As a former public school teacher, gold-star sticker student, and general rule-follower…I never really considered unschooling. I don’t like the word. And quite frankly–I thought it sounded like a bunch of crazy talk. Who are these wild moms? I can only be so countercultural! Homeschooling is my max-limit—thank-you-very-much. To me unschooling sounded too much like…
Encouragement
How to Start Homeschooling: The Ultimate Guide
I have been homeschooling 16 years…It’s not something I ever imagined doing–but now I can’t imagine my life without it. If you’re at the beginning of the journey, I just want to come along beside you and give you a huge hug. You can do this! (Currently, some of you find yourselves schooling-at-home temporarily because…
10 Best Tips to Successfully Homeschool High School
Today it’s a pleasure to have Miranda Lamb, The Reluctant Cowgirl, on the blog…After homeschooling through high school, she’s sharing her 10 Best Tips to Successfully Homeschool High School! Welcome, Miranda! Homeschooling through high school was never part of my plan. But I made the mistake of going to a homeschool graduation. As I sat in…
When Your Homeschool Moments Aren’t Instagram Worthy
Most of the moments in our homeschool days don’t feel very “Instagram,” worthy…I wish they could all be cute with pinecones, flowers, and watercolors…(And pants—pants are good.) But no—many of our moments don’t make for great photo ops…The daily grind isn’t always very romantic: math, phonics, worksheets. Not to mention dirty dishes and piles of…
3 Books That Will Change the Way You Homeschool
I’ve been at this homeschool gig for a while now…(wrapping up my 15th year—unbelievable)! And in many ways it feels like I’ve got it down. I’ve grown into a pretty relaxed, eclectic homeschool mom. But sometimes when you’ve been doing something for awhile—you just don’t appreciate how much you still need encouragement. How the weariness…
What Grade Level is My Child In?
I always try to prepare my children for social situations–just doing our part to break the awkward turtle homeschool stereotypes! (“Okay, Little Loves…We are about to enter the library–let’s not run and yell and tear every book off the shelves! That would be awesome!“). I guarantee my 4-year-old twins will be asked, “How old are…
5 Reasons Homeschool Moms Need Teacher Workdays
Years ago I taught 2nd grade in a public school. And while I loved teaching my students–I sure did love my teacher work days! These are days carved out on the calendar for teachers to get work done–without students! Sometimes they’re called Professional Days or Inservice Days–but regardless of what you call these special work…
Homeschool Sick Days
Well, Sweet Friends—cold and flu season is having a party over at my house. I’m currently drowning in a sea of Kleenex…Besides me, five of my six kids have also succumbed to this yuck. And if a houseful of sick people doesn’t derail homeschool plans, I just don’t know what does. It’s easy to get…
FlyLady Routines — Bless Your Home and Family!
Here’s the truth. I’m a very messy person at heart. I was the kid in elementary school who stuffed bent folders, stubby pencils, broken crayons, and crumpled notes into her desk. Oh how I envied my friends who kept their desks meticulous–shiny folders all in a row, neat pencil boxes (actually filled with pencils and…
Homeschooling Will Save My Child (one of many myths)
So excited to be part of an important series–Homeschool Myths: Busted–Exposing the Truth Behind Homeschool Myths! Myself and other members of the Homeschool Blogging Connection Team are tackling a wide range of homeschool myths in this series, with the hope of offering encouragement and support. And while–yes, there are many misconceptions about homeschooling out there,…
How To Homeschool –Teaching 101
So you’ve taken the plunge—you’ve decided to start homeschooling! And I’m so excited for you—it truly has been one of the greatest blessings in my life! When I started 14 years ago—it felt like a huge leap of faith (you can read all about why I got started and still love it—HERE)! But now you…
5 Ways I’ve Sabotaged My Homeschool
Homeschooling has been part of our family for 14 years—it’s etched into our lifestyle. There are so many reasons I truly love it—but like most worthwhile endeavors…it comes with some hard days (hard years even)! Sometimes it’s because we’ve all been sick—nothing like the stomach flu to take you way off your game (and add…
How to Start Homeschooling Midyear — Emergency Homeschooling
A little over a year ago, a neighbor approached me–full of concern for a friend, who was wondering how to start homeschooling midyear. Second semester was well underway–but her friend found herself in crisis-mode and in search of alternative educational choices for her daughter in high school. The friend was facing a divorce–which involved moving….
Get Organized — Homeschool Planner
Today I’m sharing tools and the Homeschool Planner I created to help get me organized! My hope is this comprehensive planner will help you tackle your own “to-do,” lists and help keep your homeschool planning simple, flexible, and organized! Organization and Mental Health For me—keeping organized is a big part of healthy living. I’m prone…
Kid Activities — Are the Sacrifices Worth It?
The last snowflakes just fell on this year’s Nutcracker ballet. It was beautiful—truly lovely. I wish I could just watch and enjoy the show—but instead I sit with shoulders tense, holding my program in a death grip and barely breathing. My eyes following my fourteen year-old daughter’s every move. Partly because I know the hours…