What do you do when you can’t find the homeschool or community your family needs?

You create it.

In this episode, I sit down with Vanita Wells, founder of Little Bean Learning—a nature-based micro school and virtual program that grew out of her own homeschool journey with her two young boys.

Vanita shares how she balances teaching, running a program, and homeschooling her kids—all while staying grounded in her “why.” Her story will encourage you to take the leap, trust your instincts, and create what you don’t yet see.

You’ll hear:

* How Vanita went from Montessori to homeschooling during the pandemic

* The systems she uses (calendars, baskets, reflection) to stay organized

* Why nature-based learning transformed her homeschool approach

* The vision behind Little Bean Learning and their upcoming retreat in New Orleans

* Encouragement for moms who feel called to create something new for their community

✨ Tune in and be reminded that your homeschool doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

About Vanita:

I'm Vanita Wells, the founder and educator behind Little Bean Learning—a nature-based early childhood education program rooted in connection, curiosity, and community. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, my journey has taken me through roles as a preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, and preschool director. Throughout it all, my passion for nurturing young minds has remained at the heart of everything I do.

Nature has always been a source of inspiration and peace for me, and I created Little Bean Learning to share that love with my community. I believe that children thrive when they are given the freedom to explore, discover, and learn through play—especially in the natural world. My goal is to provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences that spark wonder and build a lifelong connection to nature.

I'm also a proud wife and mother, and in my free time, I enjoy taking peaceful walks, baking homemade treats, and getting lost in a good book.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

02:00 – Vanita’s homeschool beginnings during the pandemic

06:00 – Balancing teaching, tutoring, and homeschooling two young boys

11:30 – Systems that keep her home and school organized

17:30 – Why she shifted from traditional to nature-based learning

22:00 – Founding Little Bean Learning and serving her community

28:00 – Planning lessons and organizing with “weekly totes”

34:00 – Building in support, rest, and reflection as a homeschool mom

42:00 – Tools and resources that made a difference (like Zearn Math)

48:00 – Vanita’s advice for new homeschoolers and future community builders

53:00 – What’s next for Little Bean Learning (retreat in New Orleans!)

55:00 – Closing encouragement + where to connect with Vanita

Resources & Links

* Connect with Vanita: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube

* Follow me: @theorganizedhomeschool

* Listen & subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Substack

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com