Organizing Your Homeschool Year: Using Work Binders & Task Cards

Written by Krista Smith.

You’ve stuck with me for three out of the four parts in this series on organization, and we’re finally in the home stretch. In Part 1, I showed you the ugly underbelly of my early homeschooling years and how that difficult time was the impetus for a big change in the way I plan and organize everything from the macro (yearly) level down to the nitty gritty micro (daily) level.

Organizing Your Homeschool Year: Using Monthly Folders

Written by Krista Smith.

In Part 1 of this 4-part series, I confessed that after limping along for a couple of years, one day, I finally realized that something needed to change in my homeschool. I needed confidence and better daily systems in order to love, serve, and teach my kids well.

In Part 2, I shared why planning out some things in the homeschool day and setting them on autopilot can be life-giving and sanity-restoring, whether you use the particular methods I suggest or come up with brand new ones that work better for your unique family. I also walked through STEP 1 in the 4-step overlapping system I use to plan out everything from the yearly level to the daily level in my homeschool.

Organizing Your Homeschool: Using a Planner

Written by Krista Smith.

In Part 1 of this 4-part series, I gave you a peek behind the curtain of chaos that was my early years of homeschooling. In this post, I’m hoping and praying that the things the Lord has been teaching me (mainly by hard knocks) and which I have been privileged to teach to other mothers, will breathe life into your homeschool, reduce stress (for you and your kids), and bring order to your chaotic days.

Organizing Your Homeschool Year: A Confession

Written by Krista Smith.

If you’ve been homeschooling longer than 2 minutes, it’s safe to say you may, at some point, have had picturesque visions of what your school year could be like...should be like. 

For most of us, these raptures typically occur in June when we’re all eagerly unwrapping the beautiful new curriculums which arrive in the mailbox at regular intervals throughout the summer. We tear open the shrink wrap like sugar addicts unwrapping Twinkies. We become starry-eyed as we flip through the pages, imagining how amazingly this year is going to go, all while trying to forget the dumpster fire that was last year…

…Please, Lord…

But this year! This year will be different. We secretly proclaim to ourselves.

A Case for IEW Fix It! Grammar {a curriculum review}

(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details.)

Written by Krista Smith.

Recently, I mentioned that my children started using (and loving) Andrew Pudewa’s IEW Structure & Style for formal writing. Structure & Style was not our first exposure to IEW, however. We had previously completed Fix It! Grammar and wanted to continue to hone our writing skills.

My schooling experience was, perhaps, a bit different than most, especially in the area of language arts. I grew up in inner-city Denver and, unfortunately, had almost no grammar instruction at all.

A Case for IEW Structure & Style {curriculum review}

Written by Krista Smith.

Last year during my summer-long quest to find the best curriculums for my family for the 2022-2023 school year, I needed to assess and address something I had (possibly purposefully) ignored. Writing. I had eclectically sewed together what I prayed was a stellar Language Arts experience for them, but I had to admit I hadn’t done my children justice in the writing department.

Meal Time Hacks for the Homeschool Mom

Written by Krista Smith.

One of my dearest friends is expecting her fifth baby sometime in the new year. She is one of the women for whom pregnancy is an uphill battle from start to finish—which is why she reached out for some advice on how to make cooking for her growing family more manageable when all she feels like doing is curling up on the couch with a bucket in front of her face.

So, I sat down and thought of as many of the time-saving tips as I could and I hope you’ll benefit from them too!

When You Forget How Hard It Was

Written by Krista Smith.

“Mom! I am never going to figure this out! I don’t understand how it works and I’m tired of feeling stupid.”

I wish I could tell you that I have always had a hug and a wise answer on the other side of that sentence. But, sadly, I have blown it. Many times. And sometimes, even when nothing comes out of my mouth, I blow it in my mind. The Lord, in His goodness, has given me grace in this area even as I continue to stumble through these sometimes-difficult days with my children.

10 Reformation Day Activities for Christian Families

Written by Krista Smith.

As a kid, I always looked forward to Halloween. The candy. The costumes. My last time trick-or-treating was when I was 16. (Insert the blush of red cheeks here.)  I don’t know why the six of us way-too-old-and-tall to be out trick-or-treating went that night, but we did. Not surprising, there were several people who turned us away with a shameful glance and a reproachful, “Aren't you guys too old for this?” I blame Liz. She was 6’2” and wearing a giant ape costume with a purple bra strapped to it.

Why I Don't Regret Staying Home to Teach My Kids

Written by Krista Smith.

There is an unspoken secret many homeschool moms keep, myself included. It’s a question we try to ignore but one which still finds its way into our thoughts more often than we care to admit.

Is homeschooling my children just as important as having a job? Am I missing out on some "pivotal" role in society by choosing to stay home with my children?

The Power of Life-Giving Words in Your Homeschool

Written by Talvi McCuskey.

It has been said that in every man there is a king and a fool. A wise person will appeal to the king in someone, and not the fool. This idea can probably be applied to every man, woman, and child, as we are all born sinners, with the ability to respond from a higher or lower nature. But I think it's especially applicable to kids and how we as moms speak to them.

A Little Perspective for Homeschooling with a Baby

Written by Talvi McCuskey.

What is a good perspective to have when thinking about the importance of babies and toddlers, how they should be treated, what role they play in our society today? It seems like because children are small and cannot always articulate their needs and wants in a desirable manner, that much of society has devalued their worth and relegated them to the nuisance category.

If we're not careful, we, too, can easily slip into this mindset during the homeschool day. Admittedly, babies add an element of upheaval to a school lesson. But should we allow the minor struggles of homeschooling with a baby to spoil the short time we have in this season of parenting?

Workbooks Have a Place and Purpose in Homeschooling Too

Written by Jessica.

What is a workbook?

It's a simple question with a somewhat complicated answer, especially for those of us who teach from home. According to its definition, a workbook is a student’s book of problems to be solved directly on the page.

In the homeschool world, I’ve noticed that workbooks often have quite a bad reputation. We like to throw around terms like “living literature,” “activity-based learning,” and “hands-on manipulatives.” You don’t find many moms boasting about using workbooks! The truth is, when used in moderation and not exclusively, the workbook has a place and has a purpose.

DIY "Stained" Glass Mason Jar Candleholders

Written by Jessica.

Back in autumn, I made a simple craft project with my kids. It was an instant hit! We made a variation of it for Christmas. And for winter. At the kids' request, we’ll be making it for Valentine’s Day…spring…Easter…summer…and even in their favorite colors to use in their rooms at any time of the year.

This project is lovely enough to give to grandparents, or others, as a homemade gift. My kids love their completed projects so much that they choose to keep them on their nightstands next to their beds as “night-lights,” but they could also be used to decorate a dining or living room table.

What is this project, you ask? “Stained glass” Mason jar candle holders!

6 Mom-tips for the Monotony of Mid-Winter Homeschooling

Written by Jessica.

With the quiet season of mid-winter comes opportunity in our homeschools to accomplish much, enjoy our children and family time, and make the most of cozy days indoors. But if we're being honest, sometimes these post-Christmas winter days can feel rather bleak and monotonous compared to the delight and extra-ordinary of the holiday hubbub of last month.

Sometimes a slight pivot or minor change in thought or routine can make all the difference and gently point you to the comfort and cozy that winter homeschooling has to offer. Here are six mid-winter ideas to help you find both:

Finding Your Charlotte Mason Rhythm

Written by Talvi McCuskey.

Thinking about beginning any foreign feat can be a daunting task. When I first realized that I would soon have to begin formal schooling for my oldest child, I was quite scared. After all, I had never done this whole home education thing before.

The weight of my child’s education resting solely on my shoulders felt like a heavy burden. I had an idea of what method I wanted to pursue to teach her. But as with most things in life, there was a gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it.

Encouragement for the Early Years

Written by Talvi McCuskey.

I once heard a pretty famous speaker say that the Enemy wants to steal every season from us--to make us miserable in each stage of our life. She said that we either wish our children were young again or that they would grow up. We wish that we did not live in such a small house or that we did not have such a large house to keep clean.

I Never Thought I'd Ever Homeschool {an honest confession}

Written by Talvi McCuskey.

I never thought that I'd ever homeschool my children. I was not homeschooled, and none of my friends were either. I went to a private, Christian school from first grade through graduation. I enjoyed it and was grateful for the opportunity.

I then went on to Baylor University and eventually the University of Colorado School of Law. I practiced law for five years and always assumed I would work after I had children, and that my wonderful mother would take care of them while I was at work.

Fast-forward a few years. I got pregnant and eventually looked into the eyes of my girl for the first time. My world stopped and I fell in love with that sweet baby.

I knew I could not leave her.

When the Homeschool Year Gets Derailed: A Cautionary Tale

Written by Jessica.

Last September, I was anticipating our best homeschool year yet. I had years of homeschooling experience and for once felt confident. I’d researched and purchased what I thought was the just-right curriculum for my kids and was ready and organized. I had ideas and plans to keep my kids busy in their waiting times, to schedule our day, and to add in some fun. I was eager to start the year.

We had a happy and awesome first day and a few really productive early weeks of homeschooling. But then the year took a dramatic turn and our homeschool slowly started unraveling. I didn’t know it yet at that time, but our entire year would be quite the challenge.

Are You a Homeschooling Agritourist?

Written by Chelsea Gonzales.

Up until this point, agritourism has been a well-kept roadschooler secret. But, it's such an amazing educational tool every homeschool family should take advantage of. It’s perfect for stationary homeschoolers as it is a great way to dip a few toes into the world of roadschooling without having to wander too far from home.

What is agritourism, why should I tie it into my curriculum, and how do I go about that? you ask.

Well, consider this an agritourism primer for beginners.