Homeschooling middle school math —that subject brings up some serious emotions among us mamas! For some fear. Maybe disdain. Confusion. A few might admit to joy (it’s okay—I’m nerdy like that too). AND Passion…homeschool moms feel some real passion about their math curriculum choices! Middle School Math Success But regardless of what curriculum you’re using…
Homeschooling
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…
How to Homeschool With Toddlers
A common question I hear from moms is, “How do you homeschool with toddlers?” Sometimes it’s moms questioning whether or not they should even consider homeschooling, because the idea of adding something extra to the job of raising little people who are still in diapers, can’t dress themselves, and are constantly requesting snacks (on very…
Developing Gratitude in Your Child — Start One Simple Habit Tonight!
My six-year-old may be the perfect child…If only he ate something besides yogurt and graham crackers—I truly think he may be perfect (not that I’m biased or anything). The sweet baby has been JOY since the day he was born. His name, Asher, means Happy, Fortunate, and Blessed–and suits him completely. He was our SURPRISE…
Free Handwriting Worksheets for Kids!
Get Your Free Handwriting Worksheets! Now, I’m not the biggest fan of handwriting worksheets –but sometimes you just can’t avoid them! (Because—kids gotta learn to write!) And interestingly, my son actually takes great joy in doing independent work and views handwriting worksheets as fun–so go figure! I’ve created an entire workbook to practice letter writing,…
Homeschooling High School —Finding the Courage
Though I’ve homeschooled for 14 years—I’ve never homeschooled through high school. My oldest two children were adamant about going to the public high school…That is another story for another day, and whether or not it was really the best decision is debatable some days! I always intended to homeschool through high school and was truly…
Free Christmas Copywork Printable–A Heart for Christmas
The Christmas excitement is tangible at our house…and a little bit distracting! It’s hard to stick to traditional lessons, and I know many homeschool families take a lengthy break this time of year. We will be schooling through mid-December—but I like to add in special activities that incorporate the wonder and beauty of Christmas. …
Teaching Phonics–Choosing a Curriculum
I bought my first phonics curriculum 15 years ago–I think it was actually one of my very first homeschool purchases! I firmly believe that reading and math are the most foundational academic subjects for young students (Pre-K through 3rd graders). So I knew it was important to choose an excellent beginning phonics curriculum! And there…
Best Way to Teach Reading–My Top 5 Strategies
I’m about 14 years removed from those first major homeschooling fears…(I forget how much they once consumed me!) Will everyone think we’re weird? Will my kids be “socialized”? Is this a viable, sound educational option for our family? Am I about to ruin my kids? Am I crazy? So after jumping through those first mental…
Saxon Math and Teaching Textbooks – A Comparison
So let’s talk math today…A real juicy homeschool mom topic! Wink.Wink. (Yes—this is who we’ve become—math curriculum is like the minivan of homeschooling). But this post is a confessional of sorts…My journey from Saxon to Teaching Textbooks for High School Math. Saxon Loyalist First off—let me start by saying that I have used Saxon Math…
Ultimate Guide to Preschool Toys and Gifts
I’ve been told we have a lot of toys… But, you have to remember—I have 6 kids! So yes, I do have a lot of toys. And some of them are pure junk and destined for the trash can. However, most are part of a collection, slowly acquired over 20+ years—toys that have been…
The Best 8th Grade Curriculum — For Me!
The elusive best curriculum…we’re always on the hunt for it. But much like other homeschool myths—the perfect curriculum doesn’t exist. We have to find the best for our families—and my best might look really different than the best for the family down the street or the one on Instagram. It probably even looks different than…
Homeschooling Your Middle School Child
Round Three! I am in the thick of homeschooling middle school…Specifically, this will be my third go at homeschooling eighth grade—it is actually one of my favorite years. Thirteen and fourteen year olds are independent learners, capable writers, and problem solvers—translation: mama’s life is easier! Middle school course work (don’t miss my 8th grade curriculum…