our community. They’re learning how to navigate a wide range of relationships in meaningful ways. Of course, as a family, we’ve had to be intentional about creating those opportunities, but the richness of those connections often goes beyond what they might find in a typical school setting. Socialisation, to me, is about connection, communication, and empathy - and there are many ways to nurture those skills.

What advice would you give to parents who are thinking about home educating but feel overwhelmed by the choices, methods, and responsibility involved?

Start small. Don’t worry about having the perfect curriculum or replicating school at home. The beauty of home educating is that it can be deeply personal. Focus on connection first - your relationship with your child is the foundation. And don’t be afraid to try things and adjust. One year we just ditched the curriculum entirely in favour of reading. No one has it all figured out, and that’s the point - it’s a living, breathing process. Find your people, ask questions, and give yourself permission to grow alongside your child.

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